To Celebrate 100 Years This Sunday!

A century of education, faith and community spirit will be honoured this weekend as St Catherine’s Catholic College hosts its much-anticipated Centenary Picnic on Sunday, the 27th of July, from 10am to 3pm.

Held at the college grounds, the family-friendly celebration promises a day of connection, celebration and fun for all ages. Locals past and present are warmly invited to attend and take part in this special milestone event.

Guests can look forward to a vibrant day filled with food trucks, live music, guided campus tours, a school history display, and plenty of nostalgic fun including old-school games and an inflatable obstacle course and jumping castle. Face painting, a BYO picnic area, and delicious options from a coffee van, sausage sizzle, burger stand and ice cream truck will also be available.

For those wanting to treat themselves, Airlie Picnic Co will be offering gourmet picnic and charcuterie boxes for pre-order, ready for collection at the event. Prices range from $60 to $210 depending on size and selection.

Whether you’re a former student, proud parent, or supportive local, this centenary picnic is an opportunity to gather with the wider Whitsundays community and reflect on 100 years of educational excellence and community building at St Catherine’s.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and with perfect picnic weather forecast for Sunday, it's sure to be a highlight of the local calendar. Don't miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!

What: St Catherine’s Catholic College Centenary Picnic
When: Sunday, the 27th of July, from 10.30am to 3pm
Where: St Catherine’s Catholic College

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Cory O’Shea knows how far an apprenticeship with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables can take you.

He scored a fitting and turning apprenticeship at Wilmar’s Herbert sugar mills straight out of school, back in 2007, and is now Manager Operations at Proserpine Mill.

“I knew I wanted to do a trade, and Mum and Dad strongly encouraged me to try for an apprenticeship at the mill,” Mr O’Shea said.

“I didn’t have a family connection to the mill, but I knew some people who worked there so I organised work experience at Victoria Mill in my own time while I was still at school and really liked it.”

Mr O’Shea said that, as an apprentice, he was mentored by some of the most experienced tradesmen in the sugar industry.

“They were old-school tradies with so much knowledge,” he said.

“We had a really good cohort that year and many of us are still in the business – some on tools and others in supervisory or management roles.”

After completing his apprenticeship, Mr O’Shea took a position as shift fitter at Macknade Mill in Ingham, where he went on to work his way up the ranks at both Macknade and Victoria mills.

He moved to Proserpine in 2023 to be Manager Mechanical Engineering of Proserpine Mill and then, this year, became the site’s Manager Operations.

It’s no surprise that Mr O’Shea highly recommends an apprenticeship with Wilmar.

“It can be the start of a life-long career in the sugar industry. It opens doors and offers so many career opportunities,” he said.

Applications for Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ 2026 Apprenticeship Program close this Sunday, 27 July. Apply here, or search ‘Wilmar apprenticeships’.

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Change The Way You Connect

Whether you love working the room or loathe the awkward small talk, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites you to reimagine what networking can do for your business.

Ahead of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, the Chamber will host a high-impact preview event at 7:30am Thursday 14 August at Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach.

This practical and energising session will demonstrate why networking is not just a social nicety but a core business strategy.

Attendees will walk away with fresh skills, greater confidence, and the tools to turn introductions into opportunities.

If You’re Going To Network, Make It Count

This is not your average breakfast event. Attendees will learn how to:

• Speak clearly and confidently about their business.
• Position themselves as industry experts.
• Create conversations that lead to real outcomes, not just another business card.

The session will also preview the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, giving attendees an insider look at what’s in store and how to get the most from the region’s marquee business event.

Speakers Who Know The Power Of Connection

Kath Barker – Principal, Compass Realty Whitsundays
With nearly two decades in the property and construction industries, Kath is proof that strategic relationships drive success. Now leading a boutique real estate agency known for its personal touch, Kath’s passion for connection extends beyond real estate. She previously ran successful networking events on the Gold Coast and now leads regular Speed Networking events in the Whitsundays. She’ll share her experience transforming short conversations into lasting business outcomes and how to network with intention.

Dr Julia Evans – Chamber Liaison, Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Julia has led the Chamber’s operations since 2023. A business strategist and educator with over 25 years’ experience, she helps organisations and individuals strengthen relevance, engagement, and impact. Julia has advised state and national industry bodies and led women in business initiatives. She challenges traditional networking, focusing on authenticity, active listening, and strategic follow-up to build lasting partnerships and professional growth.

What: Build Better Business Connections & Conference Preview Event
When: 7:30am – 9:00am Thursday 14 August 2025
Where: Club Whitsunday, 2489 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach
Cost: Chamber and Tourism Whitsundays members – Two (2) FREE tickets
Association Partner members – Discounted tickets $18.75
Non-Members – $25

Whether you love or loathe networking, this event will give you the strategies, confidence, and clarity to make every connection count.

Book now – spaces are limited: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/build-better-business-connections-conference-preview-event/

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Speakers Dr Julia Evans and Kath Barker. Photo supplied

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Let’s Shape the Future of Airlie Beach Together

The draft Airlie Beach Masterplan is now out for community feedback and Council would love your input.

This isn’t just a plan on paper. It’s a shared vision for the future of Airlie Beach and a roadmap for how we can create better public spaces, encourage smart investment, and get ready to shine when we host the 2032 Olympic sailing events right here in the Whitsundays.

The draft reflects years of community feedback on what matters most — things like pedestrian safety, shade and tree canopy, parking, green space, and how we activate the Foreshore and Airlie Creek to make the town more liveable, walkable, and vibrant. It’s a bold step forward and sets a long-term direction for Airlie right through to 2050.

But it’s important to understand that this won’t happen overnight. The masterplan is designed to guide future decisions and investment over time. Projects will be prioritised and delivered as funding and resources allow — some sooner, some further down the track.

We want to be clear that the masterplan isn’t a promise that everything will be built tomorrow. However, it is a live, shovel-ready blueprint that puts us in a strong position to attract funding, guide future improvements, and make sure we’re ready to seize big opportunities — like the 2032 Olympics — when they come our way.

Now it’s over to you.

You can explore the plan online at on our Your Say on Council’s website or visit your local Council customer service centre for a printed copy and hardcopy survey. Feedback is open until 17 August.

If you’d rather talk it through face to face our engagement officer has been out and about with the next chance at the Reef Festival markets on Saturday, August 2.

We’re also running a student arts trail competition alongside consultation. Local students are invited to submit ideas for murals, sculptures, signs, or creative landscaping that tell the story of Airlie Beach. There’s a $50 PEC voucher up for grabs, and their ideas could help shape real projects in the years ahead.

Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, a parent, or just someone who loves this town, now’s the time to have your say. This is about building a better future for Airlie Beach, not just for today, but for generations to come.

Let’s shape it together.

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Soft plastics can’t be recycled in your yellow-lidded recycling bin. In fact, placing them in the yellow bin can contaminate the load,  meaning the entire batch might end up in landfill. What a waste!
To check if plastic waste can be recycled, try the scrunch test! Soft plastics can be scrunched into a ball and don’t bounce back (like cling wrap, plastic bags and food wrappers) - these items must go in the waste bin. Hard plastics (like milk bottles, yogurt tubs and shampoo bottles) can be placed in the yellow lidded bin to be recycled into new products.

For more information, search for Let’s Get it Sorted on Council’s website.

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Goodness Gracious the health and lifestyle store has been quietly nourishing the local community with natural remedies, wellness essentials and alternative products that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Stepping into the store, visitors are met with an impressive selection of Ayurvedic medicine, medicinal mushrooms, herbal teas, and supplements, from magnesium, zinc in liquid colloidal form to black seed and oregano oils, known for their immune and digestive support. Popular products like castor oil and bone broth reflect a growing interest in holistic healing, with the store offering education and advice to match.

Current owner Jackie Movigliatti said the health industry has boomed in the last few years, and the store has an opportunity for growth. Jackie has run the shop for the past three years and said the experience has been both educational and rewarding.

Beyond health, shoppers will find organic pantry staples, raw local honey, eco-friendly cleaning products, Celtic sea salt, crystals, and essential oils. A corner of the shop is also devoted to festival fashion, with flowing linen, cotton wear, and vibrant pieces brought in especially for events like Mushroom Valley and Flametree Gathering.

Originally opened as a health store, the business expanded into clothing and giftware and has become a unique blend of wellness, lifestyle and creativity.

Jackie is now preparing to return to her passion for yoga and relocate to an ashram. She’s seeking a new owner to continue the store’s legacy. “There’s so much more potential here, especially for someone passionate about natural health.”

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Jackie Movigliatti owner of Goodness Gracious. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Most people are about to receive their annual super statement to 30th June 2025.  The annual returns have been around the long-term average, between 6% and 10% depending on which portfolio you are in and how much risk or volatility you’re comfortable with.

This year’s returns are around average, but they do fluctuate from year to year.  For the previous three years they were typically 2% to 4% higher and the 2021 Financial Year was boomer at around 20% to 30%. These returns sound great but don’t forget that there was very little return in 2019 and 2020 on the back of the COVid pandemic.  When you sit down with a Financial Planner and get some advice about your super and finances, you learn that there are more than just default Industry Super Funds.  Other types of more sophisticated super accounts include Retail Funds and Self-Managed Super Funds.

Retail Super Funds are where you decide to purchase a fund from a product provider, usually with guidance from a Financial Planner.  Modern retail Super Wrap offerings have thousands of investment choices.  Care and guidance need to be taken to ensure your portfolio of investments is well structured with such a huge choice.  This choice enables your portfolio to be customized to say protect against market downturns if you are drawing a pension or to screen out investments with questionable ethical or environmental credentials if that’s your preference.  These may suit people with higher balances or who are making larger contributions and want more control and flexibility around investment options and the potential tax savings on transferring to pension phase after age 60.

Self-Managed Super Funds are where you set up your own super fund, usually with up to 3 other family members so you can pool your funds to invest.  SMSF’s offer the most investment choices and flexibility, including direct property, but they are expensive.   The ATO suggests the minimum balance to justify the set up and ongoing costs with a SMSF is $500,000.  Purchasing a direct property in a SMSF comes with even more costs so it is generally only for those with very large balances or used for business premises.  There are significant compliance requirements and most SMSF’s are paying administrators, tax agents, auditors and financial planners each year.

The key with super is to ensure you have a fund that matches where you are in your financial journey and not something that you fell into or suited where you were years ago.

For a free consultation with local people who understand the complexities of these or any other financial matter, contact Eclipse Financial Planning at Cannonvale on 49467359 today, email whitsunday@eclipsefp.com.au or visit www.eclipsefp.com.au

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• Don’t forget anything!
• Receipts for work-related deductions.
• Logbooks for phone usage & motor vehicle.
• Rental property income and expenses.
• Records for all investment changes throughout the year (i.e., crypto and shares buy and sell).

Make an appointment to see one of our experienced tax Accountant’s today – 07 4948 4444.

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"Do I really need a will?" – Yes. Yes, you do.

It’s not just about who gets the air fryer. A good will ensures your wishes are followed and makes things easier for the people you leave behind. Without one things can get messy, fast. And not the fun kind of messy.

At Whitsunday Law, we walk you through the process step by step. Whether it’s your first will or time for an update, we’ll make it straightforward and stress-free.

Because your estate shouldn’t be left to chance (or to a dodgy online form).

Whitsunday Law – Planning ahead so your kids don’t fight later.

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Bowen State High School came alive with colour, culture, and community spirit on Friday, the 18th of July, as students, staff, families and community partners gathered to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

The day began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony, led by Juru Elder Uncle Jimmy Gaston and accompanied by traditional Aboriginal dancers. Student representatives proudly raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in a special flag-raising ceremony.

To commemorate 50 Years of NAIDOC, the school also introduced its inaugural academic and citizenship awards, named in honour of the late Aunty Cecelia Upkett and Mr Darryl Paul — two cherished figures who played significant cultural roles within the school community.

Principal Robert Harris welcomed all attendees, acknowledging the strength of community partnerships and the school’s ongoing support for First Nations students.

“Bowen State High School is about empowering students to realise their full potential, including nurturing the next generation to flourish and thrive and to be the Elders of tomorrow,” Mr Harris said.

“We do this by providing high quality teaching and learning, a culturally safe, respectful and responsible environment and leaning into our vision to strengthening relationships with First Nations students, families and communities.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins attended the event and praised the school’s leadership.

“Congratulations to Mr Harris and the Bowen SHS team for putting on such a meaningful event and continuing to champion reconciliation and equity in our community,” he said.

The celebration featured hands-on cultural activities, including palm frond weaving, traditional games, Indigenous arts and crafts, and a traditional Kup Muri feast, complete with meats, vegetables, damper, and a specially made NAIDOC cake.

The celebration holds a special place on the school calendar, with the entire day dedicated to reflection, celebration, and unity.

“The celebration is an important event on the school calendar. Bowen High dedicates an entire school day for celebration, reflection and an opportunity to come together as one to honour the enduring strength and spirit of First Nations culture,” Mr Harris said.

The 2025 NAIDOC Week celebrations were made possible through support from the National Indigenous Australian Agency, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, Pacific National, AURIZON, Bowen Meat Supplies, and members of the Juru Elders and First Nations families.

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Staff and students of Bowen State High School enjoyed a wonderful NAIDOC celebration last week (Photo Supplied)

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Abbot Point Crew Lends a Hand to Bowen RSL

It was all smiles at the Bowen RSL earlier this month when a team of hardworking volunteers from Abbot Point Operations stepped in to help with a task that was as heavy as it was heartfelt.

As part of a recent community grant allocation, Abbot Point Operations donated a full set of brand-new chairs to the Bowen RSL and went one step further by personally delivering and moving both the new and old furniture on site.

Bowen RSL’s Rhonda Nilsson couldn’t have been more thankful for the effort.

“A big thanks to Abbot Point crew for helping Bowen RSL with the heavy lifting this week,” Rhonda shared.

“Not only did Abbot Point Operations provide our chairs with a community grant but they provided strong young arms to help us shift the old chairs and they also helped with some other heavy lifting that was needing to be done!”

The support didn’t stop there. In the true spirit of community, the RSL’s outgoing chairs were passed on to several local clubs where veterans are members, including the Bowen Men’s Shed, SSAA Gun Club, and Bowen Pistol Club.

The generous gesture greatly eased the load for the Bowen RSL, and Rhonda, along with the rest of the staff members, cannot thank the four volunteers from Abbot Point Operations enough.

4 crew members from Abbot Point Operations volunteered to do some heavy lifting at the Bowen RSL earlier this month (Photos Supplied)

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Just days after the state budget, Bowen was the site for the first of many projects making up an historic investment into safety on the Bruce Highway.

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said it was only fitting that priority works included a notorious section of the highway just north of Bowen and that the state government was ‘getting on with delivering on our commitments’.

“For too long words are all that have been delivered when it comes to addressing safety on the Bruce
Highway,” Mr Last said. “We are serious about making the highway safer and, just 10 days after the budget, we had workers on site and targeted projects underway, including here in Bowen.”

“Bringing the Bruce Highway up to standard is no small task thanks to years of neglect, especially in
regional Queensland. Queenslanders overwhelmingly voted for a government that would get to work and
that is exactly what we are doing.”

“There are 16 safety projects north of Gympie that will see shovels in the ground in the very near future, if not already. These are projects where the design work had been completed but were left in limbo due to no funding, despite them offering major safety improvements.”

“The focus is clearly on the regional sections of the Bruce Highway because that’s the area where the most work is needed from a safety perspective.”

Mr Last said the key to achieving the best outcomes over the longer term was actively managing the
project as a whole with a focus on ensuring that projects were ready to go when funding and equipment
was available.

“In addition to the 16 priority construction projects, there are a further 5 projects where the design and planning phase has been prioritised,” he said. “By doing that we ensure that, as a project is completed, construction of another project can get underway without long delays.”

“We have established a Program Management Office to ensure the project is efficient and 150 new staff have been appointed to help deliver the program. That office and the additional staff prove that we are 100% committed to delivering a better Bruce Highway for visitors and Queenslanders alike.”

“As we move forward there will be more projects added to the program, ranging from improving
intersections and widening existing lanes. There will also be areas where more substantial works are
needed to improve safety and other factors.”

“The most common type of fatal crashes on the Bruce Highway are head-on crashes and incidents where vehicles run off the road. Sadly, we have seen those types of incidents take lives in our area and both the Premier and the Minister for Transport know how important addressing those areas is to me and to the people using the Highway.”

“We’ve taken a new approach to improving safety on the Bruce Highway and we are committed to delivering that for all Queenslanders.”

Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP

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Sites along the Bruce Highway have been identified. Photo supplied

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Effy is a 4-month-old kitten who came into care through a recent surrender. A little shy to begin with, she quickly blossoms into a loving and affectionate companion once she feels safe. With a gentle soul and playful nature, Effy is the perfect blend of zoomies and snuggle time.

She loves darting after feather wands and chasing plastic balls at lightning speed, but she's just as happy curling up in your lap for cuddles. If you're after a kitten with personality, charm, and a whole lot of love to give, Effy could be your perfect match.

Her $195 adoption fee includes microchipping, flea/tick/worm treatment, first vaccination (with the next two covered), and desexing when she's old enough.

To meet Effy, message Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue on Facebook with your contact number and email

Effy is a beautiful little girl looking to find the loving home she deserves!

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The Flametree Gathering is set to return in 2025 with a new location, an expanded program, and the same vibrant community spirit that has made it a much-loved event in the Whitsundays. For the first time, the festival will be held at the picturesque Lake Proserpine, offering three days of music, art, wellness, and family-friendly fun from August 29-31.

Festival organiser Bronwyn Garland said the move to Lake Proserpine brings a fresh energy to the event.

“It’s quite exciting that we’re moving to Lake Proserpine. It’s such a beautiful natural spot, and there are really good facilities like piping hot showers, flushing toilets, a kiosk and people can bring their kayaks and do whatever they like as well as enjoy the festival,” she said.

Headlining the music program once again is festival co- organiser David Flower, whose vibrant energy and all inclusive jam sessions have become a Flametree favourite. He’ll be joined by returning acts including blues-soul artist Karl S Williams & Sally Wiggins. Mackay band, Tropical State of Mind, will also perform, fresh from recording an EP in Byron Bay. While veteran musician John Malcolm, who inspired Flower to take up music, returns to the stage, much to the delight of long-time locals.

The festival will also feature a rich visual arts program with immersive installations from La Lune Croker Art - the Wonderoom and Donna Maree Robinson’s nature-inspired art projections, which allow visitors to interact with art.

New to this year’s lineup is Circus with Purpose, an interactive circus experience that includes hula hoop and poi workshops for all ages, as well as a fire performance on Saturday night.

Wellness is an important part of Flametree Gathering, and this year they will have yoga, soul practice meditation and other wellness-related activities.

A Welcome to Country and cultural experience from the Yooribaya Cultural Experience will open the festival on Friday night, followed by performances from local artists Zed Charles and Rebelquinn plus many more talented original singer songwriters.

Flametree continues to support local environmental efforts, raising funds for Clean Seas Eco Barge’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre through raffles, auctions and food stall. If you would like to donate a prize please contact Bronwyn. This year also marks the beginning of the festival’s Zero Waste Management program, encouraging attendees to bring reusable cups and plates and take recyclables and rubbish home.

“All of our market stalls will be sustainable and eco-conscious,” said Bronwyn. “We want people to enjoy themselves while also looking after this beautiful place.”

Tickets are $180 for the full weekend, with children 17 and under admitted free. Day passes are also available at the gate: $50 for Friday, $90 for Saturday, and $60 for Sunday. Camping at Lake Proserpine can be booked separately for just $15 per night. Tickets are available through Airlie Events under "Flametree."

With music, art, culture, and community in a breathtaking lakeside setting, the 2025 Flametree Festival promises to be one of the region’s most memorable weekends.

WHAT: Flametree Gathering
WHERE: Lake Proserpine
WHEN: 29 – 31 August

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