Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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The recent Federal Budget contained several measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures, but it offered little to solve Australia's biggest housing challenge: a lack of supply.
While various incentives may help some buyers enter the market, they do little to address the shortage of homes being built. In many parts of the country, particularly Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, housing affordability remains a major issue and prices continue to be supported by strong demand.
For retirees, however, this situation may present an opportunity.
Many Australians approaching or entering retirement are finding that the value of their homes in major capital cities has increased significantly over the years. By selling a property in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and relocating to a regional area such as the Whitsundays, retirees may be able to purchase a quality home at a lower price while freeing up substantial capital to support their retirement lifestyle. Rather than having a large portion of their wealth locked away in the family home, retirees may be able to boost superannuation, create additional investment income or simply provide themselves with greater financial flexibility during retirement.
The Whitsundays continues to attract new residents for good reason. A relaxed lifestyle, strong community spirit, quality services and a warmer climate make the region an appealing alternative to the major capitals. Improved technology and flexible work arrangements have also encouraged more Australians to consider regional living, creating ongoing population growth in many lifestyle destinations. This migration trend benefits not only new residents but also local businesses, employment opportunities and property markets. Areas experiencing steady inward migration are often better positioned than regions where population growth is limited.
Importantly, one of the most positive outcomes from the Budget was what didn't change.
Prior to the Budget there was considerable speculation surrounding potential changes to superannuation and retirement income settings. For most Australians, those concerns proved unfounded. The superannuation and Age Pension systems were left largely unchanged, providing valuable certainty for retirees and those planning for retirement.
Stability is critical when making long-term financial decisions. Australia's superannuation system remains one of the strongest retirement savings frameworks in the world, and maintaining confidence in the rules allows Australians to continue planning for retirement with greater certainty.
While housing affordability challenges are likely to persist in the major capitals, regional Australia may continue to benefit as more retirees and families seek a more affordable and enjoyable lifestyle. For many Australians, selling a high-value city property and relocating to the Whitsundays could provide not only a lifestyle upgrade but also a stronger financial position throughout retirement.
If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us on 49467359 for an appointment at our office in Carlo Drive, Cannonvale today.
We all know, watching a leadership module on a screen does not make someone a better leader. Neither does clicking through 47 slides about emotional intelligence, completing an online quiz about conflict or watching a video about difficult conversations while answering emails at the same time. Online learning has its place. It is great for information, compliance, refreshers and giving people access to knowledge, but knowledge does not equal behaviour change. Online training can deliver information, however face-to-face training can create transformation.
If you need to build leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills or learn to manage difficult personalities you need to immerse yourself in an environment that makes you self-assess and challenge your own belief concepts. We deliberately put people in a room because leadership is not a knowledge problem. Most people already know they should communicate better, listen more, manage conflict and give constructive feedback. Knowing what to do isn'tthe same as actually doing it.
Face-to-face training creates an environment that online doesn’t - human friction. You have to look someone in the eye and practise the difficult conversation. In our room people may question your thinking and suddenly you realise your communication style may be irritating. You discover that what you call “being direct” might actually look like intimidation and sometimes you find out that your response to conflict is part of the problem. In our room, you get the opportunity to do it differently. In our room, magic happens and minds shiift.
A good facilitator can see the crossed arms, the discomfort, the defensiveness and steers them towards the ‘a-ha’ moments. You can't build genuine trust between colleagues by putting everyone on mute or turning off your video. You can'tdevelop the emotional courage required to manage difficult people by completing a multiple-choice question about conflict.
Leadership is human. So leadership development needs to be human too. Online training can tell people what good leadership looks like but face-to-face training gives them somewhere to challenge their preconceived ideas and practisebecoming it. That’s why we put people in a room - to make it real, make an impact, and make a change.
Jack and Jen celebrating with the other award winners.
More than a century after the Lowcock family first began building in the region, the Bowen company’s commitment to quality has earned fresh recognition, claiming two honours at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.
Lowcock’s quality of work was recognised across two distinct categories, with its Yaringa Units project winning the Medium Density up to Three Storeys award and VaultX Storage taking out the Commercial/Industrial Building up to $3 million category.
The Yaringa Units comprise four thoughtfully designed two-bedroom residences, providing secure and affordable accommodation for up to eight frontline health, education and aged-care workers in Bowen.
Described as the first purpose-built accommodation project of its kind in Queensland, Yaringa was supported by the Queensland Government through Round 3 of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.
Each residence offers generous open-plan living, plenty of natural light, durable finishes and added privacy, creating a practical and welcoming development that complements Bowen Community Council Inc.’s existing building style.
VaultX Storage, meanwhile, was developed to meet Bowen’s growing demand for safe and convenient self-storage.
The purpose-built facility opened with 54 units, offering 24-hour access and personalised PIN security within a clean, modern design. Storage spaces range from 2.3m by 3m to 24m by 3.3m, catering to a variety of customer needs. With capacity to expand to 82 units, VaultX was designed to meet both current demand and Bowen’s future storage needs.
These award-winning builds are just two of the many projects Lowcock Builders has delivered across the region, alongside the Airlie Beach Car Wash, Bowen TAFE Agriculture Centre of Excellence, Hillview unit complex and Nolan’s Interstate Transport facility. Each reflects the same care and attention to detail the company brings to every build.
This success is nothing new for Jack and Jen Lowcock, who have been carrying forward a legacy of success stretching back to 1918.
If you’re driving around parts of the Whitsundays over the next few weeks, there’s a fair chance you’ll come across our road crews as we roll into the latest stage of Council’s annual road resealing program.
From late August, weather permitting, crews will be working on Strathdickie Road, Dingo Beach Road and several roads around Mount Coolon. It’s worth putting the size of the job into perspective.
Whitsunday Regional Council maintains around 1,776 kilometres of roads, comprising 616 kilometres sealed and another 1,160 kilometres unsealed.
That’s a significant road network stretching from our coastal communities through to some remote parts of our region, and keeping it safe and maintained is one of the Council's biggest responsibilities.
It’s also about spending money at the right time. Road resealing might not be the most glamorous Council project, but it is one of the smartest investments we can make in looking after the assets our community already owns.
Put simply, resealing protects the road surface, keeps water out of the pavement underneath and extends the life of the road. Doing that work at the right time is considerably cheaper than allowing a road to deteriorate to the point where major reconstruction is required.
That’s also why you might sometimes see us resealing a road that still looks pretty good, while another road nearby appears to be in worse condition. Once the pavement underneath starts to fail, simply putting another seal over the top won’t fix the problem. That road will generally need more substantial rehabilitation before it can be resealed.
So the aim is to reseal roads before they reach that point wherever we can which extends their life and delivers the best value from every dollar we spend on the network.
At the same time, we're not standing still.
Major projects such as the Hamilton Plains flood immunity upgrade are improving key parts of our network as the Whitsundays continues to grow.
So there are really two jobs happening at once – looking after the extensive road network we already have while progressively building a safer, stronger and more resilient network for the future.
Of course, roadworks inevitably mean some inconvenience. There will be single-lane closures, reduced speed limits and traffic control while these works are underway, so please allow a little extra time and follow the directions of our traffic controllers. You may also notice line marking doesn’t happen immediately after resealing. That's deliberate. The new surface needs time to settle and cure before permanent line marking goes down.
I know getting stuck at a stop/go sign can test the patience – particularly when you somehow seem to get the “stop” side every time. But a few minutes of inconvenience now helps us get more life out of roads our community relies on every day.
Thanks for your patience and, most importantly, please slow down around our crews while they get the job done.
For many businesses, workplace health and safety and compliance can feel overwhelming. Luxton Safety & Compliance Australia (LSCA) is changing that by helping businesses build practical systems that not only meet compliance requirements but genuinely support day-to-day operations.
Owned and operated by Principal Consultant Emma Luxton, LSCA works with businesses across the Whitsundays, regional Queensland, and Australia to develop workplace health and safety (WHS), compliance and management systems aligned with ISO standards that are practical, fit-for-purpose and easy to use.
Emma established the business after seeing too many organisations burdened with complicated paperwork, generic templates and compliance systems that failed to reflect the way their businesses actually operated.
"Compliance should support the business and the people doing the work," Emma said. "A system may look impressive on paper, but it's only effective when people understand it and use it."
With extensive experience in workplace health and safety, auditing, compliance and business management systems, Emma takes a hands-on approach. Rather than delivering a folder of documents and walking away, she works alongside business owners, managers and operational teams to understand their operations, identify genuine gaps and develop systems that are practical, sustainable, and aligned with their goals.
LSCA supports businesses at every stage of their compliance journey. Whether an organisation is starting from scratch, reviewing an existing system, preparing for ISO certification, responding to client requirements, tendering for new work or seeking ongoing governance support, Emma tailors solutions to suit the unique needs of each business.
Services include WHS and HSEQ management systems, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 support, gap assessments and internal audits, compliance reviews, system implementation and governance, contractor and prequalification compliance, tender support, and the development of supporting policies, procedures, risk assessments, and SWMS.
Emma believes the best compliance systems are those that are understood and consistently applied across the business.
Her advice to other business owners is simple: understand what your business genuinely needs, make compliance practical rather than burdensome, and don't wait until a tender, audit or workplace incident highlights gaps that could have been addressed earlier.
By reviewing systems proactively, businesses are better positioned to strengthen safety, improve operational performance, meet client expectations, and create opportunities for growth.
Through practical advice and tailored solutions, Luxton Safety & Compliance Australia is helping businesses create Safe Systems. Strong Business. Better Outcomes.
Rebecca Woods and Marina McMullen in the early days of the Food Bank. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Cannonvale Foodbank is approaching its first anniversary in September, marking a year of volunteers giving their time, food being rescued rather than wasted, donors giving what they can and community members supporting a service that has continued to grow.
Open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday, the Foodbank has consistently averaged around 22 transactions each operating day, or approximately 110 each week. With the average transaction sitting at around $9, the figures tell an important story about how local people are using the service, combining a handful of affordable groceries with free donated food to make the household budget stretch further after rent, electricity, fuel and other essential expenses have been paid.
In its first six months alone, the foodbank reports that approximately nine tons of food was redistributed.
The foodbank reports that past year has also highlighted how varied food insecurity can be. Users include families, pensioners, people living alone and people who are working but finding that their income simply does not stretch as far as it once did.
“We don’t require any health or concession cards to visit, everyone is welcome,” said Executive Officer Rebecca Woods.
“We couldn’t do it without the immense support from the so many, and our volunteers who work hard bringing it all to the community,” the service shared.
“Some give food. Some give funds. Some give two hours of their week.
“Together, they have helped turn a temporary building and a simple idea into a service used by hundreds of local people.”
Travis with his teammates Mackenzie Mercer, Stefany Allan Travis Allen and Arthur Gabey Community Education Counsellor.
Year 8 student Travis Allen pushed through his nerves and found his voice at the Junior The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program Challenge (ATSIAP) in Townsville, earning him a peer-voted Aunty Raba Solomon ATSIAP Perpetual Trophy.
The program brings students together for a series of academic and cultural activities.This year’s junior challenge was based on a theme of ’50 Years of Deadly’ and drew about 16 teams from 13 schools.
“It’s more academic-minded, so they work as a team to do a speech, long-term problem-solving and a quiz,” said Arthur Gabey, Indigenous Community Coordinator at Proserpine State High School.
“It’s really, really fun. Once we get the formal stuff out of the way, everyone gets involved.”
Among Proserpine’s representatives was Year 8 student Travis Allen, who volunteered for the team as soon as the opportunity was offered.
Once the challenge began, despite being pretty reserved, Travis took the speaking role in the team’s problem-solving performance. Despite being visibly nervous in front of the crowd, he pushed through the speech and performance without giving up.
Travis’s willingness to step beyond his comfort zone was noticed by his fellow competitors, who voted him the recipient of the Aunty Raba Solomon ATSIAP Perpetual Trophy for inspiring those around him.
“He was one of those students who really stood out,” Arthur said.
Proserpine State High School’s senior team also took second-place finish at its Term 1 challenge.
Arthur said both results were a proud achievement for the school, with students showing they could match it with much larger schools from across Queensland.
Alan Power, First Australian Fullback Frank Drake, Tony Price and John Short at a Brisbane Brothers Old Boys function in Brisbane. Photo supplied: Tony Price.
Long-time Whitsundays local Tony Price has spent a lifetime around rugby league, but in recent years he has made it his mission to preserve the stories, clubs and competitions that helped shape the game across Queensland.
Tony’s latest release, A History of the Confraternity Shield (1980–2025), brings together more than four decades of school rugby league history in one official publication.
The 284-page hardcover features more than 450 photographs, tracing the rivalries, teams and moments that have helped make the Shield one of rugby league’s most recognised schoolboy competitions.
Tony’s path into writing came later in life, after a battle with throat cancer in 2013 left him looking for something new to focus on.
“I decided then: Well, I don’t know what I’m going to do. So I decided to write a couple of books,” Tony said.
What began as a personal project soon grew into a steady run of commissioned histories, with clubs, schools and rugby league organisations approaching him to record their stories.
Since then, Tony has written 15 books and around 80 magazines, covering everything from Whitsunday Rugby League and Mackay Rugby League to North Queensland and Queensland rugby league history.
The appeal isn’t solely about rugby, with Tony loving the art of preserving stories that might otherwise disappear.
“History is what I like doing,” Tony said.
“I’d rather write about the old stuff.”
Tony’s connection to rugby league in the Whitsundays was built long before he began writing about it. Having played the game as a young man, he went on to help grow junior rugby league across the region, including starting Cannonvale Airlie Beach Junior Rugby League and coaching school teams at Cannonvale State School, Proserpine State High School and St Catherine’s Catholic College.
That same hands-on involvement has shaped much of Tony’s life in the area.
With family ties to the region dating back more than a century, Tony has spent decades working, volunteering and serving the district, from owning Proserpine Tyre Service and the Palace Hotel in Proserpine to building a service station and tyre service in Cannonvale. He also served two terms on Whitsunday Shire Council and sat on the board of Tourism Whitsunday.
His focus will now turn to his upcoming release, A History of St Brendan’s College Rugby League (1940–2026), which will trace the story of one of the Confraternity Shield’s most successful teams and its long connection to the game.
The book is expected to be released around mid-September, continuing Tony’s work of preserving rugby league history for the players, schools and communities who helped shape it.
Sailability Team Photo Credit: Zach Houtenville
The waters bordering Airlie Beach opened to sailors of all abilities as Sailability Whitsunday held its latest session, giving people with disabilities the chance to take the helm and enjoy the freedom of sailing.
Last Tuesday’s session welcomed participants and carers from across the region, with some taking the helm of the club’s 303 dinghies while others enjoyed a cruise aboard the powerboat.
It normally runs up once or twice a month, with up to 30 participants and their carers have been able to attend from organisations and private areas of Proserpine, Mackay, Bowen and Cannonvale.
Along the way, they practised turn-taking and water safety before returning to shore for the traditional end-of-sail barbecue.
“We’re here to see the clients smiling and happy,” said Tony Mahood, president of Sailability Whitsunday.
“Everyone is assessed for their abilities, and we put them in the right boats with the right teams.
Operating out of the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Sailability Whitsunday is one of 15 clubs based around Queensland, with the Airlie Beach location being active since 2010.
Each session is made possible by the volunteers working both on the water and back at the club, from skippering boats and operating radios to maintaining equipment and helping participants safely on and off the vessels.
“Sailability Whitsundays can only operate with the effort of its great team of volunteers,” Tony said.
Sailability Whitsunday will next take to the water on Tuesday 8th September, with new volunteers and supporters always welcome to help keep the sessions sailing.
Wind Farm Action Group protesting on Flagstaff Hill. Photo supplied: Wind Farm Action Group.
The Mount Challenger Wind Farm project is continuing to spark discussion, continuing to recieve push back from Bowen residents for its proximity to the town.
In July, Alinta Energy has officially pulled plans to build wind turbines across the southern zone of its proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, marking a major turning point for the Proserpine community after nine months of intense advocacy.
Following six months of LIDAR wind monitoring in the southern area of the proposed project, Alinta Energy concluded that the wind resource in this area is not strong enough to support turbines, ultimately causing the cancellation of the plans.
The northern portion of the site is still in feasibility stages. Located between Eden Lassie Creek and Greta Creek, the proposed wind farm site extends some 28 kilometres north to Bowen.
Residents have questioned what the development could mean for nearby homes, native bushland and the waterways flowing into Edgecumbe Bay, as well as its potential impact on coastal views from popular Bowen locations including Flagstaff Hill, Front Beach and Bowen Jetty.
Among those raising concerns is Longford Creek resident Sandra Mitchell, whose property sits between Eden Lassie and Greta creeks near the proposed northern section of the wind farm.
Sandra and her family have lived on the property for more than 20 years, raising their children in a home surrounded by bushland and mountain views. She said the family shares a two-to-three-kilometre boundary with a neighbouring property near the proposed site, with turbines potentially positioned about 1.5 kilometres from her home.
Having followed the project’s progression from the beginning, Sandra and her husband, Nev, have remained active in raising awareness throughout the community.
Following the withdrawal of the Crystal Brook and Kelsey Creek section, the pair believed many Bowen residents were unaware the project was continuing and distributed about 1,000 flyers ahead of Alinta Energy’s first drop-in session in the town.
“A lot of people didn’t know about it, or they thought it had been cancelled when the southern section was withdrawn because it’s called Mt Challenger,” Sandra said.
“Many thought it was out the Collinsville way, when it’s actually right here near the bay.”
Alinta Energy said it welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from the Bowen community, with the questions and feedback received from the drop-in session set to inform its ongoing planning and engagement.
However, Sandra and the community felt the single drop-in session did little to address their frustration, particularly as it ran from 10am to 2pm and was difficult for many working residents to attend.
“There was one drop-in information session in Bowen, running from 10am to 2pm, which meant many working residents could not attend,” she said.
“Those who did attend appeared to have little or no prior knowledge of the proposal, with residents largely having to find information themselves and raise awareness through community networks.”
The company acknowledged that awareness has varied across the region and described the Bowen session as an important step in explaining the remaining proposal and hearing from local residents.
Further consultation is expected to continue through community sessions, while Alinta Energy said it would keep residents informed through its website, direct stakeholder engagement, project updates and advertising across traditional and social media, as theysaid they have done since the project was announced in October 2025.
“If the Mt Challenger Wind Farm proceeds,” Alinta energy shared, “It will bring broader investment to the region through construction and operational jobs, local supply and procurement, potential road and infrastructure upgrades, environmental enhancement programs and ongoing support for community initiatives.”
“The project will also contribute to Queensland’s energy supply and electricity grid.”
Photo sourced: Shutterstock
A kind individual in the community has been praised for paying for an elderly woman’s groceries in Cannonvale this week- and it just so happened that the action came at the perfect moment.
“A huge thank you to the awesome lady who paid for my elderly mum’s groceries,” a local shared. “It was greatly appreciated because she’s been very down since being widowed a few months ago.
“Your kindness really gave her a lift and she intends to pay it forward. We hope you receive loads of good karma!”
A local who witnessed the good deed shared:
“The lovely individual didn’t even hesitate! Such a beautiful act of kindness and even more special knowing how much it meant to your mum.”
The deed provides a reminder that kindness doesn’t have to be grand or complicated to make a difference. Sometimes, offering a little help goes a long way – as it isn’t always obvious when that person needs it most.
Puja Mehrotra, Senior Property Manager at Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate
With a passion for real estate and more than 10 years of experience in human resources management, Puja Mehrotra continues to deliver reliable and professional service as Senior Property Manager at Blacks Real Estate.
Known for her strong work ethic, positive attitude and people-focused approach, Ms Mehrotra works closely with both landlords and tenants to help ensure positive outcomes across every aspect of property management.
Blacks Real Estate said her commonsense approach, combined with her friendly nature and commitment to maintaining properties as if they were her own, makes her a valued member of the team.
Ms Mehrotra said her willingness to learn and dedication to providing high-quality service continued to drive her work within the industry.
Puja Mehrotra can be contacted through Blacks Real Estate on 07 4963 2500.
When people talk about the Australian property market it often seems as though they are talking about one market, something that contains uniform traits and a consistency throughout the country.
The single-market phenomenon probably applies to other areas; the corn market is probably pretty uniform in the corn-growing areas of the country and I would expect wheat and wool and other markets to have very little variation.
Of course, the wool market is one of the many things I know nothing about, although I do hear good things about the merino breed of sheep and its soft, fine wool.
I’m slightly better informed about the property market and one thing that is very clear is that there is not one market.
Demand and supply play out in different ways in different cities. Business activity varies, population movements change, demographics have an impact and none of this is the same from one city or region to the next.
There are also the different types of property markets. The so-called “prestige market” is different to the suburban mum and dad market because different factors apply.
It is true that a federal budget that removes negative gearing on established dwellings and increases capital gains tax does have an impact in all markets but the extent varies.
And when tax changes combine with other economic factors such as an increase in the cost of living for things such as fuel and electricity, the results can be seen in various markets.
There has, without a doubt, been changes to property markets around the country over the past few months and none of them, in my opinion, appear to be going up at the moment.
But the impacts have been felt far more seriously in bigger cities than in other locations.
The prestige and higher-end markets in Sydney and Melbourne have been smashed. Many of those properties increased dramatically in recent years. A property in Sydney that increased from $4m to $5m over a short period will probably find that price winding back now.
The Herron Todd White property clock, a monthly assessment of property markets around the country by the valuation company, described Sydney and Melbourne as markets in decline in July.
There is no doubt that the removal of negative gearing will be having a huge impact on properties at the higher end as investors shy away from the negative yield those properties would provide.
It was interesting to note which cities the HTW housing property clock described as “approaching the peak” of the market.
Gladstone, the Sunshine Coast and Townsville were all described as approaching the peak.
Not so Mackay, which is still described as a “rising market”, along with Rockhampton, Cairns and Emerald. Brisbane is described as being at the peak of the market.
Melbourne is a good example of how markets around the country differ. Someone last month bought a two-bedroom unit in an inner-city suburb for $610,000. The same unit last sold in 2018 for $635,000. A loss after eight years is a very differentexperience to the Mackay situation where the prices have more than doubled in that period.
As always, economic factors in individual regions have an impact and Mackay’s economy is going well, with full employment and plenty of activity. Markets plunge when economic factors force people to sell. That is not the case in Mackay and it’s generally not the case in other parts of the country.
Meanwhile I had an average of eight people turn up to my four open homes last weekend and we ended up with strong offers on all four of them.
Buyers are more cautious than they were but people still need somewhere to live so well-priced properties that are marketed properly are attracting good attention from buyers.
It’s certainly not the case that there is one property market in Australia and that what is happening in Sydney is replicated throughout the country.
The Greater Whitsunday region is positioning itself to become a key player in Australia's growing critical minerals industry, with a new roadmap outlining how local businesses can capitalise on emerging opportunities across mining, manufacturing and advanced technology.
The Mackay and Greater Whitsunday Critical Minerals Roadmap will be launched at the Resource Industry Network Industry Briefing on Friday. Developed by the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) with support from North Queensland Bulk Ports and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, the roadmap identifies opportunities in exploration, mineral processing, logistics, manufacturing, research and innovation, while helping local businesses diversify into new markets.
GW3 Diversification Project Lead Jodie Thompson said the region was well positioned to support Queensland's critical minerals future.
"The Greater Whitsunday region is primed to service and lead a critical minerals future for Queensland," Ms Thompson said.
"This Roadmap is about understanding where our region can add the greatest value, helping our businesses diversify and ensuring we are ready to capture new investment and economic opportunities.
"It is not about replacing the industries that have driven our region's success, it is about building on those strengths, creating additional opportunities and ensuring our economy remains resilient and competitive as global markets evolve."
Resources Centre of Excellence Chief Executive Officer Steven Boxall said the region was already investing in the infrastructure and innovation needed to support future resources industries.
"Critical minerals development will require new approaches to extraction, processing, automation and resource recovery," Mr Boxall said.
"Our region has an important opportunity to develop, test and commercialise those solutions locally."
The roadmap was developed through consultation with industry stakeholders and regional partners and forms part of GW3's broader strategy to attract investment, diversify the economy and strengthen the Greater Whitsunday region's role in future critical minerals supply chains.
Star Sign: Aries
Favourite Movie: Pacific Rim
Favourite Colour: Red
Favourite Holiday Destination: Fiji
Favourite Music: Rock
Favourite Quote: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy
Something most people don't know about you: I enjoy hands on activities like painting miniature figurines and target shooting.
Mackay-born dentist Kaveet Raniga is swapping miniature figurines and long-distance target shooting for a new chapter at Hanly Dental Studio, bringing more than five years of hands-on experience and a friendly, people-focused approach to his role as Associate Dentist, with bookings opening from September.
Kaveet has always enjoyed working with his hands, but when he first started treating patients in his third year of University everything just clicked.
“When I started treating patients that’s when I really found a passion for it.”
More than five years later, it’s the variety of dentistry, and the people behind each appointment, that continue to make the profession rewarding for Kaveet.
While no two days are the same, his role often sees him involved in ceramic work and rehabilitation, alongside check-ups, fillings, cleans, whitening and oral surgery – but whether a patient needs a small procedure or more complex treatment, Kaveet’s focus remains firmly on helping people feel comfortable, cared for and confident in their treatment.
For Kaveet, some of the most rewarding moments are often the smallest. Whether it’s seeing a patient’s genuine reaction when they look in the mirror after treatment, or giving a young patient a high-five after a check-up, he values the opportunity to make someone’s experience a positive one.
“It's just small wholesome moments like that that really mean a lot to me.”
That people-first approach is particularly important when treating patients who may feel nervous or apprehensive about visiting the dentist.
Kaveet believes building trust can take time and is more than happy to work at a patient’s pace, whether they are coming in for a routine check-up or something more elaborate.
Outside the clinic, Kaveet is a self-confessed dog lover, with plans to welcome a Kelpie once he has settled into his new role.
After growing up in Mackay, apart from moving to Cairns for university, Kaveet is looking forward to continuing his career close to home and joining a team he already feels comfortable with.
Bringing his experience, curiosity and distinctly “jokey, friendly and professional” personality to Hanly Dental Studio, Kaveet is ready to help Mackay locals feel a little more at ease in the dental chair.
Contact the friendly team at Hanly Dental Studio for more details!
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