A major lighting upgrade at the Bowen Sporting Complex has been completed, paving the way for night games and future growth at one of the town’s key community hubs.

The project delivered brand-new field lighting that meets the standards required for day/night cricket matches, as well as enabling night events for rugby and other sports, giving local players and visiting teams greater flexibility and opportunities to train and compete after dark.

The upgrade was made possible through a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government's Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games under the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities (MIFF) Program, with Whitsunday Regional Council contributing an additional $350,000.

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said the upgrade would enable more sports to explore night-play options, which brought with it many benefits.

“These upgrades are a great boost for Bowen’s sporting community. As a shared facility, the new lighting is an investment that produces results for several sports and for hundreds of participants,” Mr Last said.

“The ability to play and train at night is a great boost from both a comfort and health point of view. In turn, there is the potential for those sports to grow player numbers.”

Mr Last said the project was a great example of local groups, councils and state government working cooperatively for a great outcome.

“The state government’s contribution to the lighting project was funded through the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund and it is a project that illustrates perfectly the goals of that fund,” he said.

“The local clubs, council and the state government have all contributed directly toward an upgrade that brings many benefits including reduced costs for the clubs by utilising modern lighting.

“I am immensely proud of the fact that our government recognises the specific challenges for sporting clubs in regional Queensland and supports those clubs with projects like this to make sport accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the project marked an exciting step toward transforming the precinct into a flagship destination for sport in the north.

“This lighting upgrade is more than just providing brighter fields, it’s a sign of what’s to come,” Mayor Collins said.

“We’re committed to working closely with the Bowen sporting clubs and their overarching masterplan to help deliver a multi-sport complex the entire region can be proud of.

“With a new clubhouse and improved parking and access highlighted as key future improvements in the masterplan this precinct is well on its way to becoming a hallmark venue with potential to host regional, state and even national competitions.”

Mayor Collins thanked the Queensland Government for its ongoing support of grassroots and regional sport, especially in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“This investment gives Bowen’s athletes the infrastructure they deserve and helps build a stronger pipeline for sporting participation across all ages and abilities,” he said.

Council will continue working with local stakeholders to help shape the next stage of upgrades, ensuring the precinct grows in line with community needs and sporting ambitions.

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President Bowen Sporting Complex Coordination Association (BSCCA) Brandan Mackie, David Cooper representing Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, Mayor Ry Collins, BSCCA Secretary Jill Warren, Capital Project Manager Danny Borgh, Cr Michelle Wright, Nth Qld Manager Qld Sport and Recreation Cameron Whiting, Qld Sport and Recreation Doug Pitt. Photo supplied

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Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Max has his boots firmly planted in two very different worlds: the rugged, hands‑on life of a central Queensland cattle station, and the bustling day‑to‑day routine of boarding school in Townsville.

“I live on a station north of Clermont called Mazeppa,” Max explained. “When I’m not here at school, I live there with my family.”

Home for Max is anything but quiet. Mazeppa Station is a working property that runs both cattle and crops, keeping everyone on their toes year‑round. “We have a mix of cattle and crops, so there’s always plenty to do,” he said. “There’s not really such a thing as a day off on the property.”

Max is no stranger to getting his hands dirty. When he’s home, he’s often found helping his dad with jobs around the station, including driving tractors and mustering cattle, to basic maintenance like greasing machinery and checking equipment.

Max already has one eye on the future. His goal is to gain trade qualifications that will help him bring even more value to the family business.

“I think if I can do an apprenticeship as a mechanic or a diesel fitter or something like that, it’ll be great for working on the farm,” he said.

When he’s not lending a hand with station work, Max makes time for his own kind of fun. A keen rider, he often jumps on his CRF230 motorbike or catches up with friends. “We like to go pigging on weekends and in the school holidays,” Max said with a grin.

Despite the change of pace, Max has taken boarding school life in his stride. At Tec‑NQ House, he’s made strong friendships and settled well into the rhythm of living away from home. “In my free time, I go to Planet Fitness with my mates or watch the Storm play in the NRL,” Max said. “I’m enjoying it so far, it’s much better than regular school.”

Max is one of many regional students who benefit from Tec‑NQ House, a purpose‑built boys-only boarding facility located in Rosslea, Townsville. Opened in March 2022, it provides accommodation for up to 40 senior school students from regional and remote Queensland, helping them access Tec‑NQ’s unique trade‑focused senior school program.

The facility is designed to promote social connection and inclusivity while maintaining a nurturing, homely atmosphere. Students enjoy 24/7 supervised care, air‑conditioned double‑occupancy rooms, modern communal areas, streaming services, computers, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.

Tec‑NQ House balances structure and support. Dedicated staff foster wellbeing and independence, while the on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals. Students also enjoy after‑hours excursions, sports, and social activities. Daily transport is provided to the Tec‑NQ Douglas co-educational campus and work placements.

For Max, Tec‑NQ House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a launchpad. With support and pathways into trade careers, students like Max are shaping their own promising futures, firmly grounded in both boots and books.

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Members of the Uniting Church at St. Martin’s say they would love to see more people attend one of the local church services held at the venue each week.

Church goer Pete Harling said he enjoys going because it gives him time to stop each week.

“It gives me time in the week, just to stop and to listen and communicate with my friend Jesus," he explained.

“I believe that kindness and forgiveness are the ways to behave and I think they're so hard to do all the time that you need help from somewhere and I think that Jesus is the role model that helps me do that.”

The small numbers in the church has allowed Pete and the rest of the congregation get to know each other well.

Reverend at the Uniting Church Suzy Sitton says that although the group is small, the welcome is big.

Worship times at St. Martin’s are:
7.30 am Uniting Church
10.00 am Baptist Church
3.00 pm Lutheran Church [4th Sunday of month]
6.00 pm Roman Catholic Mass.

At the Uniting Church, new arrivals are greeted joyfully and a friendly atmosphere thrives as people gather to follow their friend, Jesus, and accept his encouragement to live lives of kindness and forgiveness.

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St. Martin's Church in Cannonvale. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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To 2025 Whitsunday Writers Festival Events

The Whitsundays Writers Festival returns to Airlie Beach on Friday, 12 September 2025, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, featuring a stellar line-up of authors and guest speakers.

A highlight is the Love Letter to Queensland event with keynote speaker Dr. Anita Heiss, an award-winning author of over 20 books across multiple genres. A proud Wiradyuri woman, she is also an ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland.

Joining her are Gold Walkley Award winner Hedley Thomas, Queensland Literary Award winner Steve MinOn, and acclaimed author and journalist Matthew Condon OAM. These speakers will read their personal love letters to Queensland, take part in a panel discussion, and sign books. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP will also share her love letter, and Karen Jacobsen—local performer and “The GPS Girl®”—will perform a love song to Queensland.

Community submissions are open until August 31 for love letters (300 words max), with fantastic prizes: a $1000 Daydream Island voucher (adults), $500 Tropix Photography gift certificate (under 18s), and gifts from Street Library Australia and Kitten Vintage Mackay (young writers).

Mayor Ry Collins, Festival Patron, will read the winning letters and announce the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, including The Gloria Burley Award for unpublished fiction and the Short Story Award for under 18s, supported by the Roderick Centre.

Also on Friday are Memoir Writing Sessions with award-winning author and journalist Dr. Lindsay Simpson, designed for aspiring writers.

Tickets and info: www.whitsundayswriters.com

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Award-winning author Dr. Anita Heiss will present the keynote address at the 2025 Whitsundays Writers Festival

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The countdown is officially on! The Whitsunday Tourism Awards are back on October 18 and we couldn’t be more excited to give a big shoutout to this year’s amazing finalists.

An impressive 93 businesses have been named across 14 categories, covering everything from great places to stay, to eat and to experience. These awards are all about celebrating the people and places that make our region one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots.

In a fresh twist this year, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards are based on results from the Best of Queensland Experience Program, meaning no submissions, just recognition based on real results and customer reviews. Out of 123 Best of Queensland recognised products, 50 scored a perfect 100. That’s a huge achievement and a true reflection of the quality across our region.

Whether it’s an island stay, a reef adventure, a beachfront cafe or a land-based tour, these finalists represent the heart and soul of tourism in the Whitsundays. They work hard, deliver amazing customer service and help showcase everything we love about our region.

We can’t wait to celebrate them all on October 18. It’s going to be a night to remember and a well-earned moment in the spotlight for the people and businesses who make our region shine.

Congrats again to all the finalists, you’ve done the Whitsundays proud!

Contributed with thanks to Tourism Whitsundays

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Some of last years' winners at the glamorous Whitsunday Tourism Awards event held on Daydream Island

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference on Thursday 28 August, bringing together more than 120 business leaders and stakeholders from across the region.
The full-day program, designed by locals for locals, was shaped following an expression of interest process earlier this year to ensure the topics and speakers reflect the needs of Whitsunday businesses.
Attendees can expect keynote speakers, panel discussions, and 14 concurrent sessions delivering practical insights and strategies across marketing, workforce development, technology, partnerships, and business resilience.
Chamber President Allan Milostic said the event reflects the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the region’s business community.
“Our goal is to create an environment where local businesses can connect, learn from each other, and gain tools they can put into action straight away. This conference is about more than ideas – it’s about building the confidence and capacity to make those ideas happen.”
Conference Committee Chair Megan Taylor of Kapow Interactive said the locally led approach is key to its impact.
“By inviting the business community to help shape the program, we’ve ensured every session is relevant and actionable. We’ve brought together experts who understand our opportunities and challenges, so attendees leave inspired and ready to take the next step.”
With formal sessions, interactive activities, and networking the conference promises to deliver both professional value and community spirit.
Whitsunday Business Conference Sells Out – Join the waitlist
The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference is officially sold out, with more than 120 delegates and 70 organisations confirmed to attend.
Missed out? Contact the Chamber to join the waiting list and be notified if places become available: admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.

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Nationally recognised business coach and keynote speaker Judy Porter of Shiift will deliver an energising presentation, Getting Out of Your Own Way, at the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference. With over 25 years as a multi-industry business owner and a background in psychology, Judy understands how personality, beliefs, and leadership styles shape business culture.
Judy challenges leaders to reflect on their approach, build genuine trust, and embrace their role as visionary leaders.
“Growing a passion into a business is a wild, rewarding ride,” she says. “But what happens when you’re still in the driver’s seat, tooting your own horn, and holding the map with white knuckles? At some point, you have to trust the team, step into the leadership space, and create a culture where your people can drive the vision forward with you – not just ride along.”
Drawing on experience managing teams of up to 250 staff, Judy offers practical tools to move from micromanagement to empowerment. Known for her engaging style, humour, and actionable strategies, she is a former Chamber Board member and active contributor to regional initiatives.
Judy will also lead a concurrent session, The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business. This interactive workshop explores how feedback can motivate teams and improve culture without causing defensiveness or discomfort.
Attendees will gain valuable insights to unlock their team’s potential and drive sustainable business growth.

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9:00am: Official Opening with Mayor Ry Collins
9:20am: Keynote – Get Out of Your Own Way with Judy Porter
9:50am: Plenary Panel – Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact with Terry Archer (Whitsunday Sailing Club), Justin Butler (Whitsunday Sportspark) and Carol Norris (Greater Whitsunday Communities)
11:00am: Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? with Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Alliance), Gerard Millican (Queensland Business Concierge), Julia Wheway (TAFE Queensland), Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation), Leigh-Ann Pool (Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training), Paul Hanlon (Whitsunday Regional Council), Robert Cocco (Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays), and Roxanne Birse (Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
11:45am: Concurrent Sessions – Round One
   • The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business by Judy Porter (Shiift)
   • Business & Community: Partnering for Impact with Rebecca Woods (Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre), Annika Thomson (Ocean Crusaders), Courtney Quinn-McCabe (Tassal Proserpine Prawn Farm) and Libby Edge (Eco Barge Australia)
   • From Solo to Scalable: Building a Business That Works with You with Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media)
1:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Two
   • Money Matters for Modern Business with Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service), Kim Jamieson (Accountancy Plus Whitsundays), Justin Butler (Eclipse Financial Planning), Luke Sheppard (Bendigo Bank business banking), Doug O’Connor (Option Insurance Brokers) and Fiona Erquiaga (Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting)
   • International Recruitment & Migration by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance)
   • Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
   • The Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Branding to Grow Your Business with Rachael Smith (Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine)
2:00pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Three
   • Local Marketing That Works with Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo) and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life).
   • Tendering: Top Ten Tips by Ros Wesche (Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure)
   • The Dying Art of Customer Service: 12 Rules for Success with Rick Brown
   • Smarter People Management for Small Business with Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group)
3:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Four
   • Leveraging AI and VR for Business Innovation and Social Impact with Lisa Green (Telstra AI Solutions), Simon Lowe (People Tech Revolution) and Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation),
   • From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams by Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee)
   • Finding Support Before You Need It with Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway)
4:00pm: Plenary – Power Up: What’s Next for Your Business

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The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference opens with Mayor Ry Collins officially launching the event and announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council – an initiative of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner that brings people together to enhance the operating environment to help small and family businesses thrive.
A key morning feature is the Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact panel, bringing together regional leaders to discuss how collaboration is driving progress in infrastructure, housing, investment, and community development. Panellists include Terry Archer from the Whitsunday Sailing Club, who will discuss creating an Olympic legacy through strategic partnerships; Justin Butler of Whitsunday Sportspark, sharing insights on securing $4.5 million for sports infrastructure improvements; and Carol Norris of Greater Whitsunday Communities, presenting coordinated efforts to address workforce housing challenges.
Following the panel, the Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? session offers a unique opportunity for businesses to engage directly eight key government and regional development agencies and programs. Participants will hear quick introductions from representatives of government and regional development bodies, then join two rounds of speed dating discussions to explore tailored support and collaboration opportunities.
Following the morning program, attendees have the choice of 14 interactive concurrent sessions, held over four rounds across the TAFE Queensland Whitsunday campus.
Attendees will then continue networking at the Tourism Whitsunday monthly networking event at Mirage Whitsunday, Cannonvale.
See the full program: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference

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Mayor Ry Collins officially launches the event by announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council

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At the Conference, learn how to grow your business through powerful storytelling, exceptional customer service, and effective local marketing.
Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, will share how personal storytelling and authentic branding build trust and deepen community connections in regional areas.
Rick Brown brings decades of experience in building a $20 million business and delivering outstanding customer service, will reveal twelve key rules that create loyalty, enhance reputation, and set businesses apart.
Marketing experts Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo), and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life) will guide attendees on using social media, print, radio, and digital channels. Their panel offers strategies for selecting the right media mix to expand reach, strengthen ties, and boost growth.
Together, these sessions provide practical tools to help local businesses connect with their audience, deliver standout service, and market with confidence and impact.

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TAFE Whitsunday is a big part of this year’s Business Conference,serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats,prepared and served by their awesome hospitality and cookerystudents.

Attendees willenjoy the food in Palmers, their student-run training restaurant,where students get real hands-on experience.

This is a greatway to see local talent in action and shows how TAFE is helpingstudents get job-ready in hospitality and tourism, two of theWhitsundays’ biggest industries.

By featuring TAFEstudents at the conference, we’re not only celebrating their hardwork but also helping build a skilled local workforce. It’s a winfor the students, the businesses, and the whole community, showinghow education and industry working together can boost our region’sgrowth and future.

Open to thepublic, Palmers Restaurant is hosting a la carte lunch services form12pm-1:30pm Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September. Bookings essentialphone 4940 2777 or PalmersRestaurant.north@tafeqld.edu.au

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TAFE hospitality and cookery students will be serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats at the conference.Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The Whitsundays Chamber extends its thanks to the major sponsors behind the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, recognising their vital role in bringing the sold-out event to life.
This year’s conference would not be possible without the generous contributions of:
   • Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is a locally owned branch offering full banking services and investing back into the Whitsunday community.
   • My Pathway connects people and businesses through employment, training, and community services, including the Self-Employment Assistance program.
   • Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, unites local business and community leaders and training providers to deliver relevant employment and training solutions.
   • TAFE Queensland’s Whitsundays campus offers practical courses in cookery, hospitality, and early childhood education.
   • Shiift provides tailored leadership, culture, and performance solutions for aligned, motivated teams that drive real results.
   • Tassal, with its Proserpine Prawn Farm, is a major regional employer committed to sustainable aquaculture and investment.
   • Mackay and Whitsunday Life supports the community by documenting and celebrating the diverse stories of the Whitsundays.
A shoutout also to the Conference Champions who are also powering this year’s Conference –Club Whitsunday, Kapow Interactive, Option Insurance Brokers, Scallywag Fabrications, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, Telstra, and Your Business Angels – for stepping up with their generous support.
All these businesses are true business champions, making sure the conference offers the best insights, networking, and practical tools to help you succeed.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out and see how they can help your business thrive.

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A major highlight of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference will be the dynamic plenary session Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact, showcasing how strategic partnerships are creating real, measurable outcomes across the Whitsundays.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the session will explore how collaboration across sectors—government, business, community, First Nations and environmental groups—is transforming the region’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects and long-term liveability improvements.
The panel will feature local leaders actively involved in some of the region’s most exciting initiatives:
   • Terry Archer, Whitsunday Sailing Club – sharing how the Club is leveraging partnerships to create an Olympic legacy and world-class marine infrastructure.
   • Justin Butler, Whitsunday Sportspark – discussing the journey to securing $4.5 million in specialist lending to improve sports infrastructure, and the role of shared vision in reducing risk.
   • Carol Norris, Greater Whitsunday Communities – presenting outcomes from the Housing Alliance Project and how coordinated efforts across employers, developers and government are addressing workforce housing and investment challenges in Mackay and Bowen.
“Partnerships are how we move from idea to action,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic. “This session will give businesses real insight into how collaboration, not competition, is shaping the future of our region.”
The plenary will highlight how rethinking traditional business relationships is delivering mutual benefit, improved community outcomes, and smarter resource allocation.

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Terry Archer from Whitsunday Sailing Club

Justin Butler from Whitsunday Sportspark

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Planning for the 2026 Conference is already underway, aiming to be bigger and better than ever.
The Whitsundays Chamber invites businesses to explore a range of opportunities including sponsorship packages, speaking roles, exhibitor booths, and prize contributions – designed to suit all business sizes and budgets.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event.
Contact admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Your Local Business Voice
The Whitsundays Chamber is the united voice of local business, dedicated to creating a supportive environment where enterprises can grow, succeed, and connect.
As an independent and apolitical organisation, the Chamber works closely with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure business interests are heard and acted upon.
Members enjoy access to valuable networking, education, events, and resources. Through partnerships like joint membership with Tourism Whitsundays and Weddings Whitsundays, members benefit from wider industry reach and stronger representation.
Whether you’re a start-up, sole trader, or established business, the Chamber connects you with the people, knowledge, and resources to thrive.
Join today: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join

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The 2025 Conference features vital sessions on leadership, human resources, and workforce development.
One key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact, led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8), challenges leaders to rethink motivation by focusing on mindset, trust, feedback, and retention. Attendees will learn people-first strategies to build stronger teams and create positive business outcomes.
Human resources support is front and centre in the Smarter People Management for Small Business session, hosted by Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group). This practical workshop addresses staff management challenges, compliance, industrial relations, and offers tailored strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
Another key session, From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams, offers a hands-on workshop for businesses to apply workforce insights to help build teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee) leads this interactive planning session.
Workforce challenges are also explored in International Recruitment & Migration. Presented by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance), this session explains how skilled migration can help local businesses overcome labour shortages and boost regional economic growth.

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Key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact,is led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)

Mark Lipkinfrom Airlie Group hosts a human resources session called PeopleManagement for Small Business

Georgia Lavers from Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committeeleads this interactive planning session

Alana Hopkinsfrom Workforce Abundance explores workforce challenges in anInternational Recruitment & Migration session

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