Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OP-ED by Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox Every Australian family sitting around the kitchen table knows the reality, our standard of living is under severe pressure. Since the Albanese Labor government took office, Australians have experienced some of the steepest declines in living standards in the developed world. With national debt fast approaching $1 trillion and structural budget deficits locked in for a decade, Labor is spending more and taxing more, while households are forced to get by with less. The challenge facing our nation is not just identifying these economic headwinds; it is putting forward a clear, constructive alternative. That’s why I’m often asked, what a Coalition government would do differently to steer the country back on track. The answer lies in structural economic reform that rewards hard work, protects aspiration, and respects the money you earn. At the heart of our plan is a landmark policy designed to end secret tax hikes, the Tax Back Guarantee. Under the current system, when your wages rise to keep pace with inflation, you can easily be pushed into a higher tax bracket. This process, known as "bracket creep," allows the government to collect higher tax revenues every year without ever having to pass a law. It penalises workers for simply trying to keep up with the rising cost of groceries, rent, and power bills. It equally penalises businesses, too. Employers feel a genuine responsibility to increase wages so their workers can afford to live, yet these rising expenses drive up business overheads at a time when everyone is struggling to swim against a tide of high inflation fuelled by the Albanese Labor Government. The Coalition will fix this by permanently indexing income tax thresholds to inflation. Starting in the 2028-29 financial year, we will index the bottom two income tax thresholds, a measure that will protect approximately 85 per cent of Australian income earners. By year three, that relief would climb to $1,200 a year: providing a substantial, ongoing boost to household budgets when families need it most. From the 2031-32 financial year, we will extend this indexation to the top two thresholds, ensuring that no Australian is penalised with higher taxes simply because of inflation. This is a fair, simple, and honest reform. It forces the government to live within its means rather than relying on inflation to balance the budget. True economic recovery also requires us to scrap this new suite of toxic taxes that punish success and stifle investment. The Albanese Labor Government's approach is a direct assault on aspiration. It imposes higher taxes on housing, savings, investments, and small businesses. This includes a 30 per cent tax rate on discretionary trusts, which acts as an inheritance tax by stealth on the family structures everyday Australians use to pass assets to their children. This is why a Coalition government will repeal this entire suite of toxic taxes. We will reverse changes to negative gearing that restrict housing supply, undo capital gains tax hikes that discourage investment, and protect small businesses from punitive tax structures. Furthermore, we will abolish the Safeguard Mechanism, removing a regulatory burden that inflates building material costs and drives local manufacturing offshore. It is a basic economic reality that when you tax something, you get less of it. If you tax savings, housing, investment, and small business, you get less of all of them. The Coalition wants more aspiration, not less, which is why we will back the hard-working Australians who want to get ahead. By cutting these penalties on success, we are offering a positive, practical plan to restore home ownership, lower national debt, and secure Australia's economic future.
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The Queensland Mining Awards brought together businesses and organisations from across the state’s minerals and energy resources sector, recognising the work being undertaken across an industry that plays a significant role in regional Queensland. Now in its 12th year, the awards provided an opportunity for companies of all sizes, from mining operations to contractors and suppliers, to showcase their achievements and gain recognition from industry peers. The awards covered a broad range of areas across the sector, including productivity, innovation, safety, collaboration, environmental initiatives, and community and staff programs. Winners were announced at a Gala Presentation Dinner held as part of the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition in Mackay in July, bringing industry representatives together to celebrate achievements across Queensland’s resources sector. For businesses operating in regional communities, the awards provided a platform to highlight projects, initiatives and expertise beyond their individual operations. The program also created opportunities for businesses to build connections with industry representatives and decision-makers. As a signature event of the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition, described by organisers as Australia’s largest regional mining exhibition, the awards provided access to an audience of more than 600 industry decision-makers. Entries were assessed through peer judging by senior leaders within the mining industry, allowing projects and initiatives to be considered by people with an understanding of the operational environment in which they were delivered. The Queensland Resources Council was the major event partner, further connecting the awards with Queensland’s broader resources sector. Beyond the awards themselves, finalists and winners gained opportunities for industry exposure, networking and business connections. The program also provided year-round marketing opportunities and national media coverage, helping to highlight achievements within Queensland’s resources industry. For the regions, the awards offered an opportunity to recognise the businesses, workers and organisations contributing to an industry that extends well beyond mine sites. From innovative projects and safety initiatives to environmental, community and staff programs, the categories reflected the range of work taking place across Queensland’s resources sector. The Queensland Mining Awards ultimately provided a forum to acknowledge that contribution, while giving businesses an opportunity to share their achievements with peers and a wider industry audience. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Photo source: Shutterstock
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BUMA is known for delivering leading mining and rehabilitation services across Queensland. Beyond its operations, the company is also helping create opportunities in the regional communities where it operates. With a history spanning more than 100 years and as part of the global BUMA International Group, the company works alongside its clients to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable mining solutions while maintaining a strong focus on supporting local communities. One example is BUMA's partnership with PCYC Queensland's Braking the Cycle program in Blackwater. The initiative helps address a challenge faced by many young people in the community: obtaining a driver's licence. Without access to a vehicle, a qualified supervisor or affordable driving lessons, completing the required supervised driving hours can be difficult, limiting access to employment, education and training opportunities. BUMA began supporting the program in 2022 through financial sponsorship. As the partnership evolved, discussions with PCYC Blackwater identified a key barrier to the program's success: a shortage of volunteer driving mentors. In response, BUMA developed a practical workforce-led solution, encouraging employees to become trained mentors and volunteer their time to support local learner drivers. Today, BUMA volunteers continue providing consistent one-on-one supervised driving sessions, helping participants build confidence, develop safe driving habits and work towards obtaining their driver's licence. The BUMA Braking the Cycle driving mentoring initiative was recently recognised as a finalist in the Queensland Mining Awards, held as part of the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition. The recognition highlighted the role industry partnerships and employee volunteering can play in addressing practical challenges in regional communities. For BUMA, the initiative reflects its commitment to creating opportunities and positive outcomes beyond the mine site, with employees using their time and skills to support the communities where they live and work.
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Queensland’s construction industry is set to receive a boost, with 4,500 new apprenticeships to be supported through two programs aimed at addressing skills shortages across the state. The Government has launched the new TradieStart program alongside an extension of the Small Business Apprenticeship Program, with the initiatives expected to support thousands of new construction apprentices. TradieStart will support 2,500 apprenticeships across construction, plumbing, engineering and electrical trades. Eligible small businesses taking on their first apprentice will receive a base payment of $10,000, with an additional $4,000 available where the apprentice is aged over 21. A further $2,000 can be provided when an apprentice is hired from a priority cohort, including veterans, women, people with a disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Medium and large businesses and Group Training Organisations can also receive $10,000 for employing an apprentice from a priority cohort, with a further $4,000 available for apprentices aged over 21. The Small Business Apprenticeship Program will also be extended to provide wage subsidies for a further 2,000 construction apprenticeships. Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the programs would help address workforce shortages while supporting Queensland’s growing construction pipeline. “We’re not just battling a skills crisis, we’re also fighting a Federal Labor Government which seems intent on making things worse,” Minister Bates said. “Queensland construction workers have a golden era in front of them thanks to the Crisafulli Government’s ambitious infrastructure pipeline, and we’re delivering the help businesses need to get more hands on the tools. “Steven Miles’ legacy was a construction skills shortage the size of a Suncorp Stadium crowd and his mates in Canberra don’t seem to understand that we need to back businesses and workers to get things built. “While the Albanese Labor Government continues its cash grab by cutting support for apprentices, the Crisafulli Government is opening doors for Queenslanders keen to get on the tools and backing the businesses that put them on.” Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the programs would provide additional opportunities for Queenslanders considering careers in the trades. "The Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program proved incredibly popular, and by extending that initiative while also introducing TradieStart, we’re creating even more opportunities for Queenslanders to pursue a career in the trades and help build our State’s future," Minister Minnikin said. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and these programs will give them the confidence and support they need to take on apprentices, creating jobs and strengthening communities across Queensland." Construction Skills Queensland Chair Sue-Ann Fresneda said the new program would help employers overcome some of the barriers associated with taking on apprentices. "Queensland's construction pipeline presents a generational opportunity for the state but delivering it will depend on our ability to attract, retain and develop the skilled workforce needed to support it," Ms Fresneda said. "TradieStart helps employers invest in the next generation of tradies by reducing barriers to employing apprentices and creating more pathways into meaningful, long-term careers in construction.” For Mackay and regional Queensland, the additional apprenticeship opportunities come as the construction sector continues to require a skilled workforce to support major infrastructure and development projects. Small business owner and KALM Construct Director Calum Moore said financial incentives could make a significant difference to businesses considering taking on an apprentice. “Taking on an apprentice is a big commitment as an employer and without incentives like TradieStart and the Small Business Apprentice Program a lot of small businesses wouldn’t be able to make it happen, financially,” Mr Moore said. “For us, these incentives make taking on an apprentice and giving back to the industry possible and I’d recommend them to other construction business owners."
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Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo source: Shutterstock
An attempted child abduction case has left many Mackay parents and caregivers shocked, as details of the ordeal continue to circulate throughout the community.
What began as an innocent sleepover between two friends quickly escalated into a terrifying ordeal for a Mackay family, after a Brisbane man in his 30’s by the name of Blake Simpson began contacting a 13-year-old girl he met through his stepdaughter.
According to interviews with the girl's mother and the teenager on A Current Affair, the man began contacting the girl through social media around two weeks later without her mother's knowledge.
“He was telling my daughter not to tell me that he was contacting her and to not tell anyone,” the mother told A Current Affair.
According to the interview, the man communicated with the teenager through Snapchat. The girl's mother later described the messages as grooming behaviour.
“The way that he was messaging her was very inappropriate. It was grooming with a 13-year-old girl,” she said.
The situation became increasingly alarming when, according to the mother, the man attended the girl's school and attempted to change her emergency contact and parent details, allegedly convincing office staff he was her father before the request was declined following confirmation with the girl's mother.
The teenager told A Current Affair the man later encouraged her to leave Mackay with him for Brisbane, saying she could escape bullying and become part of his family.
“He wanted me to live with him and be his daughter. I thought it was him just caring about me,” she said.
The mother said the situation reached its most serious point when the man flew from Brisbane to Mackay and arranged to meet the girl before taking her to the airport.
The plan was interrupted after the teenager confided in a friend, whose mother alerted her own family.
“I’m thankful that my daughter told her best friend what the plan was,” the girl's mother said.
After being alerted to the plan, the girl's mother said she rushed to Mackay Airport but was unable to locate them. She then went directly to the police station to alert officers.
Police responded immediately, locating both the man and the teenager at Mackay Airport before they boarded a flight.
The man, Blake Simpson, later pleaded guilty to abducting a child. According to A Current Affair, he served six months in prison before being released.
The case has sparked widespread concern throughout the Mackay community and serves as a confronting reminder for parents and caregivers of the importance of monitoring children's online interactions, encouraging open communication and reporting suspicious behaviour to police as early as possible.
Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo source: Shutterstock
A simple act of honesty at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre has struck a chord online, highlighting a moment of integrity from a young driver doing the right thing after a minor accident.
A post shared online described seeing a young woman place a note on a parked car after she accidentally caused a small dent to the front of it. Rather than leaving the scene, she calmly returned to her own vehicle after taking responsibility.
“Just saw a young lady at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre put a note on someone's car after she'd put a little dent on the front of it,” the post read.
The observer noted that the moment of accountability was followed by an emotional response.
“But what got me was, after she calmly walked up, and put the note under the windscreen, and got back into her car. She was on the phone, balling her eyes out.”
The post went on to directly acknowledge the young woman’s actions and the emotional weight of the situation.
“To this girl: I know it's overwhelming now, but accidents happen, spacial awareness gets better, and neither of those things are a measure of who you are. But leaving that note, and showing how much guilt you felt, I am 100% sure your parents are proud of you and you're a great human. Bravo.”
While minor accidents are part of everyday life, the decision to leave contact details and take responsibility is being praised as a quiet example of integrity and character.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie joined Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly in Mackay to announce new housing infrastructure upgrades under the Residential Activation Fund. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
A long-awaited suite of housing infrastructure upgrades has been announced for the Mackay–Whitsunday region, with Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie unveiling six Residential Activation Fund projects designed to unlock new land and support more than 2,700 future homes.
The works include a new trunk road linking Norwood Parade in Beaconsfield and Reed Street in Rural View, major upgrades to Wallmans Road, and significant sewer, water and stormwater infrastructure across Mirani, Marian, Proserpine and Cannonvale.
The projects are aimed at removing long-standing barriers to development by delivering essential services needed for new residential growth. Regional communities are expected to benefit from improved road connections, upgraded drainage systems and expanded utility networks, paving the way for new housing estates and faster delivery of homes.
Local leaders say the investment will help ease pressure on a tight housing market and bring forward development that has been years in the making across the region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie was in Mackay last Wednesday 1st July to announce major housing infrastructure upgrades under the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund, alongside Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly.
The visit highlighted six major Residential Activation Fund projects across the Mackay–Whitsunday region, designed to unlock new residential land and support more than 2,700 homes through critical infrastructure works including roads, sewerage, stormwater and water upgrades.
Deputy Premier Bleijie said the program was focused on delivering essential infrastructure to support growing communities and increase housing supply.
“The Queensland Government is investing in the roads, water, sewerage and drainage infrastructure needed to unlock new housing and support growing communities,” he said.
“This is about unlocking land and delivering critical infrastructure to build homes,” he said, adding that the Mackay–Whitsunday region was receiving $42 million across six projects, including a new road at Beaconsfield and Rural View that would enable 127 homes.
Mayor Greg Williamson said “building homes is critical,” adding that the investment would help ease ongoing housing pressure in the region, where vacancy rates had remained as low as 1%.
“This infrastructure allows hundreds of homes to come onto the market and supports some of our fastest-growing communities,” he said.
“By removing key infrastructure barriers, we can bring forward development and deliver more homes for local families sooner.”
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the works, particularly in Rural View, would directly support housing availability and population growth in the region.
“This will also allow 127 new families to live in this area with a high school, primary schools nearby, and a shopping centre – this is an ideal place to set up home,” he said.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly added that the projects would help ensure regional communities continued to grow sustainably.
“These projects are about delivering for the next generation and ensuring people can live in regional Queensland, not just the south-east corner,” he said.
“This is about creating more opportunities for families to build a home and a future in communities like Mirani.”
The Queensland Government said it is continuing to prioritise housing supply, with the Crisafulli Government “pulling every lever” to unlock land following what it described as a decade of housing challenges under the previous Government.
The six Mackay and Whitsunday projects include:
Mulga Bill’s Bicycle
'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that caught the cycling craze;
He turned away the good old horse that served him many days;
He dressed himself in cycling clothes, resplendent to be seen;
He hurried off to town and bought a shining new machine;
And as he wheeled it through the door, with air of lordly pride,
The grinning shop assistant said, "Excuse me, can you ride?"
"See here, young man," said Mulga Bill, "from Walgett to the sea,
From Conroy's Gap to Castlereagh, there's none can ride like me.
I'm good all round at everything, as everybody knows,
Although I'm not the one to talk - I hate a man that blows.
But riding is my special gift, my chiefest, sole delight;
Just ask a wild duck can it swim, a wildcat can it fight.
There's nothing clothed in hair or hide, or built of flesh or steel,
There's nothing walks or jumps, or runs, on axle, hoof, or wheel,
But what I'll sit, while hide will hold and girths and straps are tight:
I'll ride this here two-wheeled concern right straight away at sight."
'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that sought his own abode,
That perched above the Dead Man's Creek, beside the mountain road.
He turned the cycle down the hill and mounted for the fray,
But ere he'd gone a dozen yards it bolted clean away.
It left the track, and through the trees, just like a silver streak,
It whistled down the awful slope towards the Dead Man's Creek.
It shaved a stump by half an inch, it dodged a big white-box:
The very wallaroos in fright went scrambling up the rocks,
The wombats hiding in their caves dug deeper underground,
As Mulga Bill, as white as chalk, sat tight to every bound.
It struck a stone and gave a spring that cleared a fallen tree,
It raced beside a precipice as close as close could be;
And then as Mulga Bill let out one last despairing shriek
It made a leap of twenty feet into the Dead Man's Creek.
'Twas Mulga Bill from Eaglehawk, that slowly swam ashore:
He said, "I've had some narrer shaves and lively rides before;
I've rode a wild bull round a yard to win a five-pound bet,
But this was the most awful ride that I've encountered yet.
I'll give that two-wheeled outlaw best; It's shaken all my nerve
To feel it whistle through the air and plunge and buck and swerve.
It's safe at rest in Dead Man's Creek, we'll leave it lying still;
A horse's back is good enough henceforth for Mulga Bill.”
Banjo Paterson was one of Australia’s best-loved bush poets, journalists and writers. Born Andrew Barton Paterson in 1864, he grew up in rural New South Wales and later became famous for capturing the humour, character, and spirit of the Australian bush in his poetry. His best-known works include The Man from Snowy River, Clancy of the Overflow, Mulga Bill’s Bicycle and the words to Waltzing Matilda. Paterson’s writing helped shape Australia’s literary identity, and his warm, rhythmic style remains popular today. He died in 1941.
Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community
Whitsundays Writers Festival
Richard Evans
Festival Director and President
hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Book early to secure your place at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13th September at www.whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers
Creative Connections Whitsunday
Glenda Brown
President
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Visit the Community Gallery in Proserpine and save the date 30th July to 2nd August for the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.
Together, these two organisations champion the creative spirit of the Whitsundays – supporting writers, artists, and the cultural life of our region.
By Richard Evans, Festival Director and President Whitsundays Writers Festival
Poetry lives in the spaces we cannot quite explain, the hush before dawn over the Coral Sea, the rhythm of tide against shore, the quiet swell of memory that arrives unannounced. It is in these moments that words begin to gather.
For the writer, poetry is an act of distillation: taking something vast and shaping it into a few deliberate lines. It asks for honesty, for attention, and for the courage to say what might otherwise remain unspoken.
For the reader, poetry offers something equally rare, recognition.
A single line can settle gently, like salt on the breeze, carrying a feeling that is both personal and shared. In a world that moves quickly and often demands certainty, poetry allows for pause. It invites us to linger, to reflect, and to feel more deeply connected to ourselves and to one another.
Here in the Whitsundays, inspiration is never far from reach.
The sweep of ocean, the quiet strength of the islands, and the ever-changing light across the water all speak in their own language. This sense of place has long shaped Australian poetry. The bush ballads of Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson carried stories of resilience, hardship, and mateship, capturing a distinctly Australian spirit with both grit and lyricism. Dorothea Mackellar’s My Country endures for much the same reason, its vivid imagery reflecting a deep and abiding connection to land.
That tradition continues to evolve. The 2026 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards’ Poetry Prize revealed an extraordinary outpouring of poetic voices from across the region and beyond. The sheer volume of entries has been matched by their emotional depth: poems exploring love, loss, belonging, identity, and renewal. Together, they form a powerful reminder that poetry is not confined to the page; it lives within communities, shaped by shared experiences and individual truths.
Perhaps that is poetry’s greatest strength. It bridges the personal and the collective, the past and the present. It allows us to honour where we have come from while giving voice to where we are now.
So my invitation remains an open one. Write what you notice. Write what you feel. Let the landscape, the memories, and the quiet moments guide you.
Create. Connect. Whitsundays: welcomes submissions from across the Whitsundays.
Your words may be the ones that resonate, linger, and remind someone else that they are not alone. Share your creativity with the community and we may print it right here.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival is currently seeking volunteer judges for the 2026 Heart Awards. We invite keen readers, writers, and lovers of literature to assist in reviewing entries across both poetry and short story categories.
Judges will be supported with clear protocols and resources to guide the process, ensuring a consistent and rewarding experience.
This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with emerging voices, contribute to our vibrant literary community, and play a meaningful role in celebrating local and national talent.
If you are interested in joining us, please contact Dr Julia Evans at hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Busta has all the qualities of a wonderful family companion, now he just needs someone willing to give him the chance he deserves.
The one year old Staffordshire cross was found in Ayr and has quickly won over everyone at Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue with his calm and loving nature. Affectionate and gentle, Busta is happiest when he’s in the company, or a cuddle, with people.
He has lovely manners on the lead, gets along well with children and has a relaxed, non-aggressive temperament stride to him that makes him an easy dog to welcome into almost any home. With a heart as big as his smile, Busta isn't asking for much, just a family to call his own.
Desexed, vaccinated and up to date with his veterinary care, Busta is ready to start the next chapter of his life with a forever family.
If you think Busta could be the missing piece in your household, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Busta" to begin the adoption process.
The Whitsundays has always been a region built on community.
It's our volunteers, sporting clubs, local businesses, schools, families and community champions who help make this such a special place to live, work and raise a family.
That's why Whitsunday Regional Council and Whitsunday Life are proud to launch a new community partnership that will help tell local stories, celebrate local talent and advocate for a stronger future for the Whitsundays as we look towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Home Grown: Future Olympians campaign will shine a spotlight on young local athletes already achieving remarkable things on state, national and international stages, while highlighting the opportunities that future sporting and community infrastructure could create for generations to come.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the partnership was a natural fit, bringing together two organisations with a shared commitment to supporting and strengthening the local community.
"Council and Whitsunday Life both care deeply about our community and the future of the Whitsundays," Mayor Collins said.
"This campaign is about celebrating local success stories, inspiring the next generation and building a strong case for the investment and infrastructure that will help local young people achieve their full potential."
"The Whitsundays has a once-in-a-generation opportunity through the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. By working together and telling these stories, we can help ensure our region secures a lasting legacy that benefits our entire community long after the Games have finished."
Mayor Collins said local athletes like Reid and Rory Martin demonstrated why that legacy was so important.
"These young athletes are already proving they can compete with the best in Australia and beyond. Imagine what future generations could achieve with the right facilities and opportunities right here in the Whitsundays."
Whitsunday Life Editor Rachael Smith said the publication was proud to partner with Council on an initiative focused on community, opportunity and regional pride.
"Whitsunday Life has always been about telling local stories and celebrating the people who make our region great," Ms Smith said.
"When Council approached us with the Home Grown: Future Olympians concept, we immediately saw the value for our community. These are exactly the kinds of stories that deserve to be shared."
"This partnership isn't just about sport. It's about showcasing local determination, encouraging young people to dream big and helping advocate for the opportunities and investment that will benefit our region for decades to come."
Over the coming months, readers can look forward to meeting six inspiring young athletes whose journeys remind us that world-class talent can be grown right here in the Whitsundays.
David Robertson. Photo supplied: Julie Evans.
The Whitsundays will soon play host to one of Australia’s most respected economic voices.
David Robertson, Chief Economist at Bendigo Bank, is heading to Whitsunday Green, Cannon Valley on Wednesday 15th July for a special community event – and everyone’s invited.
Known for his ability to make complex economic trends easy to understand, David’s engaging and down-to-earth style has earned him a strong following, including on his popular YouTube series.
With more than two decades at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and a career spanning senior roles at major financial institutions, David brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. At this free event, he’ll break down what’s really happening in the economy – from interest rates and employment trends to property values and the Australian dollar.
Hosted by Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, this is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from a leading expert about the financial forces shaping our country – and what it could all mean for local families, businesses, and the Whitsundays region.
Don’t miss out! Whether you’re a business owner, first homebuyer, retiree, or just curious about what’s ahead for the economy, this event is designed for everyone.
What: Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chief Economist event
When: 5:30pm-7:30pm Wednesday 15th July 2026
Where: Whitsunday Green, 1 Regatta Boulevard, Cannon Valley
Registration: Free event, open to all. RSVP by Monday 13 July via secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au
At Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, we bring together a team of specialists to help business owners understand their current and future needs. By working with us, you’ll know your options, manage operational risk, and keep your cash flow healthy.
Luke Sheppard, Senior Business Relationship Manager for North Central Queensland and Cairns, is available for a range of business banking services in persona at our branch.
Luke is available to help with a wide range of business banking services:
Make an appointment to see Luke at our Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale branch:
Phone: (07) 4948 3599
Email: cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
The Mt Challenger Wind Farm is accepting applications for its Community Fund, providing financial support to not-for-profit organisations, community groups and sporting clubs across the Proserpine and Bowen region.
Applications are open until 12 July 2026, with $40,000 available in this funding round. Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects that deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to local communities.
The fund is designed to support initiatives within 30 kilometres of the proposed project, encouraging participation, strengthening local connections, and delivering positive outcomes for communities including Proserpine and Bowen.
Alinta Energy Chief Development Officer Andres Maasing said the program reflects a commitment to supporting local priorities during the project’s development phase.
“We recognise there are diverse views about the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm and respect the strength of community sentiment,” Mr Maasing said.
“Through this funding, our focus is to provide practical support to local organisations delivering important work on the ground - from youth programs and community events to environmental initiatives and essential upgrades.”
Mr Maasing said that if the Mt Challenger Wind Farm project proceeds, as well as supporting QLD’s energy supply and grid, it could bring meaningful investment into the region – including construction and operations jobs, local procurement, potential road and infrastructure upgrades, environmental enhancement programs and support for community initiatives.
The Community Fund will prioritise projects that demonstrate clear community benefit, encourage local engagement, are sustainable beyond the grant period, and show strong governance. Eligible initiatives or activities may span community, education, employment, environmental, and youth sporting and interest group undertakings leading to positive social and economic participation outcomes.
Applications are only accepted online at www.mtchallengerwindfarm.com/communityfund. For more information, please contact powertoyou@alintaenergy.com.au or 0497 928 036 (weekdays 9am–5pm).
One of the things I love most about living in the Whitsundays is that when times get tough, our community doesn't look away. We lean in, we check on our mates and we support each other.
Recently my wife Mel and I had the privilege of attending the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network's Legends Night fundraiser in Bowen. It was a fantastic evening overlooking our beautiful coastline, but more importantly, it was a reminder of just how important community connection is.
Mental health and suicide prevention remain significant challenges across regional Australia, and sadly the Whitsundays is not immune. Many of us know someone who has struggled, someone who has lost a loved one, or someone who has faced challenges behind closed doors.
That's why the work being done by the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network is so important.
The Network is made up of passionate local volunteers who are helping create awareness, start conversations and connect people with support when they need it most. Their work is often done quietly and behind the scenes, but the impact they have across our communities is enormous.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from guest speakers Michael Kimpton and McQuilty "Coco" Quirke, who shared powerful stories of resilience, perseverance and overcoming adversity. Their honesty resonated with everyone in the room and reinforced an important message — no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always hope and there are always people willing to help.
I want to congratulate Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network President Matt Stokes, Jenn Lowcock and the entire team of volunteers for organising such a successful event. I also want to thank everyone who attended, donated and supported the cause.
As a community, we should never underestimate the power of a simple conversation. Checking in on a mate, making a phone call, inviting someone for a coffee or simply asking "Are you okay?" can make a world of difference.
The Whitsundays has always been a community that looks after its own. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more connected and more resilient region where nobody feels they have to face life's challenges alone.
Jason King. Photo supplied
Business owners and managers across the Whitsundays are being encouraged to build their confidence in handling workplace complaints and misconduct matters at the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry's July Business Breakfast Briefing, When Things Go Wrong: Practical Lessons from Real Workplace Investigations, on Thursday 23rd July.
The practical session will be presented by Jason King, Director and Principal Investigator of Regional Queensland Investigations, who brings decades of experience investigating workplace misconduct, fraud, bullying and harassment complaints, corporate risk, cyber-related matters and other sensitive organisational inquiries.
A former Australian Federal Police Federal Agent and Victoria Police member, Jason olds postgraduate qualifications in Law, Intellectual Property Law and Computer Science, and is Queensland Chapter President of the Australian Institute of Professional Investigators.
Drawing on real-world investigations, Jason will provide practical guidance to help businesses identify early warning signs, respond appropriately to workplace complaints, preserve evidence, ensure procedural fairness and reduce the legal, financial and reputational risks that can arise when matters are handled poorly.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Allan Milostic said the session addressed an issue relevant to every employer.
"Whether you employ two people or 200, every business is likely to face a workplace complaint or misconduct issue at some point," Allan said.
"The biggest risk is often not the complaint itself, but how it is handled. Having the right processes and knowing how to respond early can protect your staff, your business and your workplace culture."
Allan said the breakfast was particularly relevant for regional businesses, where close working relationships can make workplace matters more complex.
"Regional businesses often operate in close-knit communities where professional and personal relationships overlap. This session will give employers practical tools and greater confidence to deal with difficult situations fairly, consistently and professionally."
Attendees will leave with practical, real-world strategies they can implement immediately, helping them respond confidently when workplace issues arise before they become major organisational challenges.
The upgraded boardwalk is now open. Photo source: Facebook.
Residents and visitors can once again enjoy the full length of the Bicentennial Boardwalk, with the final stage of the foreshore upgrade officially opening on June 25th.
Whitsunday Regional Council celebrated the milestone with Councillor Jan Clifford joined by the project's manager and representatives from Plants Whitsundays, Matt Stokes and Dylan Blackwood, the team responsible for delivering the final stage of the upgrade.
The completed boardwalk is one of the first major projects delivered under the Airlie Beach Masterplan, a long-term vision to build-up the township for future generations while strengthening its reputation as the "Heart of the Great Barrier Reef."
The upgrade improves connectivity along the foreshore, making it easier for people to walk between key areas while enhancing the experience for both locals and visitors.
With the project now complete, locals and tourists alike can take in the scenic coastal views, whether walking, running or simply enjoying one of the Whitsundays' most iconic waterfront attractions for years to come.
Dr Sofia Fortunato. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
After Venezuela was rocked by a powerful earthquake last week, leaving thousands injured or still missing, a Whitsundays resident who grew up in the country is doing everything she can to help those affected.
On July 24th, twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela, with the tremors felt from San Felipe to Caracas. The disaster has left parts of the country in ruins, claiming more than 1,700 lives; a number that is still climbing.
With telephone services disrupted and chaos unfolding in the wake of this disaster, many families have turned to online databases to report missing loved ones. Some of these databases have recorded as many as 50,000 people as missing.
“After the earthquake, all the help the Venezuelans have got has been from international rescue teams and things like that,” said Dr Sofia Fortunato, Venezuelan Lab Technician currently working at St Catherine’s College.
“Imagine that it's a country that already is going through such a hard time, and then you've got an earthquake that destroys thousands of buildings, there's a lot of people at the moment without a house.”
Dr Fortunato has called the Whitsundays home for the past seven years and has lived in Australia for a decade. She grew up in Venezuela before leaving in 2004 in search of a better life, moving to Norway to study biology, where she later earned her PhD.
While Dr Fortunato has built a life far from Venezuela, the crisis remains immensely personal. She still has relatives there, currently struggling to cope amongst the rubble around them.
“My cousin is there and she can't return to her apartment, she lives on the 10th floor,” Dr Fortunato said.
Feeling helpless from thousands of kilometres away, Dr Fortunato has instead focused her efforts on directing people to trusted organisations providing emergency relief on the ground.
She is encouraging the community to support the Venezuela earthquake appeals through Caritas and UNICEF, both organisations delivering targeted assistance to families and children affected by the disaster.
“I understand there's a crisis in Australia too and people are really struggling but anything will help,” Dr Fortunato said.
“$5 to just buy a bandage, that is enough.”
WSPN group photo. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith.
The Whitsunday community showed its strength both physically and emotionally at the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network's monthly breakfast, where participants tackled The Push-Up Challenge in support of better mental health.
“The purpose of this morning is to get around people,” said WSPN team leader Matt Stokes.
The great turn out of around 100 people was much needed, as the WSPN challenged participants to wake up with exercise as part of Australia's Push-Up Challenge.
“We’re trying to achieve 3,307 push-ups, which signifies how many people died to suicide in 2024,” Matt said just before the challenge started.
“There are some people that’ll do 5, there are some who will do 60 but that’s our goal for today.”
On top of the push-ups, the event also featured guest speakers Anton and Dan from Whitsunday Martial Arts, who spoke about the benefits of taking up martial arts and encouraged people of all experience levels to give it a go.
“The sense of community that it brings and you find that there’s really good opportunities to have a chat with your peers while you're suffering on the mats,” Dan Zealand said.
“For those moments,the rest of the world shuts out.
“Whatever stuff you’re carrying into the gym, you leave it all on the mats.”
WSPN hosts these BBQs on the last Friday of every month at 6.30am at Shirtfront Solutions. All are invited, and encouraged, to attend.
Photo sourced from Shutterstock
A 59-year-old woman has died following a single e-bike crash on Hamilton Island on Friday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Melaleuca Drive at approximately 1pm after reports the woman had collided with a tree while riding an e-bike.
Paramedics and other emergency responders provided immediate medical assistance at the scene, however the woman was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased.
A Hamilton Island spokesperson said the incident was a tragedy.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of a member of our Hamilton Island community following a fatal bicycle incident on Hamilton Island yesterday," they said.
"Our sincere condolences are with the individual's family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
"Queensland Ambulance Service personnel responded immediately, with support from Hamilton Island's emergency response teams."
Police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Queensland Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Policelink online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Investigations into the fatal crash are ongoing.
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