Over the last few weeks some of our favourite actors from hit TV show Home and Away have been filming in the region proving there is nowhere quite like the Whitsundays for a stunning backdrop and holiday atmosphere.
The cast and crew filmed across several local locations including Bowen, Foxdale, Airlie Beach and Daydream Island for two weeks.
We’ll have to wait for the show’s release to learn more about the cast and crew's activities, however, Location Manager James Doherty revealed that they have engaged local talent for extras and partnered with cherished local businesses for accommodations and filming locations.
Additionally, Home and Away’s Instagram has teased a comeback for Ziggy and Dean, promising to revive their beloved Summer Bay romance.
The episodes, showcasing the spectacular Whitsundays have no set air-date yet, however, are set to appear on the your tv screens in about 6 months' time.
James explained that they chose the Whitsundays due to its very distinct style that is hard to replicate:
“We've been up and down all the East Coast, we went and scouted several areas like Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Yeppoon, we went to all those places and still came to pick the Whitsundays and its surrounds,” he shared.
“For us it has the best of all the worlds, you have the cane fields, the Great Barrier Reef, and you've got some beautiful local towns that aren't as looked upon favorably as other towns. We have found so much beauty in those towns, and have really enjoyed our time here.”

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Ziggy and Dean. Photo sourced from Channel 7 and 7+

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1: This is your final elevator pitch - in 80 words - what makes you the best candidate for the job?
 
2: If successful, what is the one key project/legacy achievement that you will be remembered for?
 
3: What role do you think local newspapers play in regional communities?
 
4: What would you say to someone who has never voted for your party before but is thinking about it?
 

Julie Hall
One Nation Candidate For Whitsunday

1:

I stand for the people, with common sense, people focused, policy. I don’t represent the party, nor do I have to tow the party line, like LNP and Labor do. The cross bench can bring the balance of power back to the people where it belongs and hold both major parties to account. The choice is simple, do you want a hands-on MP to represent you, or a career politician that represents their party first.

2:
 
Changing legislation that is crippling businesses, taking away our freedoms, and forcing woke ideology into our workplaces and schools. I will support the Katter Party’s Termination of Pregnancy (Life Births) Amendment bill to ensure babies born alive after a failed abortion will receive pain relief and care. I will also seek to change the legislation that allows perfectly healthy babies to be terminated right up to the day before birth. Both LNP and Labor have stated they will not support these changes, I WILL!

3:
 
Local papers are the heart of the community. They keep the community informed and connected and we most certainly do not want to lose them. Whitsunday Life is a great asset to our community. When it comes to elections all news media should be seen to be A-Political, however, you will see across all media platforms it is the Labor and LNP candidates that are always featured, you seldom see the minor parties getting the same coverage, which is not only biased, but unfair.
 
 
4:
 
If you don’t like where things are going, and you’re as concerned as I am about the future for our kids, then you need to vote differently. Under the major parties whether it was LNP or Labor Federally, or Labor in State, our lives have got a lot harder. We should be the luckiest country in the world with the resources that we have, yet we have gone backwards under these major parties. Give us a go, seriously, how much more can we afford to lose?

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Dale Last
LNP Candidate For Burdekin

1:

No matter whether you live in Middlemount, Giru or anywhere in between, for the past ten years I have listened and taken up the fight for issues that matter to constituents and my hope is to continue to do that in the future. In regional areas we have to fight tooth and nail to secure our fair share and that means having a strong voice to advocate for safer roads, better access to health services and more opportunities for our next generation.
 
2:

Knowing that I have been a strong voice for the Burdekin on issues that matter most will be an honour I will carry with me for years to come. Seeing our netball players competing on new courts, knowing that patients with time-critical health issues are going to get the CT they need at the Ayr Hospital and seeing our firefighters able to train at their own station will be achievements I know this community will be able to be proud of.

3:

The importance of regional newspapers has been emphasised in recent years, particularly in areas of rural and regional Queensland that don’t have reliable access to internet or telecommunications. There is no other place to find out what is happening in the community, to read about the achievements of our best and brightest or to find out who won our local sporting matches. As the State Member, local newspapers are imperative in sharing information about community safety or new legislation.
 
4:

Every Queenslander placing their vote over the past couple of weeks and on Saturday will know exactly what is impacting them the most right now, whether it’s costs of living, crime, housing or accessing health services. These issues are not new and The LNP has outlined a plan and commitments to improve our health services, increase housing, address youth crime and ease cost of living. 

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Anne Baker
Labor Candidate For Burdekin

1:

After 17 years successfully putting my heart and soul into representing the Isaac region in local government, the last 12 of those as Mayor of Isaac bringing in over $400M of funding to the region, I understand how the system works and I feel like I can do better for Burdekin. I am ready to stand up for local working families, businesses, agriculture, mining, construction and regional communities. The Burdekin electorate needs a voice that will be heard by State Government.   
 
 
2:
 
I will be remembered for securing $157M in fully committed roads funding as just a candidate, the most funding for roads seen in the last eight years of current representation. I can do so much more if elected, this is just the start.

3:
 
Papers are integral to regional communities and play multiple roles . Newspapers are the glue that connect a community, from news, to birth and engagement notices, real estate, classifieds, social events, sports and more.    
 
4:
 
I would say, please consider voting for me as the person, Anne Baker, as I am the one that will represent you. I have a proven track record and I will work hard for the electorate. 

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Andrew Elborne
One Nation Candidate For Burdekin

1:

There is no better school in the world than travel and life experience, so if you want real solutions to the issues of today you need a new set of eyes and minds on the job and not career politicians that have not been able to fix the issue in the last 10 years without more rights removing legislation.
 
2:

When we fix the money wasting renewable problem we can then concentrate on using the money to fix the local issues, simplifying and removing unnecessary and obtuse legislation that only serves to chain up and hinder the working families of the community - the community safety bill for instance, and its blatant discrimination against farmers and sporting gun owners.
 
3:

The local newspapers play a huge role in regional communities, just as long as they stay a-political and give every party the same respect and time to give their stance on issues. They should be owned by the communities as well and not oversees interests.

4:
 
I would say honestly I am not doing this as a job, I have stood on the side line praying for the government to do the right thing and represent the people, but have come to the realisation that the big parties are now so entrenched with party politics, meaning following overseas influence, that they have forgotten how they got elected and that is by the people, so it’s time someone who is only interested in people politics steps up.

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Amanda Camm
LNP Candidate For Whitsunday

1:

I have worked extremely hard over the last four years listening to the community and advocating for our region.  It is frustrating representing from opposition. However, I proudly stood up for the women of Mackay & Whitsundays during the Obstetrics & Gynaecology and DNA Lab Queensland Health failures. I have continually called out the Government for poor consultation or stalling on projects like Shute Harbour Road or Hamilton Plains. Sometimes it’s resulted in a win with work commencing.
 

2:

I hope my personal legacy as an MP will be one who listens, advocates and delivers for the community. I have been listening and advocating to a government that has refused to listen for the last four years. My first focus will be on delivering projects for our region that have sat idle under this Labor government. The main ones will be Mackay Bucasia Road in the southern part of the electorate and Hamilton Plains in the North and delivering a Shute Bay Boat Ramp.

3:

Local newspapers are vital to keeping communities connected. People can find State and National news through other mediums, but they’ll never have the same amount of local content as a local paper. I think everyone felt the loss of local papers when many closed during COVID. It plays an important role in connecting our community, informing, celebrating and communicating what matters.
 
4:

I would ask if they are better off now than they were 10 years ago under this Labor Government? The reality is, that currently in Queensland only the LNP or Labor can win enough seats to form government. Whilst the Labor Government has spent the last 10 not delivering projects on time or on budget and with no consultation or transparency, the LNP has a plan to fix housing, crime, the health system and cost of living issues.

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Every year on January 26 the Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region.
 
Nominations for the 2025 Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards are now officially open! These awards are an incredible way for us as a community to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make the Whitsundays such a special place to live.
 
Each year, these awards honour people from all walks of life—our dedicated volunteers, committed educators, passionate community workers, and even our local sporting heroes.
 
Whether it's someone who has made a difference through a lifetime of service or someone who’s made an impact through a project in the last year, these awards offer the chance to say a heartfelt "thank you" for their efforts.
 
We all know someone in our community who quietly works behind the scenes without expecting recognition. These are the people we want to celebrate—the ones who make a real difference in the lives of others.
 
It could be the coach who devotes countless hours to mentoring young athletes, the volunteer who consistently gives their time to help those in need, or the local business owner who always goes above and beyond to support community causes.
 
By taking the time to nominate someone, you’re not only acknowledging their efforts, but you’re also encouraging them to continue making a positive impact, knowing their work doesn’t go unnoticed.
 
We have several categories available, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Senior and Junor Sports, so there’s a way to highlight every type of contribution.
 
If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated for their contributions, I strongly urge you to submit a nomination. It’s easy to do, and nominations are open until Friday, December 6. You can find all the details on the Your Say Whitsunday page on our website or by dropping into one of our Customer Service Centres in Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen or Collinsville and filling out a hard copy form.
 
Let’s take this opportunity to shine a light on the people who make the Whitsundays a better, stronger, and more vibrant place for us all. I look forward to seeing many worthy nominations and celebrating with our incredible community on Australia Day 2025.
 
Together, let’s show our appreciation for those who are making a difference, one good deed at a time.
 
Ry Collins
Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council

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Bareboating – chartering your own yacht – is one of The Whitsundays’ most iconic experiences. With no licence needed and all training provided, bareboating is an incredible way to explore The Whitsundays your way - at your pace and with your loved ones. Take a look at what six days on a bareboat in The Whitsundays could look like. 

Day 1: Airlie Beach to Nara Inlet 
Set sail from Airlie Beach to Nara Inlet, where you can explore ancient Aboriginal rock art and enjoy a peaceful night at anchor. 

Day 2: Whitehaven Beach 
Experience the iconic Whitehaven Beach. Hike to Hill Inlet Lookout for stunning views, and relax on the pristine, white sands. 

Day 3: Hamilton Island Exploration 
Dock at Hamilton Island to explore walking trails, water sports, and wildlife parks. Rent a golf buggy for a fun island tour. This is also a good chance to restock on any supplies. 

Day 4: Snorkelling at Butterfly Bay 
Head to Butterfly Bay, famous for its vibrant coral reefs. Snorkel among colourful fish and relax on deck surrounded by butterflies. 

Day 5: Langford Island and Blue Pearl Bay 
Visit Langford Island for beachcombing and swimming, then sail to Blue Pearl Bay and relax on the beach or dive in and snorkel with the vibrant coral and marine life. 

Day 6: Head back to Airlie Beach 
If this is the final day of your great adventure, make extra time to take in the sunrise over the water for the last time (for now). It's now time to make your way back to Airlie Beach and start planning your next bareboating trip. 

Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays  

Explore the Whitsundays with all your loved ones by bareboating, Photo supplied

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Accountants often educate their clients on their break-even threshold. Break-even points are relevant to all businesses – no matter their size.

So, why is your break-even point so important?
 
How can you decide on what price to sell your products, or services at, prepare a forecasting budget or write a business plan, if you do not know how many ‘widgets’ you need to sell to cover your costs and make money? This is your break-even point.
 
You may have a high turnover but still run at a loss, because your product or service is not priced high enough to make a profit. To make a profit, you need to understand the level of turnover you need to cover your operating expenses and make money.
 
You should aim to undertake regular financial health checks with your accountant, so you know your critical break-even point, ensure your business remains viable, make sure costs are realistic, and that you understand the turnover required to make a profit.
 
Benchmarking tools are also useful to measure key business metrics and practices and compare them to similar industry standards. Your accountant can then identify areas where improvements can be made and opportunities for growth explored.
 
Do you know what your break-even point is?

Contributed with thanks to Accountancy Plus Whitsunday Services

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During Queensland Mental Health Week (5-13 October), the Chamber hosted an event featuring the region’s Business Wellness Coach Kristy Wilson.

The Queensland Government has established a network of wellness coaches to provide free one-on-one support to small and rural businesses to address the impacts of health and wellbeing. The coaches have a background in business, combined with qualifications in social work or psychology.

Kristy believes the most common health issues business owners face are:

   • Relationship issues predominately between couples working together, but also between business partners, or partners not involved in the business. The common cause is not creating strong relationship boundaries and time prioritisation and management, with impacts felt at work, home, and personal productivity.  

   • Stress presenting as fatigue, headaches, irritability, overwhelm, and depression due to business financial issues, lack of skilled staff or their availability, managing staff, drowning in administration, and dealing with client situations.  

   • Anxiety is a persistent and excessive worry that doesn't go away even in the absence of stress. Symptoms include trouble concentrating or making decisions, irritability, heart palpitations, sleep disturbance, or feeling panicked and not being about to explain why.

“We all react to stress in different ways. Taking the time to recognise any changes in yourself is very important not only for your wellbeing, but also your staff and your businesses success,” said Kristy.

Kristy’s top tips to business owners:

   1. Seek professional help when you need it, be it financial or personal related. It’s always best to get on top of your challenges before they get on top of you.
   2. Look after yourself, stress and burnout can present itself in a number of ways and if not managed effectively it might force you out of your business for a period of time or slow you up.
   3. Manage your finances. Business finances and wellness are connected. Know your numbers, keep overheads low, and regularly review cash flow.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Business Wellness Coach Kristy Wilson. Photo supplied

We have been so fortunate to have been involved in Women’s Leadership programs for over five years, bringing groups of like-minded women together to build confidence, authenticity, resilience, emotional wellbeing and self-leadership.
 
It has been humbling to see groups of strangers lean in, share narratives and experiences that have shaped who they are today. Tackling self-awareness themes such as ‘Imposter Syndrome’, ‘Negative self-talk’, ‘The Confidence Gap’, and ‘The Comparison Trap’ these all-female groups have dug into some limiting self-beliefs and learned to overlay these with new neural pathways leading to more positive outcomes.
 
So, what have we learned through these sessions:

   • Creating psychologically safe environments is imperative for women to share limiting self-beliefs
   • These environments ensure no judgements, no consequences, just empathy, understanding and shared experiences
   • How quickly women can feel supported when they let their walls down
   • By sharing narratives we start to ‘normalise’ our experiences and feel less isolated
   • Women are truly resilient!
   • It takes a support network to help us identify and explore our potential
   • How quickly women can turn a challenging past experience into a belly-laugh within the company of other women
   • Women who like to challenge (rather than champion) women do not thrive in these environments
 
Our finales for our women’s groups in both Mackay and Airlie Beach are drawing near and we would love for all women to join us for these panel events. The topics are: Mackay “The F!#k it 40s & 50s – the joy of not giving a f!#k”; Airlie – “Women vs Women: Challenging vs Championing”. We have some great speakers, head to our website for more details.

Contributed with thanks to Shiift.

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Four time returning finalist in the Whitsunday Tourism Awards, Accom Whitsunday has been recognised for their excellence with a bronze and two silver awards over the past few years and secured a Finalist accolade this year.

Property manager, Liv Compton, attended the award evening on Saturday along with four other team members to celebrate Accom Whitsunday’s achievements and acknowledge the hard work they dedicate to the business each week.

“We all get caught up in the busyness of work, but it’s important to take the time to be acknowledged and celebrate as a team, and we’re already planning our submission for 2025,” shared Liv.

A holiday rentals department of PRD Whitsundays, Accom Whitsunday is currently working to continue building a strong sense of brand awareness across the region.

“We’re a unified team, sharing the same office, which gives us a unique advantage by having so many knowledgeable and experienced people around to allow us to collaborate and share ideas, fostering a great team culture.”

“Accom Whitsunday stands out because of the wide variety of holiday homes and apartments we offer, catering to everyone, from luxury beachfront holiday homes and centrally located Airlie Beach apartments to pet-friendly options and affordable beach houses at Dingo Beach - we cover all preferences.”

“We also provide complete property management services, including guaranteed income for investors, website representation, advertising, cleaning, maintenance, bookkeeping, and guest management.”

Continuing to evolve to offer new services to the region, Accom Whitsunday shared a warm thank you to the team at PRD Whitsunday for their hard work, stating their dedication is invaluable to their success as a business.

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Thrilled to be finalists at the Tourism Whitsunday Awards! Huge thanks to our incredible team and supporters. Here's to an exciting 2025

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Airlie Beach Tourism, was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Whitsunday Booking Service,’ at the Tourism Whitsunday Awards over the weekend.
Established in 1988, Airlie Beach Tourism (ABT) is Airlie Beach's longest-running tour agency. Formerly known as Airlie Beach Tourist Information Centre (ABTIC) until 2013, they rebranded as Airlie Beach Tourism. Proudly locally owned and operated, they have been serving the community for over three decades.
Airlie Beach Tourism has a strong track record of recognition, having previously garnered several prestigious awards. These include Gold for Visitor Information Services in 2018, Winner for Visitor Information Services in 2019, and Silver for Specialized Tourism Services in 2019.
Store Manager Nathan Fleming expressed his pride in the entire team—Teena, Sue, Narelle, Emma, and Clem—who were all present at the awards ceremony:
“Winning this award made us incredibly proud, as we’re just a few of the many faces those welcome holidaymakers, visitors, cruise ship guests, and locals alike.”
With a team of five, three of whom have over 30 years of local experience, ABT offers personalized itineraries that showcase the region. Their modern office features brochures and digital screens highlighting options. A user-friendly website and active social media make communication and booking easy, emphasizing the area's beauty and attractions.
Nathan also explained how he is grateful for the community in Airlie Beach:
“We’d like to thank the entire region for giving us the opportunity to showcase award-winning experiences and stunning landscapes. Without them, our business wouldn’t exist.”
“A big congratulations to all the finalists and winners! If you're thinking about entering, go for it – it’s a great opportunity to showcase your hard work and passion.”

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Airlie Beach Tourism celebrates a proud moment after winning the 2024 Whitsundays Tourism Award for Most Outstanding Whitsundays Booking Service.

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The team at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort are still celebrating following multiple gold wins at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards held on Saturday night at Daydream Island Resort.

The Whitsunday tourism industry’s gala night saw the popular local resort win gold in the ‘Excellence in Accessible Tourism’ and ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks’ categories, with the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team also taking home the consumer-voted ‘People’s Choice Award for Accommodation’. With wins across three categories, the two latter categories also received recognition with Hall of Fame status, after winning gold for the past three consecutive years.

CEO Phil Casey, who attended the awards with 20 of the resort’s 80-plus staff, reflected on the team’s success on the night. “Being recognised with five awards was truly incredible. The two Hall of Fame awards reflect the ongoing dedication and professionalism of our team, year in and year out. They are genuinely passionate about creating memorable experiences, while offering a true Australian family holiday, and we’ve taken significant steps to promote an inclusive, accessible, warm, and welcoming atmosphere for our guests,” said Mr Casey.

He continued, “Of course, we wholeheartedly thank our guests, industry partners and those who voted for us in the People's Choice Awards category. Our entire team are extremely proud of these awards, and we extend our congratulations to all the other winners, finalists and entrants on the night, who should all be very proud of their products and the many incredible holiday experiences we offer collectively as a region.”

Proudly owned by the McKinnon family for over 31 years, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s latest achievements represent the exceptional customer service and quality accommodation and facilities the resort is renowned for.  In addition to new cabin inventory, this past year has also seen the opening of dedicated school dorm accommodation, the Bunk House, as well as further development of the resort’s accessible offerings.

Without ruining any surprises, Mr Casey hinted at some exciting new developments in the near future.

“Over the past 31 years, the McKinnon family have developed the resort from scratch and continue to reinvest, so there’s no surprises when I say that there are some more exciting new additions on track for 2025 and beyond.”

In November, the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team will head to the Queensland Tourism Awards in Brisbane, where the resort’s nomination in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category could also result in Hall of Fame status after winning gold in this category on a state and national level over the past two years.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a relaxed, family friendly environment with an extensive range of quality facilities and services, gorgeous cabins and happy, helpful staff. Set amongst 10 hectares of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, the resort caters for a variety of budgets with a wide range of accommodation options from camping and caravanning sites to luxury, three-bedroom condos. With over 15 onsite activities including a big, huge, mega waterslide park, lagoon style pool, mini golf, outdoor cinema, jumping pillows, animal park, Kid’s Club, year-round activities program and much more, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers the ultimate holiday escape. The resort is located in Airlie Beach and has easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsunday Islands and a vast array of trips, water activities and truly memorable Australian holiday adventures. For more information visit www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au

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The BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team celebrating their wins.

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A highly celebrated and beloved business in the Whitsunday region and beyond, Bird’s Fish Bar has been honorably awarded the title of 2024 Bowen Business of the Year.

Having won the title of Bowen Business of the Year at last year’s Whitsunday’s Tourism Awards, Bird’s Fish Bar has excitingly become familiar with the prestigious honor. On Saturday evening, Bird’s Fish Bar manager and director, Chloé Bauer and her partner attended the awards ceremony on behalf of the business, and in celebration, of the amazing achievement, the shop closed early last Thursday evening (24 October) while the staff enjoyed dinner and drinks at a local venue.

“The award validates the efforts of three generations of our family and team who have worked tirelessly to make this business what it is today,” shared Chloé.

“It’s a proud moment because it highlights how our “boat-to-plate” philosophy and the personal touch we bring to everything we do resonate with visitors and locals alike.

“For the team, this reflects our passion and commitment, and it motivates us to keep raising the bar in the future – it’s a reminder that we’re not just running a business, but we’re also helping put Bowen on the map as a must-visit destination for fresh seafood and a unique dining experience.”

Chloé and the team at Bird’s Fish Bar expressed a huge thank you and gratitude to their incredible customers and suppliers for their support over the years and congratulated all the nominees of the evening last Saturday.

“A huge thank you to our incredible customers and suppliers for supporting us over the years, and to all the organisers and sponsors of this special event - this award belongs to our amazing team and fishermen whose hard work and dedication help us bring the ultimate boat to plate experience.”

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The team from Birds Fish Bar collecting their award.

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The Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) team were very proud to win three awards at the 2024 Tourism Whitsundays gala event and be inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Visitor Services category.

Chair of BTB, Jenn Honnery said to win Gold for the third year in a row was a very proud moment for the team and the organisation.

“We were also very pleased that our dedicated team of volunteers also took out the silver award in their category,” she said.

In the Business Awards, BTB was named the winner in the Excellence in Customer Service category.
“We pride ourselves on our customer service at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, so this award really capped off a great year for the team,” she said.

“It is testament to their dedication, and we were proud to be recognised.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was an honour to accept the awards on behalf of such a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

She thanked the team and also the committee, the members, the Whitsundays Regional Council and Tourism Whitsundays.

BTB welcomed a record number of visitors in the past financial year.

The organisation operates the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango, just 5km south of Bowen and also the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

AWARDS
Hall of Fame – Visitor Information Services category.
Excellence in Customer Service in the Business Awards – Winner.
Visitor Information Services – Gold.
Outstanding contribution by volunteers – Silver.

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Bowen Tourism happy to have received their award.

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Collinsville Hardware is a proud independent hardware store, providing a comprehensive selection of home improvement and hardware products for all your home and weekend projects. Last Saturday, the business celebrated a significant achievement by winning a silver award for Collinsville Business of the Year at the Whitsunday Business Awards.
This is the first time that Collinsville Hardware has received an award, and they explained that they were extremely happy and proud to have received the award.
Peter, John and Joey Bosca of Collinsville Hardware explained that what makes their business grow is the continual support from the community.  
Collinsville Hardware has been owned and operated by the Bosca Family for over 40 years.
“We are very grateful to the people of Collinsville and the surrounding areas who continuously support our store.”
While the team were not able to attend the Tourism and Business Awards at the weekend, they explained how they are happy to see that small towns like Collinsville are being recognised for their contribution to the tourism industry within the region, especially with initiatives like the 72-hour free camping at the Collinsville Showgrounds.

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Coral Sea Resort recently celebrated a remarkable achievement at the prestigious Tourism Awards, where it proudly earned a Silver 4.5 Star designation for its exceptional Deluxe Accommodation. Additionally, the resort was honoured as the Whitsunday Business of the Year for Marina Resort, further highlighting its commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first award won under the management of Dawn Romanella:
“It’s a testament to the dedication of our team and our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests. This achievement inspires us to continue delivering outstanding service and unforgettable stays at our resort,” Dawn explained.

There were 20 people from the team in attendance across both businesses on the night and they were all very excited to receive their award.

Dawn explained that what makes their business shine is their unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for creating memorable moments:

“We focus on quality, personalized service, and celebrating the natural beauty of our surroundings. Our team’s commitment to excellence, combined with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensures that every guest feels special and valued, making their stay truly unforgettable.”

Dawn Romanella explained what makes their venue unique:

“Coral Sea Resort is more than just a place to stay—it's a destination that celebrates the natural beauty and vibrant community of the Whitsundays.”

“Beyond our luxurious amenities and stunning views, we’re committed to creating memorable experiences, supporting local businesses, and fostering sustainable tourism. We’re not just about hospitality; we’re about connecting our guests with the heart of this incredible region.”

Coral Sea resort wanted to thank their dedicated team for their hard work and passion, alongside the local community and guests who continually support them, and their partners who help them create unforgettable experiences.

Dawn stated that other tourism industry operators looking to enter the awards, should definitely do so:

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your achievements and inspire growth within your business. The experience of being recognized and sharing your story is invaluable. Go for it!”

Coral Sea Resort explained how they are grateful for the Whitsundays community and explained how it was an enjoyable night seeing the rest of the tourism industry’s achievements:

“We’re honoured to be part of such a vibrant and supportive tourism community. It’s truly inspiring to see the passion and innovation across the Whitsundays, and we’re excited about what the future holds for all of us."

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Coral Sea Resort with their awards

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The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors received notable recognition at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards over the weekend, winning Gold for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group.
Volunteer Cruise Ship Coordinator Lyn Blanche Woodham attended the awards and really enjoyed the evening:
“It was an extraordinary evening,” she said.

“We were thrilled to win the Gold Award. It means so much to all the volunteers to be recognised.”

The Cruise Ship Ambassadors’ aim is to greet every cruise ship that comes to Airlie Beach and engage with as many visitors as possible:
“We want to ensure that every passenger has the best experience in their short time here,” Lyn shared.
Alongside winning the prestigious award it is also their 20th anniversary year:
“This was a very special present.
“We also greeted our millionth cruise ship visitor earlier this year!”

Lyn Blanche Woodham said the Cruise Ambassadors would like to thank the Whitsundays Regional Council for their ongoing support, and Tourism Whitsundays for all their practical help on a day-to-day basis, including Dea who goes above and beyond for the group.
Dea Huvonen, Visitor Services Manager at Tourism Whitsundays stated that people looking to enter the awards, should definitely do so:
“It is a beautiful and great way to showcase the fantastic work your team is doing the whole year long!”
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Volunteers Cruise Ship Ambassadors will celebrate their 20th anniversary at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. All current and past stakeholders and volunteers are invited to join the festivities.
For details, contact The Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre: info@tourismwhitsundays.com.au or call 07 4945 3967.

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Cruise Ship Ambassador Lyn Blanche Woodham and Dea Huvonen from Tourism Whitsundays accepting the award.

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