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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By Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
Thank you to all growers who nominated Wilmar Grower Marketing as their GEI marketer for the 2026 season.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to the growing number of new growers who have chosen Wilmar for the first time. We don’t take any nomination, new or existing, for granted and remain committed to delivering strong returns, flexible products and personalised service to maintain your trust in this vital part of your business.
This year has been particularly challenging on the pricing front. Just 8 months ago, the March 26 futures contract was trading close to 20 USc/lb, with the AUD sugar price above $650/t. We are now facing a $465/t price and futures at 14 USc/lb.
Our recent October Pool results have reinforced our decision to relaunch the Managed Pool as the Managed Pool Plus (MPP) with the key difference being its extended time horizon for price management compared to the Production Risk Pool (PRP).
At the end of October, the MPP was forecast at $560/t Actual versus the PRP at $515/t. During the month, the 2025 Season price fell by about $70/t Actual, while the MPP dropped $40/t and the PRP $60/t, reflecting the MPP’s higher hedge profile.
The Grower Marketing team are fielding lots of enquiries from growers seeking guidance on sugar price outlooks. While no one can predict prices with certainty, our analysts expect global sugar stocks to build over the next 12 to 18 months due to large crops in India and Brazil, assuming normal weather.
Ethanol remains another key factor, with prices influenced by oil markets, relative feedstock prices, and government regulation. The recent dip in sugar prices below 14 USc/lb has already prompted some Brazilian mills to switch from sugar to ethanol, showing price signals are working to rebalance supply and demand.
Across all regions, growers are underpriced for the 2025 season, and even more so for 2026. While that is a challenge shared across the industry, it is important to look ahead. If you could lock in $525/t today for the 2025 season, would you take it? The 2028 season has that price available now, and pricing even a small portion early can help manage risk and secure a solid base as markets evolve.
The AUD Sugar price has dropped considerably since it’s last high in April over $650/t to recent lows under $460/t Image supplied
A home loan is one of the biggest financial commitments many of us will make – but paying it off sooner than expected is possible and it doesn’t always mean big changes. At Community Bank Sarina, we’re backed by Bendigo Bank and here to support locals with clear, practical ways to take control of their finances and make smarter decisions about their future. If you’re looking to reduce the life of your home loan, here are a few strategies worth considering:
Make extra repayments
Adding even a small amount to your regular repayments can reduce interest and loan term. For example, adding just $50 per fortnight on a $500,000 loan (30-year term, 6.5% interest) could save over $87,000 in interest and shorten the loan by nearly four years.
Offset accounts and redraw facilities
Keeping money in an offset account reduces the interest charged on your loan. Similarly, using a redraw facility allows you to access extra repayments if needed, while still reducing your loan balance in the meantime.
Find a lower interest rate
Even a small difference in interest rates can add up over the life of your loan. If your rate isn’t as competitive as it could be, it’s worth looking into options or talking to a lender about refinancing.
Review your loan regularly
Checking in on your loan and interest rate every few years – especially as your circumstances change, can help ensure your loan structure still suits your goals. Paying off a mortgage faster isn’t about making drastic sacrifices. It’s about finding the right tools, staying consistent and being supported by people who understand your goals.
At Community Bank Sarina, we take pride in being a profit for purpose organisation that invests in local people. If you’re looking for ways to pay off your mortgage sooner or considering refinancing, we’re here to talk. Come in and see the friendly team at 37 Broad Street, Sarina or call us on 07 4943 2634.
The Mackay Regional Council has approved the development application for a new McDonald’s in Sarina, with Mayor Greg Williamson casting the deciding vote following a robust debate.
Speaking after the decision, Mayor Williamson said, “It was called to make a final decision on the development application for McDonald’s in Sarina.
“After a robust debate, I used my casting vote to actually approve the development application for McDonald’s in Sarina.”
The Mayor highlighted the economic benefits the new restaurant will bring to the community, particularly for local youth. “It's going to be a great thing for Sarina, particularly for the young people in Sarina. They're going to employ 120 people as casuals.”
Mayor Williamson also noted that McDonald’s has committed to working closely with the community to address concerns raised during the council meeting.
“They’ve also committed to working with the neighbours, and work with the council to ameliorate some of the concerns that were raised… about the neighbourhood impact of having McDonald’s on the main street. So, all in all, I think it is a pretty good outcome.”
The new development is expected to create significant employment opportunities while providing a long-term addition to Sarina’s main street. Council hopes the project will support local economic growth, offer jobs for young residents, and balance community needs with development benefits.
Locals are invited to come together for a free community BBQ celebrating International Men’s Day as a chance to connect, enjoy a great lunch, and raise awareness about men’s health and wellbeing.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, from 11am to 2pm at 160 Boundary Road, Ooralea, and promises to be a relaxed and welcoming afternoon for all ages.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary BBQ lunch, fun giveaways, and free blood pressure checks. It’s also a great opportunity for mates, colleagues, and families to come along, start conversations, and show support for the important men in their lives.
The event is proudly supported by Family Health Care Mackay, BeWorkFit Mackay, and Shed Happens, who have joined forces to highlight the importance of regular health check-ups and open conversations around physical and mental wellbeing.
Organisers hope the casual setting will encourage more men to take a moment for themselves, to chat, check in, and connect with local services that are here to help.
Everyone is welcome to attend, so grab your mates, head down to Ooralea, and be part of a positive community event that celebrates men, their health, and the power of looking out for one another.
Meet our pet of the week - Kobe. Kobe is an 11 month old American Staffordshire X, who is looking for his forever home.
Kobe loves to be around his people, loves to walk and run to burn off all his extra energy —and then cherishes curling up beside you at the end of the day.
Kobe is still a young pup who will need ongoing training, but lucky for his new family, he has mastered the basics already.
He lives up to his breed with excitement, but his big smile and warm heart truly make Kobe a great companion.
Kobe is desexed and up to date with all vaccinations, has also received flea tick treatment and worming, also microchipped.
He is looking for his forever family who will love him and his beautiful personality.
Available for adoption through Lucy's lucky tags and dog Rescue. For more information, please email: lltagsanddogrescue@gmail.com
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The Poetry in Print curation team is proud to present a bold new initiative that brings together the rhythmic pulse of poetry and the tactile beauty of printmaking in a celebration of creative dialogue and community storytelling. This unique project pairs nine poets from Mackay Poetry Slam with eleven printmakers from Printbank Mackay, exploring the alchemy that occurs when word meets image.
The project began with a live warm-up session, where each poet presented two original works to an audience and their paired printmaker. From there, the printmakers were invited to respond visually to at least one poem by their assigned poet, with the
freedom to engage with others if inspired.
The result is a diverse and deeply personal collection of prints that reflect the emotional resonance, humour, and humanity embedded in the written word.
“This project is about more than just art,” says the curation team.
“It’s about connection — between disciplines, between artists, and between the community and the stories that shape us.”
Poetry in Print is an independently developed initiative, driven by the passion and collaboration of local artists. It reflects Mackay’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative, community-led arts practice.
The final works will be exhibited in a public showcase that invites viewers to experience the interplay between text and texture, voice and vision. Each piece is accompanied by the poem that inspired it, offering a layered encounter with the creative process and the power of collaboration.
Exhibition Details:
What: Poetry In Print Exhibition
When: Opening night: 5th of December 5-8pm. Then Open daily from 10-2pm 6th – 14th of December 2025
Where: 96 Victoria Street Mackay (Groove Moover Studio)
Some of the talented printmakers from the "Poetry in Print” project back in May
Poetry in Print unites Mackay poets and printmakers in a creative exhibition celebrating words, art, and community, showing December 5–14 at Groove Moover Studio. Photo source: Printback Mackay
By Michael James – Fitness Industry Professional, Facility Owner & Wellness Coach
Training is only half the story. The other half — the part that often makes or breaks your results — is nutrition. What you put into your body determines how well you recover, how much energy you have, and even how sharp your brain feels day to day. At Fitness Cartel Mackay, we’ve made this a priority by including a café stocked with protein shakes, supplements, and the right fuel to support both physical performance and mental clarity.
Two of the most important tools in this space are protein and creatine. While they’re often associated only with muscle building, the science shows their benefits extend far beyond bigger biceps or stronger lifts.
Protein – the foundation of recovery
Every time you train — whether lifting weights, attending a class, or going for a run — your muscles experience tiny tears. Protein is what rebuilds and repairs those fibres, making them stronger and more resilient. Without enough protein, your progress slows, soreness lingers, and your body simply doesn’t adapt the way you want it to.
But protein isn’t just about recovery. It helps regulate hormones, supports immune function, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, making it a vital ally for fat loss and energy management. For anyone chasing tone, strength, or simply better health, prioritising protein is non-negotiable.
Creatine – more than just muscle
Creatine is one of the most researched and effective supplements in the world, and its benefits go well beyond the weight room. Yes, it helps muscles produce explosive power, making it invaluable for strength and performance. But recent studies have highlighted something even more exciting: creatine’s impact on the brain.
Supplementing with creatine has been linked to improved memory, faster processing, and greater mental resilience under stress. In other words, it doesn’t just help you train harder — it helps you think clearer. For busy professionals, students, or anyone who wants to stay sharp, creatine is proving to be one of the most valuable tools available.
Convenience meets science
At Fitness Cartel Mackay, our café will make it easy to put the science into practice. Post-workout shakes blended with quality protein, creatine supplementation options, and expert advice will all be on hand. That means you don’t have to guess, and you don’t have to compromise. Refuelling becomes simple, enjoyable, and effective.
Fuel your ambition
Family, community, ambition — our core values run through everything we do. By fuelling properly, you’re not just helping your body recover; you’re giving yourself the energy to show up for your family, perform at work, and chase your goals with confidence.
Because fitness isn’t just about the hours you spend in the gym. It’s about how you feel in every other hour of the day. And the right nutrition is the key to unlocking that.
Under clear spring skies, Bowen families gathered at Hansen Park for a heartwarming celebration — the 2025 Baby Welcoming Ceremony. This cherished tradition, now more than 20 years strong, brought together 30 proud families to honour their newest arrivals, from tiny newborns to curious near-one-year-olds.
Mayor Ry Collins praised the “spectacular spring morning” and the incredible sense of community on display, commending the Bowen Lions Club for their dedication in keeping the event alive. With laughter, stories, and plenty of smiles, the day captured Bowen’s true spirit — a place where every new life is celebrated and every family belongs.
Bowen families gathered at Hansen Park on a beautiful spring morning for the 2025 Baby Welcoming Ceremony, a much-loved community tradition that has been running for more than two decades.
The event saw 30 families come together to celebrate their newest additions — from babies just a few weeks old to others nearing their first birthday.
Mayor Ry Collins described the occasion as “a spectacular spring morning at Hansen Park for Bowen’s 2025 Baby Welcoming Ceremony,” adding that it was “an incredible turnout with 30 families coming together to celebrate their little ones — some just a few weeks old, others nearing their first birthday.”
He said it was heartwarming to hear the stories and journeys of so many new parents.
“Mel and I felt truly privileged to be part of this beautiful tradition that’s been running for over 20 years now — a testament to the care and dedication of the amazing ladies (and some hard working gents) from the Bowen Lions Club,” he said.
Mayor Collins also commended the Bowen Lions Club for their ongoing commitment to the event.
“Take a bow — you’ve created something special that continues to bring joy and lasting memories to so many young families in our community,” he said.
The ceremony once again highlighted Bowen’s strong sense of community and the joy that comes with celebrating the next generation.
Also in attendance on the day was Councillor Michelle Wright.
Hi Everyone,
Many of you will know that my love for the environment inspired me to create Ruth2Reef, a column dedicated to showcasing ways we can protect it. That’s why, when I came to write this week’s article about the Ngaro Track on page four, I found myself at something of a crossroad.
The new trail is an incredible addition, a 32 km hike across awe-inspiring Whitsunday Island, all while promoting what it claims to be, which is 'ecotourism.' I love hiking and I am always keen to discover new places and test my limits, especially in a way that’s as environmentally conscious as possible. I genuinely believe this initiative gives both locals and visitors the chance to explore more of the natural wonders we’re so lucky to have.
At the same time, with my environmental columnist hat on, I completely understand the concerns of environmental members of our community. Protecting our national parks is essential, and we must make sure we don’t allow development to turn these pristine landscapes into a ‘concrete jungle,’ as has happened in many other parts of the world.
While I am not always sure who is right or wrong when there is a disagreement, I try to remain as neutral as I can in my journalism, giving all sides a voice. I recently attended a sustainable travel journalism masterclass with some of the world’s best, including National Geographic editors, and something one of them said really resonated with me: “No travel is ever entirely sustainable,” and “while it is important to bring different cultures together through travel, economically and environmentally there will always be negatives too, and we should remember to maximise the benefits alongside the negatives.” I hope that through my article, readers can see this perspective and how I have tried to incorporate all opinions on this new track and represent it fairly.
Enjoy delving in and reading about this new addition to the Whitsundays, and on the topic of who is right or wrong? Maybe the answer is: neither.
Ruth
I’ve also started using a new app that gives me a “word of the day,” so I thought I’d share today’s with you: latitudinarian - a person who is open minded and tolerant. Quite fitting I think!
Last Wednesday, November 5th was another big day for MRQ Whitsunday who came to the aid of a stranded boatie at Little Black Reef.
The 5.5-metre cabin cruiser, with two people on board, had broken down early in the morning when the call came through to Bill, the team’s 24/7 communications officer. Without hesitation, the crew rallied, with skipper and volunteers heading to Coral Sea Marina to prepare the rescue vessel.
Nat was first on scene to begin prep work, while Rodney and the skipper departed the marina at 7.50am under calm, glassy conditions, ideal weather for a safe and steady recovery.
On arrival, the crew found the vessel anchored in the lagoon at the centre of Little Black Reef. With the tide high, Nat and Rod launched the tender, towed the broken-down boat to the rescue vessel, and began the long tow home at 10.25am.
After a smooth return journey, the cruiser was safely brought back to Coral Sea Marina and rafted to the boat ramp by early afternoon.
The rescue wrapped up around 2pm, marking another successful mission for the dedicated volunteers.
The rescues that MRQ Whitsunday carry out are a testament to the teamwork and community spirit behind every callout.
MRQ Whitsunday volunteers Nat R. and Rodney S. during the rescue on November 5th. Photo sourced: Facebook
Around 50 people attended the Remembrance Day Service in Cannonvale this Tuesday 11 November. The service opened with a welcome from the President of Airlie Beach RSL Club Dianne Trueman, followed by a short address and prayer led by Father Andy Wilson.
Father Wilson reflected on the anniversary of the end of World War I, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those wounded in battle, and those who continue to bear the emotional scars of war.
Attendees joined together in the Prayer of Remembrance, giving thanks for the courage and sacrifice of servicemen and women and dedicating themselves to the pursuit of justice, freedom, and peace.
Wreaths were laid to the sound of piper Mick Patullo before John Schweitzer recited The Ode to the Fallen. The service then paused for the Last Post, the lowering of the national flag, and a minute’s silence, followed by the Rouse and flag raising by Bryce Fraser.
Jenni Borellini and Airlie Norton led the New Zealand and Australian national anthems respectively, before Father Wilson offered a prayer for those who serve in the Australian Defence Force. The ceremony concluded with the Lord’s Prayer and a reading of In Flanders Fields by John Schweitzer.
We will remember them.
By Ruth Puddefoot
Discover the real Whitsundays Island on a brand new long-distance hiking trail
Stretching 32 km along the southern end of Whitsunday Island, the brand-new Ngaro Track offers spectacular vistas, ever-changing scenery, and a connection between two iconic destinations: Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Visitors can explore the island’s remote interior and even camp overnight at bespoke campsites.
Offering both guided and self-guided tours, the government describes the track as providing a “range of first-class ecotourism experiences.” Hikers can climb the towering Whitsunday Craig, one of the island’s highest peaks, and meander through mangroves in the upper reaches of Hill Inlet. Along the way, they encounter the island’s rich plant and animal communities, as well as abundant marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the Whitsunday Sea. The track also traverses Ngaro Country, acknowledging the enduring connection of the Ngaro people to Land, Sea, and Sky as integral elements of their identity and culture.
The State Government, promoting a new era of ecotourism in Queensland, is anticipating the track’s official opening after the completion of construction. Officials claim that “the Ngaro Track will welcome low impact, guided commercial tours and self-sufficient walkers to experience the natural and cultural wonders of the Whitsundays like never before.”
Environment and Tourism Minister for Science and Innovation Minister Powell highlighted the track’s potential for tourism growth:
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and opening up immersive experiences in some of Queensland’s most jaw-dropping destinations is what makes our state so memorable,” he said.
“Move over, Tasmania – Queensland is setting a new benchmark for ecotourism with our Destination 2045 plan.”
Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm welcomed the addition to local tourism offerings:
“This is exactly what visitors and locals want to see in this beautiful part of the world,” she said.
“The ability to be immersed in nature, and be guided through such an important cultural destination,
will be unique for everyone who does the Ngaro Track.”
Mayor Ry Collins also praised the project:
“The Whitsundays have always been the heart of Queensland’s nature-based tourism, and projects like the Ngaro Track help strengthen that reputation while celebrating the cultural and environmental values that make this region so unique.
“This initiative is being delivered entirely by the Queensland Government, and we understand it has been carefully designed to balance access and protection while ensuring the natural beauty of Whitsunday Island remains front and centre.
“You only have to look at the famous Overland Track through the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania to see that sustainable tourism experiences like this are vital for regional economies, local jobs, and growing respect for Country.
“The more people who get to experience our environment in the right way, the more they value its protection.”
Tourism operators have also expressed excitement. Iconic Whitsundays co-owner and former Tourism Whitsundays Board Member Nicole Graham said:
“The National Parks do a fantastic job.
“People want these walks all around the world. So why shouldn’t we have them?
“We're in the Whitsundays, and we've got these unique islands, and it's such a fantastic opportunity to have this walk and have it an overnight.
“I've done overnight hikes, and I think they're a fantastic way to really enjoy the ecotourism and build that ecotourism in our region.”
However, environmental activists have raised concerns. The Whitsundays Conservation Council, the region’s peak ecological body and volunteer group, says conservation—the cardinal principle of a national park—is being sidelined.
Council President Tony Fontes stated:
“The State environmental agenda appears to have been taken over by tourism and business interests.
“WCC and our members have consistently voiced only the strongest opposition to private, commercial exclusive operations on public lands and that includes National Parks.
“There has been little to no community consultation regarding this project. To date, there is little information and no details on many aspects that raise concerns in this proposal.
“What we do know is that the trail will be exclusive to one commercial operator (World Expeditions). They will set the price for all walkers and it will not be cheap. This track has been built by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service with our taxpayer dollars. This is not ecotourism, it is eco-exploitation.”
Michael Buggy, World Expeditions (WEX) Director of Australasian Operating Companies Michael Buggy said WEX was delighted to play a role in bringing the Ngaro Track to the public.
“We can’t wait to welcome walkers on the Ngaro Track, Queensland’s newest multi-day hiking adventure and a truly special journey through one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.”
With its combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and adventure tourism, the Ngaro Track is poised to become a landmark attraction for the Whitsundays. But as the excitement builds, the debate over access, commercialisation, and conservation continues, highlighting the delicate balance between tourism development and environmental stewardship.
The Ngaro Track - World Expeditions. Photo credit: Matt Horspool.
By Daniel Heggie
Residents of the Whitsundays may have spotted a newer, cleaner, sleeker looking ambulance rolling through town during the last few weeks, as the Whitsunday Ambulance Station gains a brand new Ambulance.
Acting Officer in Charge of the station Erin Maree Saltmarsh said that the fellow officers have been loving it, and despite it being at the station for four weeks, this week was the first time she had time to properly take a look at it, due to constantly being used on jobs.
The Whitsunday Ambulance Station now have five ambulances that service the growing population in the region.
"We're trying to plan for the growth in population and the increase in our workload here with QAS (Queensland Ambulance Service) in the Whitsundays," said Erin.
"By getting new vehicles that we know we can rely on, helps us to be able to get to the patients and those within the community quicker, and it's guaranteed we're going to get there, because there's nothing worse than if you have a vehicle breakdown and we're delayed.
"Having good equipment and the staff to be able to deal with the growth in the population is really important."
The new Ambulance is a Mercedes Sprinter 419 VS30 Van and is equipped with new technology. It contains an MDT, which allows operators to be dispatched through a screen, without using radios. It also has a Satelite Push to Talk device and a satelite phone too.
Amanda Camm MP Member for Whitsunday said that this new ambulance represents more than just a need for newer technology in the region.
"This represents an investment that recognises the continued growth and the importance of renewal of infrastructure and assets that we need for our frontline health services," she said.
"We know across particularly our Cannonvale area, our community continues to grow, and we need to continue to invest to keep up with that growth and deliver good outcomes."
With a growing population Ms Camm MP also said the region needs to look to the future, and she will be advocating and going to the Health Minister with talks to see further investment into the Whitsunday Ambulance Station.
The new ambulance at the Whitsunday Ambulance Station with staff and Amanda Camm MP. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Bowen Mural at Front Beach and beside the Little Mango the Information Centre is complete.
Artist Glen Gillard said he has completed the 'book ends' of a mural piece which includes old drawings of buildings on Herbert Street in Bowen.
The latest artworks depict the School of Arts and the Town Hall both once prominent landmarks along Herbert Street.
Glen explained that The School of Arts was badly damaged in the 1958 cyclone and later demolished, while the Town Hall, built in 1890, was destroyed by fire in 1912.
It took Glen around six weeks to complete both pieces. Fans of Glen’s work will be pleased to know his trademark and much loved green tree frogs have returned, with around six hidden throughout the mural.
Gillard, who has painted around eight murals in Bowen, praised the town’s Mural Society which began in 1988.
Backed by the Bowen Mural Society, Glen conducted extensive research through local archives and the State Library to ensure each historic detail was accurate.
The Bowen Mural Society are also eager to hear from anybody that would be interested in joining the committee, to ensure that this Bowen tradition lives on.
The completed mural in Bowen. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Whitsunday residents now have another way to fly directly from the region to Cairns — and the new connection is already proving a hit with travellers on both sides of the reef. A new direct flight between Cairns and Hamilton Island has officially taken off, reconnecting two of Queensland’s most iconic Great Barrier Reef destinations for the first time since the pandemic and opening the door for more Cairns visitors to explore the Whitsundays.
The inaugural East Air service departed Cairns Airport at 9am on Monday, touching down just over an hour later on Hamilton Island after a celebratory farewell. East Air Managing Director Alan Milne said the service had exceeded expectations, with strong forward bookings and near-full flights.
“The service is designed to better serve travellers, both domestic and international. We have created a seamless corridor between two Great Barrier Reef gateways, which means visitors don’t have to choose between one or the other,” Mr Milne said.
“It is particularly attractive for international tourists who may not often visit regional Queensland."
Mr Milne said additional Sunday flights would begin in February, catering to weekend travellers.
“Residents in Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays are excited to have another convenient holiday option. Sales are strong and building, and we’re thrilled with how quickly the flights are returning to their previous passenger loads,” he said.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker added the new route would further boost regional tourism, while Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling said he was “thrilled to welcome back direct flights between Hamilton Island and Cairns.”
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