Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Supplied by Libby Edge.
The community gathered at Cannonvale Beach on Sunday morning to watch Marissa and Bentley, two rehabilitated juvenile green sea turtles, return to the ocean.
The pair were found malnourished and covered in algae and barnacles before being taken to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre in July. After weeks of care and rehabilitation, they were declared healthy and ready to return to Whitsunday waters.
Carried down to the shoreline by their carers, Marissa and Bentley were met with cheers from the crowd as they made their way across the sand and disappeared beneath the waves.
“To see more than 250 people come together to celebrate Marissa and Bentley’s return to the ocean was absolutely heartwarming,” said Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Libby Edge.
“We were overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the turnout, which was much larger than anticipated.
“I also want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to our incredible turtle carers. They have each volunteered so many hours this year to provide our turtles with the daily food, treatment, cleaning and specialised care they need.
“Our carers work tirelessly behind the scenes, and Marissa and Bentley’s return to the wild would not have been possible without their dedication and compassion.”
Eco Barge Clean Seas currently has another five sea turtles receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.
Cait Fleming, Trish Jandt and Julia Evans. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference brought together 120 attendees from 77 businesses for a day of practical learning, networking and collaboration.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry across PCYC Whitsunday and Club Whitsunday, with the event featuring a business expo, long lunch and an update from Mayor Ry Collins, who announced the 46 finalists for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards and the inaugural Chamber Games.
Media and communications expert Ian Cohen proved a highlight of the day, while five young local employees, trainees and apprentices shared what the next generation values in a workplace during the inaugural Rising Stars Panel. Attendees walked away with fresh ideas for their businesses and valuable new connections across the region.
The conference returns on Thursday, 26 August 2027. Chamber now looks forward to it’s new Look & Learn series, which will begin with a free social media session at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, 9 September.
This 15 month old Kelpie Cross, Freddie, is looking for his next chapter and whoever says yes to him is going to be very lucky.
Freddie has known nothing but love his whole life. He is well trained, beautifully socialised and comes with the kind of manners that make people stop and ask how you did it. His foster mum has had to return overseas and now Freddie needs someone to carry on the love she gave him.
He is a goofball of the highest order. Food obsessed, people obsessed, he makes the funniest noises during play and will say hello to every single person at the beach before he even glances at another dog.
He walks beautifully on lead, learns new tricks in minutes if there is a treat involved and will snooze on the couch next to you once his energy is spent.
Freddie does best in an active home with a secure yard, older kids and ideally another dog to be his mate.
To adopt Freddie contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue on Facebook.
About Freddie
Breed: Kelpie x (possible Lab mix)
Age: 15 months | Weight: 24kg
Desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, flea, tick and worming up to date
Heartworm negative | No known triggers | Available now
There’s a particular time of day in the Whitsundays when everything seems to slow down.
The heat softens, the light begins to change and Coral Sea Marina takes on that unmistakable late-afternoon glow. At The Garden Bar, it’s one of the loveliest times to find a table and simply settle in.
From 3pm, the Baked Brie offers an early taste of what’s to come. Served warm and gooey, drizzled with local honey and accompanied by roasted walnuts, sweet dates, crisp apples and crackers, it’s made for sharing while the afternoon unfolds.
Then, from 5pm, the kitchen opens for dinner service, inviting you to stay a little longer. The menu reflects the relaxed Whitsundays lifestyle, moving from light bites and share plates through to fresh seafood, house-made pasta and a variety of globally inspired substantial mains.
And then there’s the view.
Boats make their way across the marina, the Whitsunday Islands sit beyond the water, and the sky puts on a show of its own. As daylight fades, the garden lights begin to twinkle and the yachts reflect across the water.
It’s a subtle change, but one that sets the evening atmosphere.
Perhaps you arrived for a share plate in the afternoon and found yourself staying for dinner. Perhaps you’ve come straight from a day exploring the Whitsundays, ready to slow the pace and watch the evening settle over the marina. Or perhaps you’re a local who knows that sometimes the best way to appreciate where we live is simply to stop long enough to enjoy it.
That’s part of the charm of The Garden Bar. There’s no need to rush the experience.
For visitors, it’s a chance to experience a relaxed side of Airlie Beach without an itinerary. For locals, it’s a reminder of just how special our own backyard can be.
Good food, warm hospitality, tropical surroundings and an evening unfolding by the water.
Sometimes, that’s all the plan you need.
The Garden Bar is located at Coral Sea Marina - South Village, Airlie Beach. Open Wednesday to Friday from 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm.
The Signature Seafood Platter.
With uninterrupted water views, fresh Australian seafood and cocktails made with that local touch, Coral Sea Pavilion is hoping more Whitsunday residents will come down and see what is on their doorstep.
Although the restaurant’s location may leave some locals thinking it is mainly there for holidaymakers, the team wants to change that perception and encourage more residents through the doors.
“We want to bring more awareness to the restaurant and show locals what we offer,” said Marketing Specialist for Coral Sea Resort Maria Markham.
The menu features plenty of fresh Australian seafood, much of it locally sourced, with Coral Sea Pavilion’s generous hot and cold seafood platter among its signature must-haves.
Behind the bar, guests will find beers on tap, a selection of wines and a mix of classic and handcrafted cocktails. Its signature range includes the Nemo, Mango Tango and Gin & Bare it, made using 74 Islands gin and vodka.
Despite first impressions with a gorgeous waterfront setting, the Pavilion remains in line with other restaurants around Airlie Beach.
“We want locals to know they don’t need to wait for a special occasion,” Maria said.
“Lunch, sunset drinks or an easy dinner, the Pavilion is somewhere they can enjoy any day of the week.”
Locals can scan the QR code below to join the Pavilion’s rewards program and receive 10 per cent off every visit, along with additional rewards each time they return.
Long before the medals, the podiums and the recognition, an Olympic dream is built through thousands of hours of training when very few people are watching.
For 15-year-old Whitsunday swimmer Tora Delac, that means early mornings, countless laps and years of commitment in the pool.
Tora is the third young athlete featured in Whitsunday Regional Council’s Home Grown: Future Olympians series, showcasing talented young Whitsunday athletes chasing big sporting dreams from right here in our region.
Tora began swimming with the Cannonvale Cannons and was competing at regional meets by the age of nine.
At just 10, she competed at her first Queensland State Championships and has continued to progress through the swimming ranks ever since.
Along the way, Tora has celebrated plenty of milestones – from breaking the 30-second barrier in both the 50-metre freestyle and butterfly to achieving multiple top-10 placings at Queensland State Championships.
In 2024, she qualified for her first Australian Age Championships and has now competed at the national event three times.
Her latest achievement will see her head to Sydney in October after qualifying for the Australian Open Short Course Championships, another major step in a sporting journey that started in a local Whitsunday pool.
Tora has also been awarded a Hancock Prospecting Patron Scholarship – Olympic Pathways, while continuing to be a leader and positive role model for younger swimmers at her club.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Tora’s story showed what could be achieved through commitment, discipline and the support of local sporting communities.
“Tora is only 15, but she has already spent years getting up early, diving into the pool and doing the hard work that happens well before anyone starts talking about medals,” Mayor Collins said.
“That commitment has taken her from swimming locally with the Cannonvale Cannons to competing at State and National Championships, and now qualifying for an Australian Open event.
“She should be incredibly proud of what she has achieved, but what I also love about Tora’s story is that she hasn’t forgotten where it started and is already helping and encouraging younger swimmers coming through behind her.”
Mayor Collins said the Home Grown: Future Olympians series was about celebrating talented young athletes while highlighting the importance of creating sporting opportunities and pathways closer to home.
“We know regional kids have the talent, determination and work ethic to compete with the best anywhere in Australia.
“Our job is to keep advocating for the facilities, investment and opportunities that give them every chance to do that without believing they have to leave the Whitsundays to chase a big dream.
“That is a big part of the legacy we want from the Whitsundays becoming the home of Olympic and Paralympic Sailing in 2032.
“It’s not simply about what happens during the Games. It’s about using that opportunity to inspire young people, strengthen local sport and leave better facilities and pathways for the generations coming behind them.”
Tora’s story is the third profile in Council’s Home Grown: Future Olympians campaign, following young Whitsunday sailors Reid and Rory Martin and footballer Lilliana Knight.
The series celebrates the athletes as well as the families, coaches, volunteers and local sporting clubs helping young Whitsunday talent pursue their dreams.
Because Olympic and Paralympic dreams don't start on the podium.
They start right here in the Whitsundays.
Mayor Collins addressing the council before turning the sod. Photo Credit: Zach Houtenville
The turning of the first sod on 1st September marked the beginning of construction on the new $30 million Cannonvale Community Hub, which will provide a place for locals to read, learn, meet and connect as the community continues to grow.
Set within Galbraith Park, the hub will bring several services under one roof, including a modern library, council customer service centre, meeting rooms and flexible spaces for community activities.
The facility’s outdoor areas will connect with new access points and pathways delivered through Stage 1 of the Galbraith Park Master Plan, creating a more welcoming and versatile place for the wider community to gather while laying the groundwork for future improvements.
“The project is about planning early and investing in infrastructure that will serve the community for generations,” said Mayor of Whitsunday Region Ry Collins.
“Cannonvale is growing rapidly, and we need to make sure the infrastructure supporting our community grows with it.
“This Hub is a practical investment in Cannonvale’s future, bringing important Council services together while creating more places for people to learn, meet and connect.
“It will complement the valued work of the existing neighbourhood centre and local community organisations, creating new opportunities for programs, partnerships and community use rather than replacing what is already working.”
The project is being jointly funded by the Australian Government and Whitsunday Regional Council, with each contributing $15 million.
“The Albanese Government is investing in infrastructure to enable growing regional communities to plan confidently for the future,” said Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain.
“The Cannonvale Community Hub will create new opportunities for local families, students and community groups, while building on the programs and connections already established across Cannonvale.”
More than simply a new building, the hub is intended to become a welcoming and accessible space for Cannonvale residents of all ages, providing room for local programs, community groups and everyday connections as the area grows.
“Essential community infrastructure makes a real difference to how people connect, access programs and take part in community life,” said Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland, Nita Green.
“Cannonvale Community Hub is the kind of legacy infrastructure that will continue serving the community as the region grows.”
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2027, weather permitting.
“Fingers crossed it will be ready by Christmas next year,” Mayor Collins said.
“I think it would be a nice time of year to open something like this, giving the community a place to gather and escape the hot and wet weather.”
Proserpine Mill processed about 88,900 tonnes of cane for the week, which is the highest weekly throughput this year. Our season to date total is now more than 801,100 tonnes.
Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.37 units. The highest weekly CCS sample for the week was 17.95 units, from a rake of Q183 ratoon cane in the Kelsey Creek productivity district.
We want to remind the public to always give way to cane trains and only cross the line at designated road crossings.
Remember that a fully loaded cane train can take up to one kilometre to pull up. Our cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week, so please continue to use your train brain and always take care around the cane rail network.
Whitsunday SES member Gregory Yuskan has earnt recognition for his dedication to the community. Photo supplied: My Police QLD
Whitsunday State Emergency Service (SES) member Gregory Yuskan has been awarded a major honour, winning the Suncorp Spirit of SES award.
A local controller with the Central region, Gregory received the prestigious acknowledgement at the SES State Awards on Saturday afternoon in Brisbane, which marked the end of SES week across Queensland.
He was recognised for his ability to lead by example with calmness, professionalism and integrity during severe weather and emergency operations across the region.
Gregory is currently leading the coordination of a major multi-unit field exercise, with members from Whitsunday, Mackay and Isaac units, which is designed to enhance the skills, knowledge and relationships for volunteers.
During the past year, he was heavily involved with championing the use of Geographic Information Systems within SES operations.
Area Controller Michael Young said Gregory is extremely deserving of the honour.
“We are so proud of Greg and his amazing contribution to the region,” Michael said.
“Greg consistently demonstrates his exceptional leadership, innovation, integrity and commitment to the Whitsunday community.”
Gregory said he is humbled to have been recognised.
“Being a part of the SES is about giving back to the community, we don’t do it for the recognition,” he said.
“It’s still a great honour to be acknowledged and to represent the Whitsundays and the Central region.”
Suncorp Chief Executive Customer, Brand and Digital Bridget Messer said the Suncorp Spirit of SES Award was going to a worthy recipient.
“SES volunteers are the backbone of many communities, and Greg’s leadership, commitment and service exemplify the spirit of the organisation. He is a very deserving recipient of this award,” Bridget said.
Team members Juliann Firmin, Cindy Tonks and Leanne Abernethy wearing the Don River Dash Shirts this week at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.
This winter has marked a record tourist season in Bowen, with more visitors welcomed at the Information Centre over the past three months than the same period in any year prior.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said this was a very pleasing result, given that there had been concerns about fuel prices, interest rates and other cost-of-living pressures.
“We had a record month in July 2025 and didn’t expect to be able to repeat those numbers again this year,” she said.
“Some visitors are spending slightly less but they are certainly still coming.
“In June, July and August this year, we welcomed a total of 22,750 people to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre – that is an average of 247 people per day!
“With the Don River Dash this weekend, we are expecting that momentum to continue as this unique off-road event for bikes and buggies is growing in popularity every year and brings hundreds of visitors to town from all over Australia.
“The school holidays later in September will also be a busy time for us.
“We are expecting very strong visitor numbers this month. Although we did have a record day in September last year with the release of the Big Mango $1 coin, so that will be hard to beat.”
The team also recently hosted the Channel 7 Weekender crew, with the segment airing last weekend and providing valuable statewide exposure for Bowen as a visitor destination.
OPENING HOURS
Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango in Bowen is open 7 days a week.
Monday to Friday – 9am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – 10am – 3pm
Alicia Mansbridge. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Services.
A Proserpine nurse has received the Sustainable Organisation Award at the 2026 Let’s Celebrate Staff Awards for her innovative approach to improving care for older patients.
During her time at Proserpine Hospital, clinical nurse and rural generalist Alicia Mansbridge has helped bridge the gap between hospital and community care for frail older patients, developing a practical model that has drawn interest for adoption from other rural health services.
This crowning achievement is known as BRIDGE, a nurse-led program standing for Building Recovery, Independence and Discharge Guidance for the Elderly.
BRIDGE supports patients after they’ve left hospital, connecting them with specialist and community care while helping to prevent avoidable re-admissions. Through an organised triage and referral process, eligible patients can access geriatric expertisewithout making another trip to hospital.
Another key element of BRIDGE is telehealth, with Alicia introducing rapid geriatric assessments and consultations with Geriatric Care Australia nurse practitioners that patients can access from home. Their GP then receives written recommendations to help guide the next stage of care, ensuring fluidity between all services.
“For frail older patients, this can mean less travel, fewer mobility challenges and shorter waits for specialist support,’ shared Mackay Hospital and Health Services.
“It also reduces pressure on health services by limiting the need for vehicles, office space and hospital facilities.”
Behind BRIDGE is a team working to ensure older patients remain supported after leaving hospital, with clinical nurses overseeing referrals, health professionals who meet weekly discuss ways to improve the care they deliver through this program.
“Early results are demonstrating benefits for patients, families and the health system, including more timely access to specialist geriatric assessment, improved care coordination and greater involvement of families in care planning,” said Mackay Hospital and Health Services.
“Patients can receive support in their own homes, helping them feel more informed, connected and confident as they recover and maintain their independence.”
For rural communities, where distance can make accessing care difficult, BRIDGE offers older patients a more comfortable way to receive timely specialist advice from home.
Whitsunday Lions Club. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
As Nepal reels from catastrophic flash flooding that has killed more than 1,000 people and left thousands missing, the Whitsunday Lions Club is rallying the local community to support those affected at their weekly markets this Saturday.
On Wednesday 26th August after a glacier collapsed and triggered a landslide, a flash flood rushed through the valley below and into the Rasuwa district villages along the Trishuli River in central Nepal.
Travelling at an estimated 50 metres per second, the wall of water, ice, mud and debris gave communities little time to react, sweeping away homes, roads and bridges, with the destruction stretching more than 100 kilometres downstream.
As of Wednesday 2nd September, at least 1,050 people had been confirmed deceased and about 4,000 remained missing. Among those unaccounted for were 583 tourists, including 38 Australians, according to an ABC News report. More than 11,000 people had been rescued, while emergency crews continued searching remote communities and debris-filled tunnels.
The scale of the disaster has left tens of thousands of people in urgent need of support, with United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric telling ABC News that about 65,000 people require emergency water, sanitation and hygiene assistance.
"More than 22,000 children need protection. 2,600 children under five are expected to need treatment for severe wasting," Stéphane Dujarric said.
"And around 10,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women need nutrition assistance."
In an effort to help out from home, the Whitsunday Lions Club are holding a raffle and collecting donations at their Saturday market with 100% of the funding going straight to Lions of Nepal.
“I’m not just proud of our club, I’m proud of Lions International and that we’re able to help Lions all over the world when there’s a crisis,” said President of the Whitsunday Lions Club Greg Smith.
“Our Lions Club is a small cog in a very, very big wheel. We’re sending money to the Lions Clubs International Foundation, where it will be pooled with donations from around the world.
“The funding is helping those searching for survivors and carrying out rescues, as well as displaced people who need shelter and food.
“I spoke to a personal friend who is a district governor, and he was overwhelmed to think that people in Australia would be helping his country in its time of need, he was very emotional.”
Club members will be at the markets from about 8.30am until noon, with a donation tin available for anyone wishing to contribute. The club will also donate its weekly market takings to the Nepal flood appeal, apart from the Whitsunday Regional Council land-use fee.
I’ll be the first to admit the words “Draft Environment Strategy” probably aren’t going to have too many people rushing to read it over their morning coffee.
That’s fair enough but what sits behind it really does matter.
We’re fortunate to live in one of the most remarkable parts of Australia. We have the Great Barrier Reef and 74 islands on our doorstep, beautiful beaches and waterways, national parks, productive farmland and plenty of special places in between.
It’s a big part of why we live here, why millions of people visit and why industries like tourism and agriculture are so important to our economy.
But the Whitsundays is also growing quickly.
We need more homes, better roads and infrastructure. We want investment, new jobs and opportunities for our young people. And we want our towns and communities to keep moving forward.
The challenge is making sure that as we grow, we don’t lose the things that make the Whitsundays such a special place in the first place.
That, in plain English, is what Council’s Draft Whitsunday Environment Strategy is about.
It considers how we protect and enhance our natural environment while recognising that the Whitsundays is also a growing, productive and working region.
Importantly, it’s still a draft — which means now is the time to tell us what you think.
You don’t need to be an environmental expert, and you don’t need to agree with everything that's proposed.
Perhaps your priority is our waterways and beaches. It might be wildlife and bushland, productive farmland, waste and recycling, or ensuring we can accommodate sensible development without unnecessary red tape.
Whatever matters to you, we want to hear it.
I’d much rather hear your views now, while we can consider them and make changes, than after the Strategy is finished.
Consultation is open until Sunday 27th September through Council’s Your Say Whitsunday website, where you can read the draft, look through the shorter fact sheet and provide your feedback.
The Whitsundays will keep growing and I believe that’s a good thing.
Our job is to make sure we grow well: creating new opportunities while protecting the extraordinary environment and lifestyle that make the Whitsundays a place unlike anywhere else.
Belle Property Whitsundays is celebrating an extraordinary night of success after taking home seven major awards at the 2026 Belle Property Awards in Brisbane on Thursday 20th August, including being named the No. 1 Customer Experience Sales Office in Australia.
The results are particularly significant for the locally owned and operated business, which only opened its doors in December 2024. The 2026 awards marked Belle Property Whitsundays’ first Belle Property Awards and first full financial year of trading, making the recognition an incredible milestone for the young business.
Belle Property Whitsundays was also proud to be recognised as the most awarded Belle Property office in Queensland, a remarkable achievement given the business is still in its early stages.
The Belle Property Awards bring together more than 200 offices across Australia to recognise outstanding performance across sales results, customer experience, leadership and overall business achievement.
For Belle Property Whitsundays to be recognised among such an extensive national network after only opening its doors in December 2024 makes the achievement even more significant.
For Principal Stephanie McWhirter, the recognition is a testament to the vision behind establishing Belle Property Whitsundays and, most importantly, the commitment of the entire team to delivering exceptional service to the local community.
“We are incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in such a short period of time. To open our doors in December 2024 and, within our first full financial year, be recognised alongside some of the most established offices and agents across Australia is something we are extremely proud of,” Stephanie said.
“What makes it even more special is that these awards are not just about numbers. Our Customer Experience awards reflect the way our team looks after our clients and the relationships we have built within our local community.”
Sales Agent Adam Webster was another standout, receiving three major accolades, including Customer Experience Agent of the Year nationally and No. 5 Sales Agent nationally for transactions.
With many of the 2026 award categories requiring staff to have been employed for a full 12 months, Belle Property Whitsundays is looking ahead to an even bigger 2027 awards campaign as more of the team become eligible.
“We are absolutely going big next year,” Stephanie said.
“This year was our first opportunity to compete, and we are incredibly proud of the results. Next year, we will have more team members eligible across the categories, so we are already setting our sights on building on this success and striving to go even further.”
The awards are a significant milestone for a business that has experienced rapid growth since opening, and the team remains focused on continuing to raise the standard of real estate service across the Whitsundays.
Belle Property Whitsundays would like to thank its clients, local community and supporters for being part of the journey so far.
The first chapter has certainly been a successful one - and the team is already looking forward to what comes next.
Councillor Jan Clifford, Andrew Willcox MP, Beverley Holmes, Mayor Ry Collins and Councillor Clay Bauman.
Thirty-four Whitsunday residents from different corners of the world have officially become Australian citizens at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, marking a new chapter in their lives and the region's growing identity.
On Monday 31st August, attendees made their citizenship pledge across two ceremonies presided over by Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, alongside Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, as well as Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman.
“34 new Australians and 34 different stories that now form part of our Whitsunday story,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“Our newest citizens came from more than a dozen countries around the world, reflecting the wonderful diversity of people who now call the Whitsundays home.”
While some had only recently made Australia home, others had lived here for decades, including Beverley Holmes, who took the pledge after calling Australia home for around 60 years.
“Citizenship ceremonies are always special,” said Mayor Collins.
“Hearing people from so many different backgrounds stand together and make their commitment to Australia is a reminder that our communities are continually being shaped by people who choose to make this region their home.”
“Congratulations to our 34 newest Australian citizens, we’re very pleased to have you as part of the Whitsundays and part of our continuing story.”
Council’s final citizenship ceremonies for 2026 will be at the PEC on Thursday 8th October.
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