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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A local woman has sparked an incredible wave of community generosity after launching a fundraiser to support a young girl from Charters Towers living with Rett syndrome.
When Airlie Beach local Abby Duffin shared a simple Facebook post seeking raffle prizes for a fundraiser, she never expected the overwhelming response that followed.
“I’m shocked myself with how much it took off,” Abby said.
“I just wanted to do something to help Haven and her family. I grew up with them, they are basically family.”
Two-year-old Haven was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects only girls and causes severe impairments in movement and communication. While children with Rett maintain full understanding, their bodies slowly lose the ability to function.
“Haven is two and a few months, but she still can't talk and she can't walk either,” said Abby.
“The more I can make, the better it is for her future.
“Her mum, Shannon, is trying to get her to go to there's a therapy place in Brisbane, and there's like three weeks stints of intensive therapy for her to try and get her walking, or as close to walking as much as they can.”
Abby’s fundraiser will be held at Lola’s Bar, with a $5 entry fee and all proceeds going directly to Haven’s family to assist with travel, medical, and therapy costs. The night will feature live music, karaoke, and raffles with prizes donated by both local and national businesses.
“The support has been insane,” Abby said. “Mirage Whitsundays donated a two-night stay in a three-bedroom villa with a private plunge pool, Big4 offered a weekend getaway for Haven’s family, and even Australia Zoo got involved.”
Abby now has 12 major raffle bundles, and each are worth around $500 or more.
Abby said she will continue accepting donations and prizes right up until the event.
“It’s just blown me away how generous people have been,” she said. “This community really does rally behind people when it matters.”
Anyone wishing to contribute a raffle prize or donation can contact Abby via abbyduffin19@hotmail.com.
The fundraiser will take place at Lola’s Bar, on 21st November from 7pm til late. Attendees encouraged to come dressed in their coolest retro outfits for an evening of fun, music, and meaningful support.
Preparations are officially underway for the construction of the new Collinsville Community Hub, marking a major milestone for the town’s social and recreational future.
Whitsunday Regional Council has announced that the current Collinsville Community Centre will close after 26 November 2025 to allow site preparation and equipment storage to commence ahead of construction.
The new Community Hub is expected to provide a modern, versatile space that better meets the needs of residents, local groups, and visiting organisations. Once complete, it will serve as a central point for gatherings, meetings, and events—continuing the strong community spirit that Collinsville is known for.
To ensure activities can continue during the construction period, Council has arranged for community events to be temporarily relocated to the Collinsville Rugby League Clubhouse. This arrangement will ensure there’s room for local groups to meet and for social activities to continue uninterrupted.
Council say they are eager to see this long-awaited project move forward and will share updates as key milestones are reached, including the announcement of the successful tenderer and the commencement of construction.
Council also said they will provide construction dates, progress updates, and further details once the tender has been awarded.
The Whtisunday Regional Council urge residents to stay tuned as thye prepare to bring this exciting new community hub to life in Collinsville!
The new proposed Community Centre in Collinsville. Photo sourced: Facebook
Almost 12 weeks on from his disappearance, the search continues for 42-year-old Brett Breeze, with his family and friends greatly concerned for his welfare, spreading their love far and wide across the East Queensland coastline.
Brett was last seen leaving the Bowen Hospital on Tuesday, the 19th of August, wearing a blue fishing shirt, black shoes and black shorts with a khaki backpack. Shortly after he was last seen, his belongings including his shoes and phone were found on the right-hand side of Kings Road 20 meters into the clearing.
Since his disappearance, his family have established the Facebook page titled Missing Person Brett Breeze in an effort to gather details of his whereabouts and promote searches across the coastline and further inland.
Amanda Breeze has coordinated countless efforts into remote areas of the Whitsundays Shire, with one conducted just last week along the roads neighbouring Crofton and Cowrie Streets.
Many concerned locals have posted in the group to highlight areas where possible sightings have been reported and offer their assistance to Brett’s family through the flying of drones to covering remote waterways.
Brett has been described as Caucasian, approximately 180cm tall with auburn hair and blue eyes. If anyone has any information about his whereabouts, authorities are urging the community to contact Amanda on 0466 256 175, emergency services on 000, crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or police link on 131 444.
At the time of print Brett Breeze is still missing.
Michael and Val Kimpton, originally from Melbourne, have quickly become familiar faces and community champions in Airlie Beach.
After successfully helping to revive the Airlie Beach Triathlon, the pair have turned their energy toward another cause, securing a Mobile Blood Bank for the Whitsundays.
In the 1970s, Michael received a life-saving blood transfusion after a serious accident, an experience that continues to inspire his passion for helping others.
Proserpine Hospital currently relies on blood supplies transported from Mackay. With blood having a limited shelf life — and only a small number of locals able to make the long trip south to donate — maintaining adequate supplies continues to be a challenge.
On Sunday 2 November, Michael and Val travelled to Mackay for a Cabinet meeting, where they presented their proposal to Queensland Health Minister Hon. Tim Nicholls, pledging their own financial contribution to help get the service off the ground before seeking state funding.
The Whitsunday region’s population now exceeds 41,000 - not counting backpackers and seasonal workers and it continues to grow. The Kimptons believe this growth strengthens the case for a regular mobile service.
While Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has responded that current supplies are sufficient, the Kimptons disagree and are backed by Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm.
The couple plan to continue their campaign until a Mobile Blood Bank becomes a regular visitor to the Whitsundays, making it easier for locals to donate and save lives.
Val and Michael Kimpton want to see a Mobile Blood Bank come to the Whitsundays. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Whitsundays is set to benefit from a boost in social and affordable housing, with the State Government announcing dozens of new homes now underway or under contract across the region. The initiative aims to support local families and individuals struggling to secure housing, ensuring more residents have access to safe, stable and affordable places to call home.
In the region, 30 new social homes are planned for Proserpine, 32 for Bowen, and 11 affordable homes for Moranbah. This is all part of a growing housing pipeline aimed at tackling Queensland’s housing shortage.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the projects form part of the Government’s commitment to delivering 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
“Projects like this one are vital to meeting the need for social housing for Mackay-Whitsunday locals waiting for a place to call home,” Minister O’Connor said.
“We’re ramping up construction across the State to deliver 2,000 social and community homeseach year on average by the end of this term.
The new approach also empowers community housing providers to apply for funding year-round, supporting a steady supply of new homes in regional Queensland.
In Mackay, 18 new social homes are now under construction, comprising 15 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units to be completed by late 2026.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the 141 new homes across the Mackay-Whitsunday region mark a significant step forward.
“These 18 new social homes will be life-changing and provide stability for some of our most vulnerable locals,” Mr Dalton said.
The Governments new housing hopes to help locals find a place to call home. Stock Image
Last Friday the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) hosted their biggest Monthly Brekky in front of nearly 70 people.
The monthly breakfast held out the front of Shirtfront Solutions and Enzed Whitsundays has been growing every time and President of WSPN Matt Stokes said these breakfasts are a fantastic way to promote conversations amongst mates.
"It's great to see the numbers increasing and I'd like to see it even bigger than this. So keep inviting your mates!" he said.
"Suicide prevention is everyone's job, so if you know anyone struggling, make sure you bring them along."
Matt also thanked Earthwise Waste Solutions for being the sponsors of the BBQ Brekky, and Food From the Heart Airlie Beach who donated Bacon. Matt said he wants to keep this event free forever and urges sponsors that are interested to come forward.
Whitsunday Zonta and Whitsundays Property Buyers both donated $500 to WSPN.
WSPN are a community funded organisation that spend money where it matters most - finding counselling for people that are the most vulnerable to suicide.
"Our message is simple, it is that suicide prevention is everyone's job, and we are really grateful for everyone here today."
Whitsunday Zonta Vicky Krogh, President of WSPN Matt Stokes, and Whitsunday Property Buyers Lara Kell-Colliver and Drew Colliver
WSPN Di, Rob and Gis
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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Few Australian soldiers fought in Europe in World War 2 however the RAAF, including thousands of Australians who were posted to RAF squadrons, made a significant contribution to the bombing of Germany and patrolling of allied shipping in the Atlantic. The air war in the European theatre claimed the lives of 5488 RAAF airmen.
One of those who was fortunate to return home was Flying Officer Cecil Graham Mazlin 018007 (434989) whose flying logbook was recently loaned to the Proserpine Museum. Cec Mazlin served in the Royal Australian Air Force undertaking 50 combat missions in the skies over Europe in World War 2.
Born in Proserpine on July 24, 1924, to parents, Cecil Evelyn Mazlin and Kathleen Doris nee Ledlie, Cec, as he was known, attended Proserpine State School and completed his education at Brisbane Boys’ College and Thornborough College. Upon leaving school, he worked as a clerk for CC Wakefield Oil Company in the Valley in Brisbane.
After about a year with the company, Cec left to join the RAAF enlisting on February 25 1943 as Air Crew V with the rank ACII. His initial training was in Kingaroy after which he went to Wireless and Gunnery School in Maryborough and Bomb and Gunnery School in Evans Head. Cec graduated in November 1943 as a Sergeant Wireless Operator Air Gunner.
In Sydney, in December 1943, Cec boarded the steamer “Willard A Holbrook” bound for San Francisco. After crossing the USA by train and eventually embarking on the “Queen Elizabeth”, the troops arrived in Glasgow then travelled by train to Brighton for conversion courses on Ansons, Wellingtons, Halifaxes and Lancasters. In March 1944, he was reclassified to Wireless Operator (Air).
In October 1944, Flight Sergeant Cec Mazlin was posted to 100 SQN RAF (a subsidiary of 460 SQN – Australian) at Waltham, outside Grimsby. This was a British Squadron into which RAAF crews were seconded to boost numbers. There were three major operational commands in the RAF – Bomber Command; Fighter Command and Transport Command. Cec and his crew flew 35 successful combat missions operating Lancaster bombers over Germany - a significant achievement considering that for RAAF members in RAF Bomber Command, more than one in three were killed. (Source: Australian War Memorial)
Cec and his crew were then posted for instructional duties however the men did not like this, so they volunteered for Pathfinders (PFF) and were posted to the south of England. After a couple of trips, someone discovered that their skipper did not have adequate eyesight for a pilot!
Cec then applied for a transfer back to 100 SQN where he joined a Canadian crew and completed 15 more combat missions before war’s end. Just prior to the end of the war, he was promoted to Warrant Officer. Cec and his crew then flew to Europe where they participated in the Berlin airlift operation to help repatriate ex-POWs to the UK. In September 1945, he was commissioned as an Officer with the rank of Pilot Officer while on a posting to Headquarters in Brighton where he spent five months.
Pilot Officer Cecil Graham Mazlin embarked for return to Australia in November 1945 and was demobbed in February 1946. After his return to Australia, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, and the Returned from Active Service Badge.
Back in Australia, Cec returned to Wakefields. In 1949, he married Ailsa Johnson, and they moved to Proserpine where he worked as a clerk for Briggs and Mazlin before buying into part of the firm then branching out on his own. Cec and Ailsa had three children – Joanne, Graham and Warren.
Cecil Graham Mazlin passed away on November 8, 1991. He is buried in the Proserpine Cemetery.
LEST WE FORGET
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and Cec Mazlin’s son, Warren Mazlin. Information also sourced from “The Proserpine News 1939 – 1945 WWII” by Lyn Burke and Lloyd Fox
Cec Mazlin. Photo supplied.
The Brisbane Broncos started their Trophy Tour this week, starting in Brisbane, travelling up to Cainrs, down the coast and throughout Queensland.
On Thursday 13th November the team will stop in Bowen, ex local and now Broncos player Corey Jensen will be dropping in to town.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins took to Facebook to announce the news, he is under the impression the Brisbane Broncos will be dropping in to a handful of local schools, and will be stopping at Bowen Seagulls Rugby League club, Corey's old Bowen team.
They will be stopping at Queens Beach State School and Bowen State Primary School before rounding out the day with a visit to Jensen's junior Club, the Bowen Seagulls.
The Future Trophy Champions Visit will be held at Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby League Club at 3:30-4:30pm, with Corey Jensen, Alex Glenn and Petero Civoniceva making an appearance.
Making the Trophy Tour even more impressive, the women's Brisbane Broncos will be in town also showing off their tropuhy after taking the NRLW 2025 title.
Brisbane Broncos Captain, Adam Reynolds said he is looking forward to continuing the tour.
“Bringing our double Premiership trophies to fans, schools, and communities across Queensland is an amazing way to thank them and inspire the next generation of Broncos supporters and future players,” he said.
Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said, “This Trophy Tour is about pride and gratitude, thanking the people of Brisbane and Queensland for standing behind us, and sparking belief in the next generation who’ll carry the Broncos spirit, and hopefully more Premierships, forward.”
Don't miss the Brisbane Broncos Trophy Tour in Bowen. Photo sourced: Brisbane Broncos
Founded in early 2024, Compass Realty Whitsundays is a boutique real estate agency dedicated to providing a personalised, transparent, and grounded approach to property sales, appraisals, and auctions. Owner and operator Kath Barker brings nearly two decades of experience in business, construction, property, and real estate.
Kath launched Compass Realty to fill a gap in the market for a more human-centred service — one that supports clients through life-changing property decisions with care and confidence.
Based in the Whitsundays, Compass Realty specialises in residential properties and prides itself on deep local knowledge combined with innovative marketing strategies, including storytelling and social media. The agency stands apart by building genuine, long-term relationships, ensuring every client feels heard and empowered.
Recent trends show a rapidly evolving industry where buyers and sellers expect transparency, digital fluency, and expert guidance. Lifestyle choices continue to drive demand in the region, with many seeking coastal living and flexible work options. Compass Realty also actively educates clients on important legislative changes, such as the upcoming Form 2 Seller Disclosure requirements, providing clients with clarity and confidence.
Like many small businesses, Compass Realty balances growth with maintaining personalised service. This has been achieved through streamlining systems, improving time management, and collaborating with a trusted local professional network. Staying abreast of industry changes as a proud REIQ member allows the business to confidently navigate the evolving real estate landscape.
Top tips from Kath for other business owners are:
As a new member of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce, Compass Realty is eager to engage with local business owners, contribute to a supportive community, and continue growing alongside the region they love.
Contact Kath Barker today on 0401 809 697 or email kathbarker@atrealty.com.au
Photo credit: R Jean Photography
The Hinchinbrook Festival of Events is entering week 3 of the event calendar, and the organisers are extremely pleased with the attendance and participation at the many events and celebrations delivered to date.
The overwhelming and ongoing support from the local and visitor community has exceeded the organisers' expectations. Data recorded to date from each event indicates the majority of the ticketed events have been sell-outs, with the “free to enter” events exceeding previous attendance numbers.
As the calendar continues to roll around, the next major event within the “Hinchinbrook Festival of Events” calendar is the NQIB Country Cups Challenge Qualifier - Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day on the 15th November at the Ingham Race Course!
This event promises a full day of horse racing, fashion, and socialising that will not disappoint! Being a family-friendly event, a day of exciting trackside entertainment for the whole family is assured.
Gates open at 11:00am on Saturday morning, with five local races. Local and southern bookmakers and Sky Racing are onsite for those who want to have a flutter. Live music and a DJ will entertain the crowd, with a bar and canteen open to keep the revellers fed and thirst-quenched.
The spectacular “Fashions on the Field” is always a highly contested event and children’s amusements provide entertainment for the younger audience. This year, there is a new fashion category - “Living the Hinchinbrook Way – 4850” - which will add another interesting aspect to the fashions. So get ready to enjoy a day at the races, Hinchinbrook style!
Pre-purchase Adult Entry Tickets ($15 each) and Tables ($60 per table – seats 10) online. With kids 0-14 years being free, and teens 14-17 years only available at the gate on race day.
For more information, or to purchase Entry Tickets and/or Tables, visit https://hinchinbrookchamber.com.au/hinchinbrook-cup-race-day-family-event/
Fashions on the Field, dressed to impress.
Five races will hit the track on Hinchinbrook Cup Race Day
Photos supplied
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Building Our Whitsunday Legacy
The Whitsundays continues to make its mark on the State stage, with myself and CEO Warren Bunker front and centre at the Community Cabinet meeting in Mackay last Sunday where we presented our region’s priorities directly to the Premier, Deputy Premier and key Ministers.
We’re a region on the move, and I’m proud to see the Whitsundays recognised as one of Queensland’s fastest-growing and most forward-thinking communities. We’re not waiting for the future, we’re getting on with building it.
Council is delivering major projects that are reshaping how people live, work and move across our region. We’ve secured almost $30 million in Federal funding for two cornerstone projects — the Cannonvale Community Hub and the Whitsunday Regional Sports Park — designed to anchor our growing communities, create local jobs, and provide spaces for people to connect.
Through the State Government’s Residential Activation Fund, more than $50 million will help unlock trunk infrastructure for around 3,000 new homes over the next decade. That’s a major step in addressing housing supply and making sure growth happens in a planned, sustainable way.
I want to acknowledge the efforts of our local State Members, Amanda Camm and Dale Last, who continue to be strong advocates for the Whitsundays. They know our region, they listen, and they work alongside Council to get results. Whether it’s housing, infrastructure, or community projects, Amanda and Dale roll up their sleeves and back the projects that make a real difference for local people.
At the Community Cabinet we also used the opportunity to highlight the next wave of transformational projects from Olympic and Paralympic Sailing infrastructure in Airlie Beach and Bowen, to the Bowen Foreshore Revitalisation and the delivery of legacy community sport and tourism facilities that will set our region up for the 2032 Games and beyond.
These projects aren’t just about construction, they’re about building a stronger, more liveable Whitsunday community. They’re about keeping our young people here, attracting new families, and creating opportunities that flow through every town.
As I told the Premier, we don’t mind hard work up here, but we just want a fair go on the big infrastructure that keeps Queensland moving.
The Whitsundays are charging toward the Olympic decade with optimism, pride and purpose and together with the Crisafulli Government we’re ready to deliver a legacy that makes our community proud.
Next week is National Recycling Week (10-16 November), and we’re celebrating with some exciting events for our youngest recyclers!
Join us for a special recycling theme story time and a visit from the yellow recycling truck at the following locations:
Bowen Library: 10am, Tuesday 11 November 2025
Cannonvale Library: 10am, Thursday 13 November 2025
Bring your mini recyclers and join in as we learn about recycling in a fun, hands-on way! Thanks to JJ’s Waste and Recycling for helping to deliver these events.
For more information on recycling in the Whitsunday Region, visit www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/lets-get-sorted
Belle Property Whitsunday celebrated the grand opening of its new central office in Cannonvale over the weekend, marking an exciting new chapter for the real estate team.
The black-tie event was an exclusive affair, welcoming staff and valued clients to experience the brand-new, purpose-built premises for the first time. Guests enjoyed sunset drinks while exploring the stylish new office, which features a sleek, contemporary design that captures the professionalism and prestige of the Belle Property brand.
Principal and staff members were on hand to guide guests through the impressive new space, highlighting the layout designed to enhance collaboration and client service. The evening was filled with laughter, excitement, and anticipation for what’s ahead as Belle Property Whitsunday continues to expand its presence in the region.
The new Cannonvale office represents both growth and a renewed commitment to excellence in real estate.
Photo credit: Trish Jandt
The festive season has officially arrived at News Whitsunday, where owner Rich Bates and his team have once again transformed the store into a Christmas wonderland.
Now in their fourth year of returning Christmas memorabilia Rich said excitement continues to build as locals return each season to see what new decorations are on offer.
"We get a lot of custom made stuff for us, and we try and get different ones every year, just so the locals can get different ones," he said.
“This year we’ve got a tractor with working headlights, a fairy-tale carriage, a truck, and even an aeroplane, all designed just for the Whitsundays.”
Each piece is made from quality glass and metal and is battery and USB powered, many customers collect them annually or purchase them as gifts.
Alongside the collectable pieces, News Whitsunday is stocked with Christmas wrapping paper, cards, gift bags, and festive décor. After local stores sold out last year, Rich made sure to order extra stock to keep up with demand.
One of the biggest hits at Christmas time are the 'Scratchy trees', Christmas trees made entirely from instant lottery tickets, and Rich said Renee will be creating more for this year.
With Christmas fast approaching, locals are encouraged to get in early to secure their favourite festive treasures before they’re gone for another year.
Owner of News Whitsunday Rich Bates invites the whole community to come into the store and check out the Christmas memorabilia. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Tucked inside the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, Tranquil Breeze Massage has been helping locals and visitors unwind since new owners Angela and Grant opened their doors on September 17.
Angela says the business has quickly developed a roster of loyal customers, thanks to its convenient location and calming atmosphere.
“There’s lots of foot traffic going past, and it’s great to see people stop in to relax,” she said.
Originally from Taiwan, Angela and her family moved to Australia in 2019, drawn to the Whitsundays’ slower pace and friendly community.
“We wanted a smaller, more relaxed atmosphere than the cities,” she said. “It’s such a good lifestyle here for our kids.”
After more than two decades in the massage industry, Angela brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to her new venture. Tranquil Breeze Massage specialises in a range of treatments designed to suit different needs from deep tissue and remedial massage to relaxation and foot therapy, each delivered in a warm, welcoming space.
Angela says she’s passionate about helping people feel better, whether that’s easing sore muscles after a long day or simply providing a moment of calm in someone’s busy schedule.
“Everyone is different,” she said. “My favourite is feeling people relax, everyone is so different and every time I finish a massage people say that they love it. And that is a good feeling.”
Life in Taiwan, she explains, was convenient and safe, but the work culture was demanding. The move to Airlie Beach has allowed her family to find the balance they were searching for, trading the fast-paced city life for tropical serenity.
Now, with two daughters happily settled at school and a growing customer base, Angela says she’s grateful for the support of the community and looks forward to continuing to offer a tranquil retreat for locals and visitors alike.
Angela, an expert in massage, is now at Tranquil Breeze Massage in Cannonvale
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