Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Coast Airport continues to punch above its weight on the national stage, recording the second-highest passenger growth of any major Australian airport. The latest Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) figures show the Council-owned airport recorded passenger growth of 10.6 per cent for the year ending June 2026, second only to Karratha Airport at 11.6 per cent. The result was more than three times the national passenger growth rate of 3.1 per cent and well ahead of many of Australia’s larger airports. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the latest figures were another strong vote of confidence in the Whitsundays as a destination and reflected the growing importance of Whitsunday Coast Airport to the regional economy. “Whitsunday Coast Airport might be a regional airport, but it continues to deliver some seriously big results for our region,” Mayor Collins said. “To be the second-fastest growing airport in Australia is a fantastic result and shows just how strong demand for the Whitsundays continues to be. “Our airport is much more than somewhere people arrive and depart. It is one of the key gateways to the Whitsundays and a major driver of our visitor economy. “Every extra passenger coming through the terminal potentially means another visitor staying in our accommodation, eating in our restaurants, booking a tour and spending money with local businesses.” Mayor Collins said the result also reflected strong partnerships with airlines to increase capacity and improve connectivity into the region. “We’ve worked hard with our airline partners to grow services and make it easier for people to fly directly into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef,” he said. “The benefit is not just for tourism. Better connectivity also gives our residents more choice and makes the Whitsundays an even more attractive place to live, work and invest.” The strong passenger figures come as Whitsunday Coast Airport continues to earn recognition within the tourism industry, with the airport also in the running for national tourism honours. Mayor Collins said the results and national recognition were something the community could be proud of, but the focus was firmly on what comes next. “We’re not interested in sitting back and patting ourselves on the back. We want to keep growing routes, building capacity and giving locals more choice about where and when they can fly,” he said. “We know the Whitsundays is a destination people want to visit, so our job is to keep opening up opportunities to get them here while making sure our community benefits from that growth. “We’ve got a regional airport serving a world-class destination, and we’re only getting started.” Photo caption: Photo supplied: Whitsundays Regional Council
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By Zach Houtenville In a decision welcomed by many local residents, Whitsunday Regional Council has rejected Alinta Energy’s application for a 160-metre meteorological mast linked to the proposed Mount Challenger Wind Farm. The decision came at the council meeting in Bowen on the 23rd September where the council came to a unanimous decision. “For me, it came down to the size and visibility of the structure, the rural character of the area and what we heard from the people who live there,” said Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins. “After weighing all of that up, I wasn’t satisfied a structure of that scale in that location was the right planning outcome.” For the Whitsundays Wind Warm Action Group, the decision adds to another recent streak of milestone moments over the 12 months span since the project was first proposed, including a 6,000-signature petition and the developer withdrawing part of the proposed project. “We were stoked as a community,” said member of the Whitsundays Wind Farm Action Group Alysha Lee. “For us, it definitely signals that the council are listening.” Alinta Energy said the mast was intended to measure wind conditions in the northern project area, helping the company decide how to proceed. It will now consider Council’s reasons for rejecting the application before deciding its next move. “We acknowledge Council’s decision and will review its reasons in detail once the Decision Notice is issued before considering next steps for the project,” an Alinta Energy spokesperson said. Council doors are still opened to future energy projects, with a willingness to work with developers who plan carefully and engage with local communities. “I don’t see this as Council saying no to renewable energy or investment in our region,” Mayor Collins said. “I support a balanced energy mix and I believe the Whitsundays has a role to play in future energy development, but that doesn’t mean every project is right for every location. “What we are saying is that development needs to be in the right place, planned properly and take into account the communities that are being asked to live alongside it.” The Wind Farm Action Group is now eager to hear Alinta’s next steps, with Alysha hoping that the next milestone will be a full withdrawal from the project. “We’ll be approaching Alinta and asking when they’re pulling out of this project,” she said. The group also hopes Council’s upcoming Community Benefit Agreement policy will give developers and landholders clearer guidance on suitable locations for renewable energy projects. Mayor Ry Collins said the policy would consider what host communities receive in return, alongside impacts on nearby residents, local jobs and procurement, housing and infrastructure pressures, and the protection of agricultural land and the environment. “At the end of the day, communities should see a genuine local benefit from hosting these major projects,” he said. “As I said at the Council meeting, the transition to new forms of energy needs to be done with communities, not simply around them.” Photo caption: Whitsundays Wind Farm Action Group. Photo supplied
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BY JACOB CASHA Mackay model Zoe Place has been tipped for the top of the industry after winning the Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane this week. The 20-year-old runway aspirant made her mark on a panel of industry-leading judges across the three-day Miss Diamond International finals, taking out seven awards as she strutted to the main crown. “The moment they called my name, I wasn't expecting it. It honestly felt absolutely surreal,” Zoe said. Now in its 10th year, Miss Diamond International is a nationally respected pageant that evaluates contestants on runway presence, interview skills, and community advocacy across a preliminary phase and finals series. Zoe’s journey to the crown began a year ago, practicing interviews, runway techniques, and raising over $900 for mental health and wellbeing organisation Beyond Blue. She said her choice of charity was born from personal grapples with mental health. “I want to be able to advocate for men, women, and children that suffer from mental health and think that they can't find help—because when I was younger, I felt there was no way of being able to help myself,” she said. “It's about starting conversations, breaking down the stigma about mental health, and reminding people that it's okay to ask for help. I want to be able to use my title, Miss Diamond International, to continue spreading that message.” Also part of Zoe’s campaign was an eco-dress, crafted in conjunction with designer Irene Olive Adams, which used a combination of Mackay Life newspapers and red flowers. “[It] was very hard to walk in,” she laughed, “but I was able to get it on the stage and not rip it at all!” Judges said the dress was one of the defining elements of Zoe’s campaign, alongside her mental health mission, runway presence, and her development over the three days in Brisbane. One judge, Jordan King, said Zoe stood out from the off—despite initially coming across nervy in interviews. “I remember Zoe from that first night. She was very engaged with all the contestants, and she was a very genuine person, and that's what we love to see,” he said. “Sometimes people enter for the wrong reasons, just to get another crown. She was in it for really good reasons, and I think that's what made her stand out.” Another judge, Peter Sereno—who has worked with international modelling talent—said he saw flashes of former Miss Universe Australia winner Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell) in Zoe. “She's got something that a lot of other pageant girls don't have, and that's the ability to transition into a modelling career if she wanted to,” he said. “If she plays her cards right, she will go further than Jesinta.” Zoe said she hopes to do more runway events in the future. She said the process of finding an agent has begun, with sights set on the Brisbane modelling industry as she builds her portfolio—which now includes a Miss Diamond International crown. She also hopes to continue her work with Beyond Blue and build awareness around mental health. CAPTIONS: 1—Mackay model Zoe Place has been tipped for the top of the industry after winning the Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane this week. 2—Also part of Zoe’s campaign was an eco-dress, crafted in conjunction with designer Irene Olive Adams, which used a combination of Mackay Life newspapers and red flowers. Photos supplied
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The Whitsunday Skyway has been promoted as a game-changing tourism project for Airlie Beach, but residents living near the proposed route say they still have questions about consultation and the project’s changed footprint. The state government announced the project’s Prescribed Project status on 3rd June, a move intended to streamline approvals for the proposed 1.8-kilometre cableway which has been officially planned since 2026 but a point of discussion for 20 years. The project, backed by a $5 million state government commitment, is expected to include a summit station, luge-style ride, dining and cultural experiences, events facilities and walking tracks, with the government saying it could create up to 390 jobs during construction and at least 80 jobs once complete. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of the Whitsundays in an innovative way,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie. “Declaring the Whitsunday Skyway Project as a Prescribed Project is a clear message to the people of Queensland that we are serious about delivering infrastructure that creates jobs and drives economic growth.” However, residents of Raintree Place near the proposed location of the project, have spoken out, stating their concern is not with the concept of the Skyway itself, but with more recent changes to the proposal, including the relocation of the base station to Waterson Way. They allege that these changes were implemented without direct consultation with nearby households. According to local resident Pascale Whyte, a Variation Request lodged by the proposal’s consultants on 8th August 2025 relocated the cableway base station from its original site at the end of Raintree Place, behind nearby homes, to 45–71 Waterson Way in central Airlie Beach. The document stated the changes are intended to provide greater access to the Airlie Beach tourist precinct and improve access for cruise ship passengers arriving through the Port of Airlie. Pascale claims that she represents a group of residents who were not directly notified of the change, only becoming aware of the relocation through a AATG WOU shareholder announcement filed on the National Stock Exchange on 26th September 2025. “Our base station was relocated from the hillside behind us to the centre of Airlie Beach without any consultation with us,” she said. “They did a submission of change which no one knew about, putting the Skyway base station at the front of us in town. “People still aren’t aware of it.” These changes, according to Pascale, mean the skyway line would run in intrusive proximity to their properties. In addition to the property impact, residents have raised environmental concerns in conjunction with the project’s layout. Their concern is that clearing vegetation for the proposed luge and surrounding infrastructure could leave the steep hillside more vulnerable to erosion or landslides during heavy rain and cyclones. Pascale pointed out the example of Queenstown, New Zealand. Back in 2023, a major landslip directly linked to their Skyline project caused a nighttime evacuation, 10 houses to be deemed unsafe to inhabit and millions in damages. The group hopes Council’s Draft Environment Strategy will introduce stronger safeguards for areas like Conway National Park, following the passage of Queensland’s controversial Critical Minerals legislation on 27th August. “They have just passed a law that lets a private luge and cable car be treated as more strategic than the residents who live underneath it,” Pascale said. “In Queensland, we call that losing your rights to a fair go.” The group is asking for the base station to return to its originally proposed mid-hill site behind Raintree Place, rather than the revised site near their homes. “We don’t oppose the development,” Pascale said. “We want to be able to have a say.” As the proposal moves through the formal assessment process, engineering and design studies will be undertaken to examine ground conditions, visual impacts and potential noise from the development. A spokesperson for the Whitsunday Skyway Project said: “WOU continue to work closely with the Queensland State Government and the Whitsunday Regional Council and are committed to providing full transparency to the community and residents in relation to planning approvals and alignments at a time when certainty can be provided.” Photo source: Skyway Development
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As school holidays kick off across Queensland, Whitsunday Police are urging everyone to prioritise safety on the roads and in the community. With increased traffic and more children enjoying outdoor activities, patience and care will ensure a safe holiday period for all.
Queensland Police are reminding motorists to take extra care during the holidays, especially as roads may be busier with families heading to destinations such as beaches and parks. Drivers should:
“We see a rise in road incidents during school holidays, often due to impatience or fatigue. Taking a few extra minutes to be cautious can make all the difference,” Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Police Station Anthony Moynihan.
Watch Out for Kids on E-Scooters and Bikes
With many children out riding their bikes and e-scooters during the spring break, drivers and pedestrians must remain extra vigilant. Shared spaces such as paths, parks, and crossings are likely to see increased activity from young riders.
Upcoming Police Bike Patrols in Coral Sea Marina and Lagoon Area
Looking ahead, police are partnering with Coral Sea Marina to roll out bike patrols in the coming months within the popular boardwalk and lagoon areas. While not taking place during the school holidays, these patrols are part of a proactive safety initiative designed to make these spaces safer and more enjoyable for families.
Officers on bicycles will be available to engage with the community, provide assistance, and promote safety awareness. Locals and visitors are encouraged to stop and say hello to the officers during their patrols.
These bike patrols are about connecting with the community while maintaining a visible presence around busy areas. It’s not just about addressing safety concerns but also creating positive interactions.
Whether you’re behind the wheel, walking through public spaces, enjoying time on the water or relaxing with family, school holidays are a time to unwind—and to exercise extra care. By being patient and alert, we can ensure everyone enjoys this break safely and without incident.
Let’s make it a memorable and safe holiday for families across the Whitsundays. Take care on the roads, look out for young riders, and remember to rest when needed—your safety, and that of others, depends on it.
Contributed with thanks to Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Police Station Anthony Moynihan
In July 1925, two young men, Messrs C E Mazlin and E S Briggs, foresaw the possible advancement of the Proserpine district and took the big risk of resigning from their positions and purchasing the business of Mr Randolph Traill, a Real Estate and Commission Agent with an auctioneering business and motor car agency. On September 1, they began trading as Briggs and Mazlin.
Mr E S Briggs had arrived in Proserpine in 1921 to establish a branch of the Australian Bank of Commerce Ltd. Mr C E Mazlin arrived from Georgetown in 1923 as the local Clerk of Petty Sessions and acting Police Magistrate.
Spencer Briggs and Cec Mazlin “commenced without any staff … From the sweeping floors to the typing and posting of letters it was their personal work, and they must be congratulated upon their enterprise.” (“Guardian” July 21 1950)
They worked hard but it was not all smooth motoring. The depression years meant curtailment of their activities; World War Two saw employees enlist and a shortage of parts meant that the business was reduced to mostly accountancy. The devastating fire of 1949 in Main Street could have meant their demise but, after just eight months, they re-established on the old site in a new and spacious concrete building. (McDonald’s House where Filbys is now located)
Sensing the future prosperity of the motor industry, Briggs and Mazlin built a new service station opposite what was then the Shire Hall. It opened on September 11 1948 with Mr James Fraser as manager. At the opening, guests were “amazed at the size of the building and the equipment. … (and) a very pleasing front and drive in filling station which will be a boon to Proserpine motorists.” (“Guardian” Sept 17)
But the business was more than motor vehicles and tractors.
¨ The partners were registered accountants conducting a taxation business
¨ It was the district’s oldest established real estate firm. Spencer Briggs conducted every auction sale for over 20 years
¨ They were agents for SGIO, Shirley’s Fertilisers Ltd, and ANA Fertiliser.
¨ The business was a representative of the Immigration Dept assisting new Australians.
¨ As shipping agents for Lloyd Triestino and P & O Line, they arranged bookings to and from around the world.
The period between March 1949 and 1953 saw many changes. Three of Cec Mazlin Seniors’ sons joined the firm and E S Briggs sold his interests and moved to Brisbane in 1953. With the acquisition of Briggs’ part of the firm by Norman Mazlin and Cec Mazlin Jnr, the business was controlled by the Mazlin family. In July 1956, a new shop (Evelyn House) was built opposite the garage. With the death of Cec Mazlin Snr in February of that year, so exited the second partner of the Briggs and Mazlin enterprise.
The Ford business established by Briggs and Mazlin continued to flourish after the death of Cec Mazlin Snr. In the late 1950s, Jim Fraser, who had started work as a spare parts boy for Briggs and Mazlin in 1934, partnered with Norm and Cec Jnr. In 1973, Mr and Mrs James (Jim) Fraser purchased the Ford dealership sector. Jim Fraser retired as dealer/Principal of J F & R M Fraser on February 27 1999. The Ford dealership (Fraser Ford) continued to trade until 2023, having successfully operated for fifty years.
This year marks 100 years since the Ford Motor Company “arrived” in Australia and 100 years since Spencer Briggs and Cec Mazlin opened the Ford dealership in Proserpine making them amongst the oldest Ford dealers in the Commonwealth.
Hats off to Spencer Briggs and Cec Mazlin for their foresight and their faith in the future of the town.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum
Main Street 1937 showing Briggs and Mazlin Ford Dealership located near the electric light pole. Photo supplied.
Cruise Whitsundays’ largest vessel, Seaflight, has just returned to service after a major repower and a fresh coat of paint in the new company livery. The project forms part of a multi-million-dollar investment strategy focused on upgrading and expanding the fleet, with four of the eight key vessels already undergoing significant works this year and more planned for the future.
But the real story isn’t just about the vessel – it’s about the person now at the helm.
Local skipper Fraser Simpson first joined Cruise Whitsundays more than ten years ago as a school-based trainee while finishing Year 12 at Proserpine State High School. Starting out one day a week during school and picking up shifts on weekends and holidays, Fraser quickly built a career on the water. From deckhand to pontoon crew, to managing the pontoon, and later stepping into Master roles on the resort transfer vessels – he’s worked his way right through the business.
During the COVID-19 shutdowns, Fraser even stayed on the pontoon to keep things running. That commitment, paired with gaining his Master qualifications, set him up for the role he holds today – taking the helm of Seaflight, Cruise Whitsundays’ largest vessel and the one responsible for delivering Cruise Whitsundays’ flagship product Great Barrier Reef Adventure.
Fraser says what keeps him motivated is the joy of the guests.
“I find a lot of enjoyment in taking passengers out to some really special places, and it’s such a satisfying job when I come home with a boat full of happy people who’ve fulfilled their dream of seeing the Great Barrier Reef.”
He also sees the industry as a great pathway for young people.
“It’s a place where you can work and have a great professional career, but throughout your younger years, you can also have a lot of fun, go to some really cool places and meet some really nice people from all around the world. And you live in Airlie Beach too – that’s a bit of a bargaining point for others who don’t live here!”
Fraser now drives this vessel to take guests to the Reef
Fraser standing in the impressive wheelhouse
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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Our Whitsunday region is officially the fastest growing local government area in Queensland and the third fastest in the whole of Australia. Growth at this level is exciting, but it also brings real challenges. One of the biggest is making sure there are enough homes for the families who want to live here.
Yesterday I joined Premier David Crisafulli and our local Member of Parliament Amanda Camm to announce more than 15 million dollars in funding for critical water and sewer infrastructure in Cannonvale and Proserpine. This investment is about putting the services in place that unlock new land and allow more homes to be built.
In Cannonvale, the project will deliver a new sewer rising main, gravity sewer, water main and sewage pump station. These works will unlock land for more than 400 new homes by 2028, with the potential for up to 2,000 homes over the next decade. Cannonvale is on its way to becoming the future city centre of the Whitsundays and this funding makes sure we are ready for that growth.
In Proserpine, 4.8 kilometres of new water mains will unlock greenfield land for housing. This will support 64 new homes by 2028, and a developer has committed to delivering 173 lots over time. For a growing town like Proserpine, this is a fantastic outcome that will support young families and strengthen the local economy.
These projects are part of the Build Whitsundays program, which brings together Council, the Queensland Government, developers, and our community to address housing supply. I want to personally thank the Premier and the Queensland Government for backing our region with this investment.
The Whitsundays is a region that people want to be part of. Our lifestyle, our industries and our opportunities make us a destination for families and businesses alike. With this growth comes the responsibility to stay ahead of the curve. Housing is the key. By investing in water, sewerage, and roads, we are setting the foundations for new homes, new jobs and a stronger economy that will carry us into the future.
Together we are building a Whitsundays that is ready for growth, resilient for the next generation, and a place we can all continue to be proud to call home.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced an action-packed program of events for October, designed to strengthen local businesses and provide practical tools for growth and success.
The month begins with a timely professional development session on Managing Difficult Personalities in the Workplace, to be held on Thursday 9 October, 7:30–9:00am at Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach. Delivered by Judy Porter of Shiift, this interactive workshop will address one of the top challenges facing small and medium enterprises: managing people. Attendees will gain insight into the do’s and don'ts of handling difficult personalities, strategies for reducing conflict, and techniques to harness individual and team strengths. Registration is free for Chamber and Tourism Whitsunday members, with refreshments included.
On Thursday 16 October, 7:30–9:00am, the Chamber presents Ask An Expert: Money Matters, also at Club Whitsunday. This exclusive session features leading financial professionals including Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service), Justin Butler (Eclipse Financial Planning), Fiona Erquiaga (Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting), and Doug O’Connor (Option Insurance Brokers). Covering compliance, lending, insurance, superannuation, and growth planning, the panel will share financial trends, common mistakes to avoid, and five powerful habits for long-term success. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions for tailored advice.
The month concludes with the Whitsundays Job Fair on Tuesday 21 October, 10:00am–1:00pm at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. Open to all, this major regional event will connect employers directly with job seekers, students, and skilled workers. Businesses will benefit from their own booth to showcase vacancies, direct engagement with candidates, networking with other employers and industry groups, and valuable pre-event promotion. Spaces are limited, and registrations for a free business booth must be completed by Tuesday 7 October.
With a focus on skills, financial knowledge, and workforce connection, October promises to deliver practical outcomes for Whitsunday businesses of all sizes.
These events are open to all. Register via whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events
The Whitsundays is set to sparkle as the region prepares to honour its leading tourism operators at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, to be held on Saturday, 18 October at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
This year marks a fresh chapter for the awards, with the introduction of a new structure based on the Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP). This innovative approach means recognition is awarded not by submissions, but through real results and customer feedback, ensuring the finalists reflect genuine excellence.
To qualify, businesses must have an ATDW (Australian Tourism Data Warehouse) listing and meet strict benchmarks, including:
Across The Whitsundays, 123 products were recognised through BOQ, an extraordinary result that showcases the region’s outstanding standards. A total of 93 finalists across 14 categories will be celebrated this year, representing the diversity of The Whitsundays’ offering, from reef adventures and island stays to beachside dining, land tours and mainland accommodation.
“These new criteria highlight what today’s travellers value most: seamless online booking, authentic social media engagement and, above all, outstanding customer experiences,” said Tim Booth, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays.
"October 18 will be their night to shine, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them.”
The 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards are proudly supported by Naming Rights Sponsor Bishopp Outdoor Advertising. Alongside Bishopp, the awards are backed by valued partners Hero, Mackay & Whitsunday Life, and Whitsunday Transit. A special thanks is also extended to the Whitsunday Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland, whose ongoing support makes this event possible.
Contributed with thanks to Tourism Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Tourism Awards 2025 will be held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. Photo sourced: Online
October is Seniors Month, a time to celebrate the vital role older Queenslanders play in our families, workplaces and communities. It’s also a chance to connect across generations, share stories and recognise the experience and wisdom our seniors bring to everyday life.
Join in with local events this Seniors Month and help celebrate the theme of social connection and inclusion for all ages. Events include an Ageism Awareness Day Mental Health Session at the Proserpine Library, Stay Safe Online and Energy4Seniors programs, as well as journal writing workshops and special Coffee and Chat sessions at your local library.
For more information, on Seniors Month events in our region, visit the Whitsunday Regional Libraries website.
Tec-NQ House Year 11 boarder Max has taken a big step toward his future, securing a school-based plumbing apprenticeship with Hilditch Plumbing in Townsville. He splits his week between paid work on real sites, training with Tec-NQ, and the study he needs to complete his Senior Certificate, earning while he’s learning and loving every minute.
“It’s busy and it’s hands-on, which is exactly what I wanted,” said Max. “I’m earning while I learn, and I’m picking up skills on the tools that I can use straight away.”
Right now, Max is working in the civil construction space on local subdivisions. That means early starts, lots of digging, and the practical know-how that comes with preparing ground and pipe for underground services. “There’s a lot of groundwork,” he explained. “We’re trenching, bedding, and laying pipe. It’s hard work, but I’m really enjoying it.”
Head of Boarding, Luke Papworth, says Max’s journey shows how opportunity follows effort. “Max is a great example of what happens when a young person shows up, works hard, and makes a good impression on placement,” Luke said. “Good work experience can turn into paid employment and a school-based apprenticeship, and that’s exactly the vocational pathway we champion.”
Life at Tec-NQ House gives Max the structure to succeed. He leaves for site each morning with a nutritious packed lunch prepared by Don, the on-site chef at the House, then returns to a supportive environment in the afternoon to reset for the next day. “Having Chef Don’s lunches keeps the boys fuelled for long days,” Luke added. “Food, routine, and positive expectations make a huge difference when you’re juggling work and school.”
Max agrees the balance is working. “I go to work during the day, then come back to Tec-NQ House,” he said. “The staff help keep us on track, and the routine makes it easier to manage work, training, and study.”
During school holidays, Max transitions into full-time hours with Hilditch to accelerate his progress. The goal is clear: finish Year 12, move straight into a full-time apprenticeship, and qualify as a tradie with Hilditch Plumbing.
“Holidays are a chance to get more time on the tools,” Max said. “When I finish school, I want to step straight into full-time and keep going until I’m qualified.”
For Luke, Max’s story is exactly why Tec-NQ House exists. “Boarding gives students independence with a safety net,” he said. “We set clear expectations around learning and behaviour, and we’re right there to support them with transport, meals, and pastoral care so they can focus on what matters: doing a good job on site and at school.”
He adds that employers notice the difference. “When a student like Max turns up on time, listens, works hard, and takes pride in the basics, employers are eager to invest in them,” Luke said. “That consistency is what leads to apprenticeships and long-term careers."
With Hilditch Plumbing backing his development and Tec-NQ House providing the platform, Max is building momentum one trench, one length of pipe, and one solid day’s work at a time.
Bowen Summergarden Cinema will celebrate World Space Week 2025 with a children and youth poster competition and screenings of To The Stars – Beginning, a feature documentary about the early years of Gilmour Space Technologies.
Both events are officially registered Australian activities for World Space Week, which runs from October 4–10 each year. The 2025 theme is Living In Space.
Cinema owner Ben DeLuca said the poster competition invites entrants to pick a planet or planetary moon within the solar system, then design a way to reach it and live there.
“We now have the Bowen Orbital Spaceport so it might get local kids thinking of careers in space and the space industry,” he said.
Entries can be dropped into the cinema until October 1. All posters will be displayed in the foyer during World Space Week, with a ballot to determine the winner on October 5, just before the final screening of To The Stars – Beginning at 7pm. The winner will receive a Bowen Cinema family pass of six tickets and a DVD of the documentary.
“Entries can then be picked up at the conclusion of World Space Week 2025 after October 10th,” Mr DeLuca said. He added that patrons will also have the chance to vote for the best entries, with two small prizes awarded to the top primary and high school posters.
The screenings mark a belated premiere for To The Stars – Beginning, produced by Queensland independent filmmaker Robin Williams of RP Williams Films. The documentary covers the origins of Gilmour Space Technologies, founded by brothers Adam and James Gilmour.
“Like many people my age I was a space nerd and grew up during the Apollo Moon Missions,” Ms Williams said. Filming began in 2017, before Australia had its own Space Agency. The Gilmour footage was completed in 2019, but post-production was delayed by COVID.
“Because of so much uncertainty with lockdowns we entered a few festivals – that resulted in a Best Feature Documentary win at the 2021 Sanctuary Film Festival – held a Cast and Crew screening and one theatrical screening in Brisbane then followed professional advise and ‘put it on the shelf’ until things returned to normal,” she said.
The Bowen screenings have been timed to coincide with Gilmour’s major milestone, the Eris 1 launch attempt.
“So I guess you could call these Bowen screenings a belated official Premiere of To The Stars – Beginning,” Ms Williams said.
Mr DeLuca said the cinema is proud to host the film.
“This is a true story of inspiration about Australian brothers who have already made Australian history and it’s made by independent Australian documentary makers,” he said.
Adam Gilmour said, “Not many people know this about our company, but before Eris there was a much smaller suborbital rocket called One Vision. It was a simpler time back then, but fraught with its own challenges.”
James Gilmour, now based in Bowen, said he has always loved space.
“How can you not look up at the night sky and wonder?”
Key talent and creative at a private cast and crew screening of To The Stars- Beginning, Paul Williams, Adam Gilmour, James Gilmour, and Robin Williams
Ben DeLuca outside his iconic Bowen Cinema
Photos supplied
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has confirmed that after more than 12 years of lobbying, the Bowen Boat Harbour Master Plan is finally moving forward.
The Master Plan was an election commitment during the October 2024 election, and with funding recently allocated by the Crisafulli Government, the focus turned to timing.
Mr Last said that, following a commitment from the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, work would begin soon.
“Less than two years ago, the former government put the Master Plan project on hold for at least five years,” Mr Last said. “After lobbying the Minister directly, we have secured another win with work on the Master Plan to get underway this year.”
“The Master Plan is the missing piece when it comes to the Bowen foreshore precinct. It is absolutely essential that the redevelopment of the jetty and upgrades of the foreshore tie into any redevelopment at the harbour, and vice versa, so we end up with the best result possible.
“A mismatched series of developments along the foreshore would be a disaster for Bowen from both a tourism point of view and for locals. Getting it right the first time not only improves value for money for taxpayers, it means we get the facilities we need much quicker.
“This is an opportunity to transform the entire foreshore area into an oasis for locals and tourists alike, less than one kilometre from the Bowen CBD. It’s about realising Bowen’s potential when it comes to economic development and job creation.
“The reality is that the Master Plan should have been completed years ago. Whenever they have been asked to, the Bowen community has engaged fully in the planning process but, despite that, nothing has been delivered.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said the Crisafulli Government was committed to listening to the community and unlocking Bowen’s potential.
“With sailing events on Bowen’s doorstep during the 2032 Olympics, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote Bowen as a tourism destination and a place to invest,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“I thank the local member’s advocacy on behalf of his community, and I look forward to seeing the planning and engagement process progressing this year. One of the key parts of any development is community engagement, because that ensures opportunities to share ideas or raise concerns to ensure the foreshore precinct brings benefits to the entire town.
“While the previous Labor government was happy to leave Bowen in a holding pattern, we recognise the impact that the Harbour Master Plan will have on Bowen’s growth and economy.”
Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP
Australians love big things and nine in 10 people are said to embrace the oversized landmarks as a part of their great Aussie road trip.
For 72% of Aussies, visiting one is more than just a detour, it adds purpose to their trip.
Following overwhelming demand for the first collection, Australia Post has released its latest $1 coin collection in partnership with the Royal Australian Mint, celebrating Australia’s iconic roadside attractions.
The ‘Aussie Big Things 2’ collection features 10 of Australia’s favourite Big Things
including The Big Strawberry, The Big Merino, The Big Prawn, and Bowen’s own The Big Mango.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said everyone was very excited to have the Big Mango featured on a $1 coin.
“Everyone loves the Big Mango, and we feel honoured that it has been chosen as part of this new coin collection.
“Aussie Big Things capture some quirky and wonderful aspects of Australia, and more and more people are making sure they include all the Big Things on their road trips.
“The coins are available at Australia Post outlets, including the Bowen Post Office, but we will also be selling them soon at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.
“Our release date will be October 7 when we will have a limited amount for sale but there will be no pre-orders.”
The Big Mango represents the Kensington Pride variety of Mango as Bowen is the birthplace of that variety.
The Big Mango was named the Best Big Thing in our state at the Queensland Day awards in May.
On the shoreline of Bowen’s Rose Bay, a boutique caravan park has been winning over visitors with its relaxed coastal charm and a surprising healthy twist.
Tony Dente and Bernie Mackie opened the Rose Bay Beach Caravan Park just over 18 months ago, creating a welcoming escape with only 24 sites. Their goal was to provide a smaller, quieter alternative where guests could enjoy a friendly community atmosphere in a stunning beachside setting.
“It’s a small, boutique park – more like a little community than a big, overwhelming caravan park,” Bernie said.
“People love that it’s peaceful, pet-friendly and set in such a beautiful part of Bowen.”
Along with access to hiking trails and an off-lead dog beach right across the road, the park offers guests everything they need without leaving Rose Bay. That includes the Caravan Park's newest venture – Earth Bar Café. A café and health food store that has become a hit with both locals and travellers.
Serving gluten-free treats, smoothie bowls, frozen acai, and even classic scooped ice cream, Earth Bar combines seaside relaxation with modern food choices.
Bernie expects that people became more health focussed after COVID, and she saw this as a chance to fill a gap in the market in Bowen.
“Our visitors from down south, are normally from Victoria and South Australia, and they’re used to the city vibe where they have health food options at their doorstep,” explained Bernie.
“There was an opportunity to come offer that to people, and the community has been amazing with the health food, saying there's nothing like this in Bowen.”
Earthbar Cafe at Rose Bay Beach Caravan Park. Photo sourced: Facebook
After years of building a successful career on the Gold Coast, local real estate agent Kath Barker has returned to the Whitsundays with a fresh perspective on the industry choosing to go out on her own and offer something a little different, Compass Realty Whitsundays.
Having first lived in the region in the late 1980s and early 90s, Kath has strong ties to the area.
“My dad lived here for many years, and when my husband suggested moving back, at first I thought he was crazy. But once we made the move, it just felt right.”
With a background in both construction and real estate, she has combined her knowledge of property with her desire to provide a more personalised service. Instead of handling dozens of listings at once, she has deliberately positioned herself as a boutique, independent agent.
“I only take on a small number of listings at any one time,” she explained.
“Clients of mine get a really good, personalised service.
“I'm there. I answer the phone. I go and meet with them. I'm the one who does the open homes. I'm the one who answers all their inquiries, and I am the direct link between them and their buyer.”
Kath has sold lots of properties over the years, and understands that it is a stressful and emotional process.
Her career in real estate began on the Gold Coast, where she worked for LJ Hooker, one of the region’s largest agencies. The fast-paced environment gave her valuable experience but also left her burnt out. “At one point I had 20 listings and hundreds of inquiries coming in every day, it was full on,” she said.
In the 18 months since launching her independent business, Kath has steadily grown her Compass Realty Whitsundays clientele through word of mouth and networking. From helping local families to selling property remotely for interstate clients she’s never even met in person, she has proven that a smaller, more personalised approach can thrive in a competitive market.
“I’m not trying to compete with the big agencies—they have their place in the market she said.
Compass Realty Whitsundays approach is more direct, but allows Kath to care for and better understand her clients or potential buyers.
Kath Barker from Compass Realty Whitsundays. Photo credit: R Jean Photography
Separation and divorce can be emotional and complicated. Property, parenting, support - it’s a lot. That’s why we focus on clear, calm advice that helps you understand your rights and your options. No pressure. No scare tactics. Just practical legal support.
We’ll help you find a path forward that protects your interests (and hopefully keeps things civil).
Whitsunday Law – Practical support through life’s messier moments.
Kimberley Jamieson
Kimberley Jamieson, a Proserpine local, joined the team at Accountancy Plus in May 2008. Since then, Kim has completed a business degree majoring in accounting, has married and now has two beautiful daughters who keep her extremely busy. Kim is a senior Manager and Partner of the firm. She specialises in business advisory and management, cash flow projections, tax planning, and benchmarking. In her spare time, Kim enjoys spending time with her family.
Karen Miller
Karen Miller completed a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University in 1990. She has since gained a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualification and is a senior Accountant for Accountancy Plus Whitsunday (APW). Karen has worked in public practice for many years, and had a lifestyle change in 2012 when she moved with her husband from the Gold Coast to the Whitsundays.
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