Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
So, what’s going on with the property market? The thing about the property market is that it doesn’t stand alone in its own little world untouched by the drama going on around it. And there is a fair bit of drama at the moment. Let’s get all the dramas to form a conga line and point them out one at a time. First there’s inflation, an annoying factor that adds to the cost of living and affects people’s ability to buy real estate. Right behind inflation, and I mean very close, is its brother in arms/partner in crime/long-time bedfellow, interest rates. Interest rates have been particularly pesky lately as the Reserve Bank pushes them up in an attempt to bring inflation down. The idea is to make housing less affordable so you can make housing more affordable. Then there’s a war in the Middle East. War is very good for business if you are a weapons producer and part of the military-industrial complex but it’s not very good for everyone else. It certainly isn’t good for confidence and housing markets are pretty big on the old confidence factor. So, not good. This particular war has the additional benefit of taking place in the Persian Gulf, where a fair portion of the world’s oil is transported from Middle East oil producers to the rest of the world. The war has created a traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz, which is restricting the supply of oil, meaning that in a world of demand and supply the price of fuel at the petrol bowser has gone up significantly. Which means our old friends inflation and interest rates give us another wave from the conga line and remind us of another impact on the property market. The conga line of dramas was joined this week by the Federal Budget and its changes to negative gearing, up until now a key driver in property investment and the supply of rental properties. Nothing changes for people who had negatively geared properties up until Budget night. My Pommy colleague Andy Collins, the Sales Manager at Gardian real estate, pointed out after the Budget that there was no way the changes would include investors’ existing properties because too many politicians own investment properties and the pollies wouldn’t do anything to hurt themselves. It’s up to you whether you think Andy is a sniping little Pommy whinger or an astute judge of human nature. Or can he be both? What Andy correctly pointed out is that from now on investors will be looking for properties that provide such good rental returns that they are positively geared, removing the need for negative gearing. That’s where Mackay’s strong rental returns come into it. Investors from southern markets have been active in the Mackay market because of those rental returns. When they can get returns like $750 a week on properties they have bought for $650,000, those southern investors realise Mackay offers better opportunities than the high-priced, low-rent options in their own cities. Andy was suggesting that it is possible that the budget changes will spur even more investment activity in Mackay because the removal of negative gearing makes investments in other markets unviable. I will delve further into the status of the Mackay market in upcoming columns but there are a few initial points to make. There is no doubt that, like every other market, the conga line of dramas has had an impact and given buyers pause for thought. But we are still seeing strong buyer activity and properties selling. As always, the buoyancy of our coal market and the jobs and business it provides will continue to be a driver of our economy and a key factor in the property market. Will the budget changes create an additional spur to our market and bring more investors in or is that conga line going to have a bigger impact? Stay tuned over the coming months.
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With more than three decades of experience and deep roots in the land, Royce Dunn brings unmatched insight to rural property across the Mackay region. Joining Blacks Real Estate in 1991, Royce is a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, who has spent the past 25 years as Director leading the agency’s rural department. Over that time, he has built a strong reputation for his knowledge across all areas of property sales and marketing, from farmhouses and grazing land to residential subdivisions. Coming from a rural background and operating his own small farm, Royce understands the realities of life on the land, and the expectations that come with it. That lived experience allows him to connect with clients on a practical level, offering advice that is grounded, honest and tailored to the needs of farming families. Known for his straightforward approach and strong work ethic, Royce is committed to delivering results, working closely with clients to navigate the complexities of rural property transactions and achieve the best possible outcome.
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From wildlife caring, to country kitchens or supporting people with disability – a world of volunteering opportunities awaits at this year’s Volunteer Expo! This year’s event is set to be one of the biggest on record, with 55 community, support and other organisations have registered. The Volunteer Expo is being held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Sunday, May 17 from 9am until midday. Deputy Mayor Karen May said volunteering is at the heart of sustainable and supportive communities. “There are so many benefits to volunteering – from the people and organisations being supported, to those who so generously donate their time and skills. It increases community and individual wellbeing and drives positive change in the community,” Deputy Mayor May said. “What’s great about events like our Volunteers Expo is it gives people a one-stop shop to see what’s out there – and it could be something you’d never thought of,” she said. “Feedback from previous years shows how valuable this expo is to our community groups, with one organisation signing up more than a dozen volunteers on the day.” Data from Volunteering Queensland shows that for every $1 invested in volunteering, there’s a $4.70 return to the community. More than 110,000 jobs were created in 2024 through spending on volunteering – with the sector worth more than $117-billion to the state economy. Cr May said volunteering gives people to build on their passions while learning new skills and meeting new people. “It also opens up opportunities beyond the organisation a person volunteers with – it can help build new professional relationships and create new connections,” she said. “Data from Volunteering Queensland shows the overwhelming majority of people (64 percent) volunteer because they want to help others and the Volunteers Expo has dozens of options for people to help others. Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook
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Last week the Whitsunday Counselling and Support organisation hosted their annual Candle Lighting Ceremony in Cannonvale to mark the beginning of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month. Each May, the annual initiative aims to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control. The theme for 2026’s DFV month is: Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence. The event saw attendance from Mayor Ry Collins, Cr Jan Clifford and representatives from the Whitsunday Police Station and Whitsunday Counselling and Support. An acknowledgement of country was provided by Vicky Brimble (Koa Banburi) with music performed by Nicke Di Gregorio. Manager of Counselling Services at Whitsunday Counselling and Support Sharon Parker presented a powerful speech as she memorialised those lost, and put forward a call to action. “In our commemoration today, I would ask you to not just think about these deaths as statistics, but to reflect on the people behind the statistics,” Sharon said. “These were real people, with lives that mattered. They mattered.” Clothes were displayed to mark the individuals who tragically lost their lives to domestic violence. A list was provided of individuals across Australia who had lost their lives to domestic and family violence over the past two years, with many of the cases still ongoing. “This is not a comfortable thing to do,” Sharon said. “I know that whilst compiling this list I got emotional thinking about the victims. However, commemoration is important, as without discomfort, we are rarely moved enough emotionally to make change.” Sharon defined domestic and family violence, to improve awareness across the region. “Domestic and family violence is behaviour that occurs between people who are, or have been, in a domestic or family relationship. It is not just physical violence. It can include abuse that is emotional, financial or sexual. Tragically, it can have fatal consequences.” The speech touched on societal factors that contribute to domestic and family violence. “We did not arrive here suddenly. This harm has been shaped over time by gender inequality, rigid power structures and attitudes that have normalised control, silence and excuse making,” Sharon shared. “Misogynistic beliefs and patriarchal standards – when left unchallenged – can normalise control, silence and violence, particularly within homes and relationships. “Such attitudes can affect women’s safety both at home and in public. Many women live with the risk of domestic and family violence and often are making constant decisions with behaviour, routine or clothes – just to feel safe.” Sharon has also addressed the impacts of patriarchy and misogyny on men. “For men it is also harmful. It creates pressure to fit into narrow ideas of masculinity which may discourage men from expressing feelings, showing vulnerability or asking for help. These expectations can negatively affect men’s mental health, relationships and wellbeing. Patriarchy can also limit men’s freedom take on caring roles, seek support or live in ways that don’t fit traditional gender stereotypes.” Sharon then put forward a call to action, advising community members on how they could show their support. “Each of us has a role to play. Speaking up matters. We must all challenge sexist or violent language. Refusing to make excuses matters. Listening, believing and supporting survivors matters. Changes comes when individuals choose to reject attitudes that devalue, dismiss or endanger others. “So today, I challenge you with this call to action. I challenge you to reflect on how you view domestic and family. I challenge you to examine everyday behaviours, attitudes and conversations – and to choose to do better. Real change happens when individuals are willing to challenge what feels familiar and take responsibility for creating safer, more respectful relationships and communities.” Following on from the vigil on Thursday 14th, a roundtable was led by the DFV Prevention Council at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. The stakeholder roundtable focused on domestic and family violence (DFV) primary prevention, with a strong emphasis on community-led approaches and collaboration across the region. The session brought together a range of local leaders and stakeholders, including representatives from council, police, community services and state agencies, to discuss opportunities for strengthening prevention efforts across communities including Airlie Beach/Cannonvale, Proserpine and Bowen. The focus was to identify local drivers of DFV, map community strengths and resources and explore practical, place-based solutions to help prevent violence before it starts. If you or someone you know is in a dangerous or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000). If you don’t want to speak to the police you can also call DV Connect on 1800 811 811 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24 hours, 7 days a week). You can also go to the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month website for more details and support. https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/need-to-know/i-want-to-help-someone/practical-steps-to-help-someone-experiencing-dfv/taking-community-action/domestic-and-family-violence-prevention-month#:~:text=Each%20May%2C%20Queensland%20marks%20Domestic,Violence%20(DFV)%20Prevention%20Month. – can designers make into QR Code please. Domestic and Family Violence is an ongoing issue across the country. Change is required at an individual level to make a difference on a national scale. The Whitsunday Counselling and Support team with Mayor Ry Collins and Councillor Jan Clifford. Constable Christina Smith speaking about domestic and family violence. Photos supplied
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Members of the Uniting Church at St. Martin’s say they would love to see more people attend one of the local church services held at the venue each week.
Church goer Pete Harling said he enjoys going because it gives him time to stop each week.
“It gives me time in the week, just to stop and to listen and communicate with my friend Jesus," he explained.
“I believe that kindness and forgiveness are the ways to behave and I think they're so hard to do all the time that you need help from somewhere and I think that Jesus is the role model that helps me do that.”
The small numbers in the church has allowed Pete and the rest of the congregation get to know each other well.
Reverend at the Uniting Church Suzy Sitton says that although the group is small, the welcome is big.
Worship times at St. Martin’s are:
7.30 am Uniting Church
10.00 am Baptist Church
3.00 pm Lutheran Church [4th Sunday of month]
6.00 pm Roman Catholic Mass.
At the Uniting Church, new arrivals are greeted joyfully and a friendly atmosphere thrives as people gather to follow their friend, Jesus, and accept his encouragement to live lives of kindness and forgiveness.
St. Martin's Church in Cannonvale. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Whitsundays Writers Festival returns to Airlie Beach on Friday, 12 September 2025, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, featuring a stellar line-up of authors and guest speakers.
A highlight is the Love Letter to Queensland event with keynote speaker Dr. Anita Heiss, an award-winning author of over 20 books across multiple genres. A proud Wiradyuri woman, she is also an ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland.
Joining her are Gold Walkley Award winner Hedley Thomas, Queensland Literary Award winner Steve MinOn, and acclaimed author and journalist Matthew Condon OAM. These speakers will read their personal love letters to Queensland, take part in a panel discussion, and sign books. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP will also share her love letter, and Karen Jacobsen—local performer and “The GPS Girl®”—will perform a love song to Queensland.
Community submissions are open until August 31 for love letters (300 words max), with fantastic prizes: a $1000 Daydream Island voucher (adults), $500 Tropix Photography gift certificate (under 18s), and gifts from Street Library Australia and Kitten Vintage Mackay (young writers).
Mayor Ry Collins, Festival Patron, will read the winning letters and announce the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, including The Gloria Burley Award for unpublished fiction and the Short Story Award for under 18s, supported by the Roderick Centre.
Also on Friday are Memoir Writing Sessions with award-winning author and journalist Dr. Lindsay Simpson, designed for aspiring writers.
Tickets and info: www.whitsundayswriters.com
Award-winning author Dr. Anita Heiss will present the keynote address at the 2025 Whitsundays Writers Festival
The countdown is officially on! The Whitsunday Tourism Awards are back on October 18 and we couldn’t be more excited to give a big shoutout to this year’s amazing finalists.
An impressive 93 businesses have been named across 14 categories, covering everything from great places to stay, to eat and to experience. These awards are all about celebrating the people and places that make our region one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots.
In a fresh twist this year, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards are based on results from the Best of Queensland Experience Program, meaning no submissions, just recognition based on real results and customer reviews. Out of 123 Best of Queensland recognised products, 50 scored a perfect 100. That’s a huge achievement and a true reflection of the quality across our region.
Whether it’s an island stay, a reef adventure, a beachfront cafe or a land-based tour, these finalists represent the heart and soul of tourism in the Whitsundays. They work hard, deliver amazing customer service and help showcase everything we love about our region.
We can’t wait to celebrate them all on October 18. It’s going to be a night to remember and a well-earned moment in the spotlight for the people and businesses who make our region shine.
Congrats again to all the finalists, you’ve done the Whitsundays proud!
Contributed with thanks to Tourism Whitsundays
Some of last years' winners at the glamorous Whitsunday Tourism Awards event held on Daydream Island
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference on Thursday 28 August, bringing together more than 120 business leaders and stakeholders from across the region.
The full-day program, designed by locals for locals, was shaped following an expression of interest process earlier this year to ensure the topics and speakers reflect the needs of Whitsunday businesses.
Attendees can expect keynote speakers, panel discussions, and 14 concurrent sessions delivering practical insights and strategies across marketing, workforce development, technology, partnerships, and business resilience.
Chamber President Allan Milostic said the event reflects the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the region’s business community.
“Our goal is to create an environment where local businesses can connect, learn from each other, and gain tools they can put into action straight away. This conference is about more than ideas – it’s about building the confidence and capacity to make those ideas happen.”
Conference Committee Chair Megan Taylor of Kapow Interactive said the locally led approach is key to its impact.
“By inviting the business community to help shape the program, we’ve ensured every session is relevant and actionable. We’ve brought together experts who understand our opportunities and challenges, so attendees leave inspired and ready to take the next step.”
With formal sessions, interactive activities, and networking the conference promises to deliver both professional value and community spirit.
Whitsunday Business Conference Sells Out – Join the waitlist
The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference is officially sold out, with more than 120 delegates and 70 organisations confirmed to attend.
Missed out? Contact the Chamber to join the waiting list and be notified if places become available: admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Nationally recognised business coach and keynote speaker Judy Porter of Shiift will deliver an energising presentation, Getting Out of Your Own Way, at the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference. With over 25 years as a multi-industry business owner and a background in psychology, Judy understands how personality, beliefs, and leadership styles shape business culture.
Judy challenges leaders to reflect on their approach, build genuine trust, and embrace their role as visionary leaders.
“Growing a passion into a business is a wild, rewarding ride,” she says. “But what happens when you’re still in the driver’s seat, tooting your own horn, and holding the map with white knuckles? At some point, you have to trust the team, step into the leadership space, and create a culture where your people can drive the vision forward with you – not just ride along.”
Drawing on experience managing teams of up to 250 staff, Judy offers practical tools to move from micromanagement to empowerment. Known for her engaging style, humour, and actionable strategies, she is a former Chamber Board member and active contributor to regional initiatives.
Judy will also lead a concurrent session, The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business. This interactive workshop explores how feedback can motivate teams and improve culture without causing defensiveness or discomfort.
Attendees will gain valuable insights to unlock their team’s potential and drive sustainable business growth.
9:00am: Official Opening with Mayor Ry Collins
9:20am: Keynote – Get Out of Your Own Way with Judy Porter
9:50am: Plenary Panel – Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact with Terry Archer (Whitsunday Sailing Club), Justin Butler (Whitsunday Sportspark) and Carol Norris (Greater Whitsunday Communities)
11:00am: Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? with Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Alliance), Gerard Millican (Queensland Business Concierge), Julia Wheway (TAFE Queensland), Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation), Leigh-Ann Pool (Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training), Paul Hanlon (Whitsunday Regional Council), Robert Cocco (Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays), and Roxanne Birse (Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
11:45am: Concurrent Sessions – Round One
• The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business by Judy Porter (Shiift)
• Business & Community: Partnering for Impact with Rebecca Woods (Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre), Annika Thomson (Ocean Crusaders), Courtney Quinn-McCabe (Tassal Proserpine Prawn Farm) and Libby Edge (Eco Barge Australia)
• From Solo to Scalable: Building a Business That Works with You with Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media)
1:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Two
• Money Matters for Modern Business with Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service), Kim Jamieson (Accountancy Plus Whitsundays), Justin Butler (Eclipse Financial Planning), Luke Sheppard (Bendigo Bank business banking), Doug O’Connor (Option Insurance Brokers) and Fiona Erquiaga (Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting)
• International Recruitment & Migration by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance)
• Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
• The Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Branding to Grow Your Business with Rachael Smith (Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine)
2:00pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Three
• Local Marketing That Works with Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo) and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life).
• Tendering: Top Ten Tips by Ros Wesche (Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure)
• The Dying Art of Customer Service: 12 Rules for Success with Rick Brown
• Smarter People Management for Small Business with Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group)
3:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Four
• Leveraging AI and VR for Business Innovation and Social Impact with Lisa Green (Telstra AI Solutions), Simon Lowe (People Tech Revolution) and Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation),
• From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams by Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee)
• Finding Support Before You Need It with Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway)
4:00pm: Plenary – Power Up: What’s Next for Your Business
The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference opens with Mayor Ry Collins officially launching the event and announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council – an initiative of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner that brings people together to enhance the operating environment to help small and family businesses thrive.
A key morning feature is the Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact panel, bringing together regional leaders to discuss how collaboration is driving progress in infrastructure, housing, investment, and community development. Panellists include Terry Archer from the Whitsunday Sailing Club, who will discuss creating an Olympic legacy through strategic partnerships; Justin Butler of Whitsunday Sportspark, sharing insights on securing $4.5 million for sports infrastructure improvements; and Carol Norris of Greater Whitsunday Communities, presenting coordinated efforts to address workforce housing challenges.
Following the panel, the Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? session offers a unique opportunity for businesses to engage directly eight key government and regional development agencies and programs. Participants will hear quick introductions from representatives of government and regional development bodies, then join two rounds of speed dating discussions to explore tailored support and collaboration opportunities.
Following the morning program, attendees have the choice of 14 interactive concurrent sessions, held over four rounds across the TAFE Queensland Whitsunday campus.
Attendees will then continue networking at the Tourism Whitsunday monthly networking event at Mirage Whitsunday, Cannonvale.
See the full program: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference
Mayor Ry Collins officially launches the event by announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council
At the Conference, learn how to grow your business through powerful storytelling, exceptional customer service, and effective local marketing.
Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, will share how personal storytelling and authentic branding build trust and deepen community connections in regional areas.
Rick Brown brings decades of experience in building a $20 million business and delivering outstanding customer service, will reveal twelve key rules that create loyalty, enhance reputation, and set businesses apart.
Marketing experts Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo), and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life) will guide attendees on using social media, print, radio, and digital channels. Their panel offers strategies for selecting the right media mix to expand reach, strengthen ties, and boost growth.
Together, these sessions provide practical tools to help local businesses connect with their audience, deliver standout service, and market with confidence and impact.
TAFE Whitsunday is a big part of this year’s Business Conference,serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats,prepared and served by their awesome hospitality and cookerystudents.
Attendees willenjoy the food in Palmers, their student-run training restaurant,where students get real hands-on experience.
This is a greatway to see local talent in action and shows how TAFE is helpingstudents get job-ready in hospitality and tourism, two of theWhitsundays’ biggest industries.
By featuring TAFEstudents at the conference, we’re not only celebrating their hardwork but also helping build a skilled local workforce. It’s a winfor the students, the businesses, and the whole community, showinghow education and industry working together can boost our region’sgrowth and future.
Open to thepublic, Palmers Restaurant is hosting a la carte lunch services form12pm-1:30pm Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September. Bookings essentialphone 4940 2777 or PalmersRestaurant.north@tafeqld.edu.au
TAFE hospitality and cookery students will be serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats at the conference.Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Whitsundays Chamber extends its thanks to the major sponsors behind the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, recognising their vital role in bringing the sold-out event to life.
This year’s conference would not be possible without the generous contributions of:
• Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is a locally owned branch offering full banking services and investing back into the Whitsunday community.
• My Pathway connects people and businesses through employment, training, and community services, including the Self-Employment Assistance program.
• Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, unites local business and community leaders and training providers to deliver relevant employment and training solutions.
• TAFE Queensland’s Whitsundays campus offers practical courses in cookery, hospitality, and early childhood education.
• Shiift provides tailored leadership, culture, and performance solutions for aligned, motivated teams that drive real results.
• Tassal, with its Proserpine Prawn Farm, is a major regional employer committed to sustainable aquaculture and investment.
• Mackay and Whitsunday Life supports the community by documenting and celebrating the diverse stories of the Whitsundays.
A shoutout also to the Conference Champions who are also powering this year’s Conference –Club Whitsunday, Kapow Interactive, Option Insurance Brokers, Scallywag Fabrications, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, Telstra, and Your Business Angels – for stepping up with their generous support.
All these businesses are true business champions, making sure the conference offers the best insights, networking, and practical tools to help you succeed.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out and see how they can help your business thrive.
A major highlight of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference will be the dynamic plenary session Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact, showcasing how strategic partnerships are creating real, measurable outcomes across the Whitsundays.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the session will explore how collaboration across sectors—government, business, community, First Nations and environmental groups—is transforming the region’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects and long-term liveability improvements.
The panel will feature local leaders actively involved in some of the region’s most exciting initiatives:
• Terry Archer, Whitsunday Sailing Club – sharing how the Club is leveraging partnerships to create an Olympic legacy and world-class marine infrastructure.
• Justin Butler, Whitsunday Sportspark – discussing the journey to securing $4.5 million in specialist lending to improve sports infrastructure, and the role of shared vision in reducing risk.
• Carol Norris, Greater Whitsunday Communities – presenting outcomes from the Housing Alliance Project and how coordinated efforts across employers, developers and government are addressing workforce housing and investment challenges in Mackay and Bowen.
“Partnerships are how we move from idea to action,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic. “This session will give businesses real insight into how collaboration, not competition, is shaping the future of our region.”
The plenary will highlight how rethinking traditional business relationships is delivering mutual benefit, improved community outcomes, and smarter resource allocation.
Terry Archer from Whitsunday Sailing Club
Justin Butler from Whitsunday Sportspark
Planning for the 2026 Conference is already underway, aiming to be bigger and better than ever.
The Whitsundays Chamber invites businesses to explore a range of opportunities including sponsorship packages, speaking roles, exhibitor booths, and prize contributions – designed to suit all business sizes and budgets.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event.
Contact admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Your Local Business Voice
The Whitsundays Chamber is the united voice of local business, dedicated to creating a supportive environment where enterprises can grow, succeed, and connect.
As an independent and apolitical organisation, the Chamber works closely with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure business interests are heard and acted upon.
Members enjoy access to valuable networking, education, events, and resources. Through partnerships like joint membership with Tourism Whitsundays and Weddings Whitsundays, members benefit from wider industry reach and stronger representation.
Whether you’re a start-up, sole trader, or established business, the Chamber connects you with the people, knowledge, and resources to thrive.
Join today: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join
The 2025 Conference features vital sessions on leadership, human resources, and workforce development.
One key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact, led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8), challenges leaders to rethink motivation by focusing on mindset, trust, feedback, and retention. Attendees will learn people-first strategies to build stronger teams and create positive business outcomes.
Human resources support is front and centre in the Smarter People Management for Small Business session, hosted by Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group). This practical workshop addresses staff management challenges, compliance, industrial relations, and offers tailored strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
Another key session, From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams, offers a hands-on workshop for businesses to apply workforce insights to help build teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee) leads this interactive planning session.
Workforce challenges are also explored in International Recruitment & Migration. Presented by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance), this session explains how skilled migration can help local businesses overcome labour shortages and boost regional economic growth.
Key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact,is led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
Mark Lipkinfrom Airlie Group hosts a human resources session called PeopleManagement for Small Business
Georgia Lavers from Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committeeleads this interactive planning session
Alana Hopkinsfrom Workforce Abundance explores workforce challenges in anInternational Recruitment & Migration session
At the Conference, business owners can gain valuable insights and practical tools across operations, finance, and support services to help their businesses grow and stay resilient.
For business owners ready to grow, From Solo to Scalable. Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media) will show how to scale a business using systems, automation, and tech tools—without the stress or need for a big team. This session provides a clear roadmap to future-proof your business and improve customer engagement.
In Money Matters for Modern Business, a panel of six finance specialists will cover essential topics like lending, insurance, superannuation, and growth planning. With experts from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus, Bendigo Bank, and more, attendees can ask specific questions and get practical advice to build a strong financial foundation and boost resilience.
Finding Support Before You Need It guides business owners through free, government-backed mentoring and support programs to avoid pitfalls and stay empowered. Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will share how to connect with these resources early and confidently.
Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will present Finding Support BeforeYou Need It, a session guiding business owners through free,government-backed mentoring and support programs designed to helpthem stay empowered and avoid common pitfalls
Nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, Tassal’s Proserpine prawn farm is proving to be much more than a seafood producer. It is a quiet local success story, combining innovation, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.
The farm, which supplies prawns across the country, is run by locals and focused on local impact. From jobs and training to environmental care and community partnerships, Tassal’s presence in Proserpine is making a meaningful difference.
Over the past year, Tassal has spent almost $55,000 supporting community groups, events and causes across the Whitsundays. This includes local associations such as the Whitsunday Brahman Rugby League, the Cannonvale Swimming Club, the Great Barrier Reef festival, the Whitsunday Show, the Proserpine Golf Club, and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.
Tassal’s Manager – Stakeholder and Community Engagement, Courtney Quinn-McCabe, said the company’s community support in the Whitsundays was about giving back in a way that built real, lasting value.
“We believe that when industry and community work side by side, we can achieve much more,” she said. “Our support is about more than sponsorship. It is about helping local groups grow, creating opportunities, and building strong, long-term relationships in the communities where we live and work.”
Tassal has developed a water efficiency plan specifically for its Proserpine site. This is part of a broader approach to responsible aquaculture that includes automated pond aeration, AI-based feeding systems, and real-time water quality monitoring. These tools allow the farm to reduce waste, care for animal health, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The company is also committed to creating jobs in the region. Tassal prefers to hire locally where possible and provides career development opportunities through structured training and leadership programs. It is not uncommon to hear stories of workers who joined as juniors and are now leading teams or mentoring others.
“Our team is part of this community,” Ms Quinn-McCabe said. “We live here, we work here, and we want to see the Whitsundays thrive.”
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