Pests estimated to cost Australia tens of billions over coming decades will now find it much harder to enter the country, thanks to measures announced this week by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 
The department is launching AusTreat, a new pre-border biosecurity scheme designed to ensure overseas treatment providers target the right pests with the required treatment.
Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance Justine Saunders said AusTreat will enable a more efficient, future-ready biosecurity system to protect Australia from hitchhiker pests like the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB).
“By redirecting resources to higher risk pathways, we can streamline border clearances for industry and consumers.”
“If the department has more confidence in treatments conducted on goods before they arrive in Australia, it reduces the need for manual intervention at our borders,” Ms Saunders said.
AusTreat is a government-to-industry scheme that will replace the existing Offshore BMSB Treatment Provider program and set the conditions for the regulation of pre-border biosecurity treatment providers.
“BMSB threatens our agricultural industries and way of life,” Ms Saunders said.
“It feeds on more than 300 agricultural and ornamental plant species including fruit and vegetable crops. 
“It is also a domestic nuisance. It is known to hide in houses in large numbers, exuding its signature stench through our living spaces.”
“AusTreat is a holistic, integrated scheme that is designed to respond quickly by targeting emerging biosecurity pests. In the future, AusTreat could expand to incorporate other existing schemes, as well as measures against future biosecurity risks.”
“This gives us the flexibility to respond to risk changes over time and increase our oversight of treatment providers in other countries.”

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Last week, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables reported that the unions have joined Wilmar in accepting an offer from the Fair Work Commission to assist in resolving a long-running enterprise agreement dispute.

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU), Australian Metal Workers Union (AMWU) and Australian Workers Union (AWU) informed Wilmar this morning that, following consultation with members, they were willing to participate in the Commission process.

A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the company hoped the unions’ agreement to accept the Commission’s offer of assistance would pave the way to reaching an enterprise agreement that is fair, reasonable and sustainable for all parties.

“We are optimistic that, with the expert help of a Commissioner from the Fair Work Commission, we will finally be able to close the gap between the company’s offer and union claims,” he said.

“At our last negotiation talks, we indicated we were willing to consider a wage increase of up to 15% over three-and-a-half years, with productivity improvements.

“Unions tabled a claim of 22% which is higher than their previous claim of 18%, so there is a significant gap between the parties.

“The range we have offered for settlement of the EA is fair, reasonable and based on both economic data and more than 4,500 enterprise agreements approved by the Fair Work Commission over the past year.”

The spokesman said that, given unions had now agreed to participate in discussions facilitated by the Fair Work Commission, it was hoped they would withdraw next week’s planned industrial action.

“Last week’s one-hour industrial stoppage caused significant disruption across all eight sites. It has also put growers at risk of losing an estimated $3.5M in revenue.

“The last thing we or growers want to see is another unnecessary shutdown of sugar factories, and another $3.5M in growers’ revenue at risk.

“The agreement from unions to participate in the Commission process is a positive development and we are hopeful of reaching a resolution through this process.”

The spokesman said Wilmar would inform the Commission of the parties’ agreement to accept its offer of assistance, and await guidance on the next steps.

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Many years ago I found myself relaxing under a tree in a big park in central New Delhi, desperate to peacefully escape the frenetic intensity of the city’s people, noise and bustling activity.
Sometimes it becomes too much in India and you need to have a break from it all; so I pulled my cap down over my forehead, closed my eyes and started to embrace the tranquillity. It lasted for five seconds.
“Excuse me, you want a drink? Can of coke?” “No thanks.” “Fanta?’ “No thanks”. The drink vendor left but another bloke immediately arrived.
“Shoe shine?” No thanks”. “Your shoes are very dirty”. “Yes, but I just want to sit here quietly by myself.”  “Okay”.
He left but was replaced straight away by another vendor, this time someone selling bongo drums. He gave me a quick burst of drumming and offered me a go. “No thanks mate. I don’t want any drums.  I just want to sit here quietly.”  “Okay.” He walked away.
Suddenly I felt someone behind me rubbing my neck. I quickly turned around. “What are you doing?” I asked. “You are very tense. I give you a massage.” “No, I don’t want a massage. I just want to sit here quietly and relax.” He rubbed my shoulder again and said, “Very tense”. I said, “Sorry I don’t want a massage” and he left and I pulled my cap over my eyes.
Within seconds there was a tap on my shoulder. I thought: “Who can this be? I’ve had the drinks bloke, the shoe-shine bloke, the bongo drum seller and the massage bloke. What’s left?”
I looked up at the young Indian man. He wasn’t carrying anything but I did notice some cotton buds poking out from his headband.
“You want an ear clean?” he asked. “No, definitely no. I don’t want my ears cleaned.”
He might have previously come across a degree of caution from potential clients who didn’t like the idea of a stranger sticking cotton buds into their ears. So he had a little book with hand-written testimonials from “clients” saying he was “the best ear-cleaner I have ever had” and “my hearing was so much better” after his work was done.
I said the answer was still no. He said: “Sure, sure, okay. Just a look. I will just have a look.” I said: “I’m not gonna let you clean my ears but, sure, have a look and then please go.”
He leaned over and peered into my right ear and, in the most dramatic, concerned voice he could muster, said: “Oh. My. God!” I suspected he never looked into a tourist’s ears and said: “Your ears are perfectly clean and you won’t be needing my services.” I laughed and said no again and he shook my hand and went on his way.
In Australia 30 years later there are different but unlimited services available to us and real estate is part of that.
Options and features for sellers are endless: Do you want video, drone shots, a floor plan, a boost for social media, open homes or private inspections? But wait, there’s more: can we have your rates notice, insurance documentation, smoke alarm certificate, rental records? The services, requests and options are different to those of a park in Delhi but I am sure sellers at times feel similarly overwhelmed.
The job of the agent is to do the best job possible and get the best price for a seller but it is also to understand the needs and desires of the client. Understand how and when to communicate, offer what’s available but understand that some people don’t want the lot.
Our job is to explain the value of the services we offer and the impact those features can have on getting the best possible price for a seller. Rarely does it involve an ear-clean.

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Anywhere you go around Mackay and the Whitsundays now, you’ll hear the familiar chorus of coughs and splutters – it’s flu season.
I’d dare say it’s a pretty bad one at that. One unwell person, who wasn’t even aware they were that ill, was in our office, and within three days there were only four people left standing. Some had received flu vaccines, and by all reports, their symptoms were much less severe. I, on the other hand, had not got a flu jab and spent the entire week regretting it.
Seeing as my past week has been consumed with chesty coughing, body aches, and a lot of Game of Thrones, I thought all I really have to offer you this week are my five tips for surviving this year’s flu.
   1. As I alluded to earlier, find a TV series you like with a lot of seasons because I’m not joking when I say this sickness will leave you bedridden. Game of Thrones has been a favourite for me with its eight seasons.
   2. Stock up on ginger! No, I’m not kidding. I had the worst nausea and vomiting from this flu, as have others I’ve spoken with. The ginger immunity shots you can get from Coles and Woolies were my saving grace after a week without being able to get any food down.
   3. Make a homemade pumpkin soup. If you have a pot and a blender, homemade pumpkin soup is so easy. A lot of supermarkets now even sell already chopped up pumpkin. Stick a large onion and a couple of peeled cloves of garlic in that, and you’ve got a flu-fighting super mix.
   4. Prevention is better than treatment, so if you can get the flu-fighting vitamins into you before any sickness sets in, you’ve already got the upper hand.
   5. Lastly, if you’re sick, stay home and rest. It’s the only thing that’s going to make you better. I’m a bit of a doer, so after a few days in bed, I thought I’d be right to go again. I came back to work and quickly realised that if I wasn’t lying flat on my back or only doing things in short bursts and then taking a rest in between, I got a lot worse very quickly. A chesty but non-productive cough is a pretty good sign you’re on the mend, but give yourself a couple of extra days just to be sure!

I hope everyone either avoids this awful bug or recovers quickly!

Kaley

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On Sunday evening Alannah Dawson’s worst nightmare came true when she returned to her street and saw black smoke billowing from her house. The mother of four had been out with the family for the day so fortunately no-one was home when the house caught fire, but within an hour of arriving, it was evident that all their belongings were destroyed.

Despite the trauma and tragedy, however, Allanah has nothing but appreciation for the people that have been by her side throughout – from close friends to colleagues, an off-duty fire fighter and complete strangers who donated $10.

“They say bad times always bring out the best in people, and we’ve really felt that over the last few days.”

Allanah Dawson with her four children, Jai, Miley and twin babies Kayleigh and Brody. The family lost everything in a house fire on Sunday evening. Photo supplied

FAMILY THANKFUL AFTER HEARTBREAKING HOUSE FIRE

It was Sunday evening around 6pm when local mum Allanah returned to her house where she resides with her four children, Jai (7), Miley (6) and nine-month old twins Kayleigh and Brody.

She had returned home from a day out, eager to let the dogs back into the house, when she pulled around the corner to see what looked like smoke billowing out of the building.

At first she thought it was a backyard fire, but as she drew close she realised the worst had happened; her home was on fire.

“My immediate reaction was to open the front door to see if I could do anything,” recalls Allanah.

“As soon as I opened the front door a wash of black smoke and heat came out – it was so hot it burnt my eyes!”

“At that point I realised this was pretty big and I needed to call triple zero.”

While she was waiting for QLD Fire Services (QFS) to arrive, an off-duty fire fighter who happened to be in the area came onto the property and offered to help.

With a household fire extinguisher, he entered the building and started to bring the fire under control.

“He was there for about 20 minutes before the firies arrived and, without him, I don’t know what would have happened,” shared Allanah.

Fortunately, QFS were quick to the scene and within an hour the fire was completely extinguished. The house, however, was deemed unliveable - everything was either saturated or destroyed - and Allanah was told she would not be able to stay.

With no belongings and still in shock from everything that had unfolded, Allanah reached out to friends. Her children’s father lived close-by and was able to provide shelter and familiarity for the children in the immediate aftermath.

The following day, the community outpouring of support gained momentum as people discovered what had happened.

Allanah said she found each phone call, donation and offer of support truly humbling.

She would like to thank her boss, Keith, at Sailing Whitsundays, and all her work colleagues for helping her set-up a GoFundMe page.

She would also like to thank her two close friends Nadine Little and Wylie Jones for everything they have done.

In addition, the staff at BIG W (where her mum worked for 17 years before she passed away  in 2022) for setting up a donation box and jumping into action.

“The community has been amazing, and we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else at a time like this,” Allanah expressed.

“We’ve lost a lot, but it’s been made a lot easier to move forward because of the generosity and kindness of the people around us.

“We’d like to thank everyone who donated – people have donated $10 and I know what it’s like to have no money, times are tough – so thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

It is believed the fire started from the stove in the kitchen and investigations are looking into the possibility a cat may have jumped on the stove-top and accidentally turned it on.

The damage from the fire is most significant in the kitchen and extended up into the roof and over to the lounge and dining room.

Alarmingly, Allanah’s oldest son’s bedroom was right next to the kitchen, with the bed against the kitchen wall.

“After I saw the damage to his bed, I vowed I would never put a bed next to the kitchen ever again,” she said.

Allanah returned to the property the following day with a real estate representative and she expressed how helpful and compassionate Ray White have been throughout the process.

“They have been absolutely amazing!” she said.

“They’ve already found a suitable property for us to move into which has taken such a massive stress off my shoulders, they have been really accommodating.”

Despite having to start from scratch, Allanah said there were a few sentimental items she was able to salvage.

“There were photos from when my mum passed away two years ago, all her childhood photos that had no digital copies,” said Allanah.

“We were able to get in and get them the following day, they were a bit burnt around the edges and wet from the hoses, but we were able to separate them and save the majority.”

On Wednesday this week the children were able to return to school with donated school uniforms and new school bags – despite the trauma and shock still raw with the family, this moment represented a small piece of normalcy returning and a slow, steady rise towards a happier future ahead.

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Queensland Fire Services attended the scene and extinguished the fire on Sunday night. Photo supplied

The kitchen where the fire started. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone,

No-one can really comprehend what it’s like to lose everything until they do. And then it changes your life forever.

This is an experience that one local family are sadly going through this week having lost all their belongings in a house fire on Sunday night.

I’d like to thank Alannah (the mum of the family that lost everything in the house fire) for sharing her story with us and for expressing her gratitude to the community at a time when she would undoubtedly be feeling pretty miserable.

It amazes me time and again how people who experience a horrendous situation or traumatic event come out the other side feeling intensely grateful.

I imagine they are feeling lucky to be alive, but I’ve also observed from covering other similar stories in the newspaper, that this gratitude is often a result of the community’s incredible outpouring of love and support.

On the phone this morning Alannah said that these challenging times bring out the best in people.

She mentioned that she couldn’t imagine receiving this much love living anywhere else in the world, and that every donation or kind word has helped her get through these dark few days.

I love that our close little community always rallies to support one another, whether it is to help a family recover from a house fire, donate their time to a local charity or in raising funds for someone who needs vital medical treatment.

Our community always does what they can whether it is turning up to an event, contributing what they can afford or simply clicking ‘share’ to get the word out there.

I couldn’t agree with Alannah more, there is nowhere else I’d rather live either.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intension” (Oscar Wilde)

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Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm attended the Midge Point/Bloomsbury community forum last week, to give residents the opportunity to raise concerns and speak directly with her on matters involving connectivity and service disruptions.

Ms Camm said she was impressed at the record turnout at the community forum which was held on Sunday afternoon at the Midge Point Tavern.

She thanked the Midge Point Progress Association for hosting the forum and the community for the way they conducted themselves at the meeting.

“The Midge Point/Bloomsbury community is frustrated, and they have every right to be. This is a resilient community, used to overcoming disruptions to service and setbacks who are mostly frustrated with the lack of communication and information they receive”, Ms Camm stated.

Ergon and NBN representatives attended the forum and provided an update on their electricity supply and internet connectivity issues and also committed to raising individual complaints.

Many attendees came due to concerns raised during the week on social media regarding Mackay Regional Council’s coastal study.  Ms Camm provided some clarity on this issue as well as discussing other issues raised including beach erosion, beach access and community facilities.

“It is disappointing to see the Member for Mirani trying to gain political points by spreading misinformation and criticising another level of government,” said Ms Camm.

“Everywhere I go across the region, the community are saying the same thing – they just want to be heard!  They want greater community consultation and communication from all three levels of government.”

Ms Camm, stated that anyone that couldn’t attend the forum who required further information on specific issues can contact her office on 4845 3100 or whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda
Camm MP speaking at the Midge Point/Bloomsbury community forum last week. Photo supplied

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Are you interested in becoming a Queensland Police Officer? The Queensland Police service is holding a seminar in Airlie Beach on the 30th July 2024, to answer any questions you may have about joining the force.
The event will provide those interested in a career as a police officer with a range of relevant information and it will also give attendees the opportunity to ask questions about the application process.
The session will be conducted by experienced, serving Queensland police officers. They will explain the requirements for entry and alongside giving you an insight into their own experiences.
Senior Constable Steve Smith has been with the police force for 33 years, and has facilitated previous events before:
“The Recruitment Seminars provide a lot more in-depth information that’s not available on the web,” he explained.
The event will give details about the entire process, from checking eligibility through to getting prepared for the academy and sitting exams.
Prior to attending, however, all attendees must register for the event on the QPS’ Eventbrite page and bring photo identification, a printed or electronic (email, Eventbrite App) copy confirming registration to gain entry to the event and arrive 10 minutes prior to the events starting time.
When asked about the qualities police recruiters seek, Senior Constable Smith emphasized their preference for individuals who are community-oriented and whom already demonstrate a commitment to serving people across various facets of their lives.
He also added that recruits need to be prepared for a strong study discipline to be introduced into their lives and have a slightly higher than basic fitness level.
Anyone over the age of 17 can apply, but you need to be 18 to commence work.
“Younger people who have recently left school are familiar with the study,” he confirmed.
“But with the retirement age at 60, we recently took on a 1st year who was 57 and used to be in the army - he gave three years’ service.”  
The event is open to all interested in joining the force, head on down to Whitsunday PCYC if you want to see what the police is all about.

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What: Queensland Police Recruiting Seminar
Where: Whitsunday PCYC 2489 Shute Harbour Rd Airlie Beach, QLD 4802
When: Tuesday, July 30 · 5 - 6pm AEST
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Stock Image

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival has announced the inaugural Lover Letter to Queensland event, which is set to take place on Thursday 5 September 2024 at the Coral Sea Resort ballroom in Airlie Beach.
The event aims to highlight the deep community spirit and affection of Queensland through heartfelt stories and expressions of love.
The writing competition invites individuals to share their personal stories and tributes to Queensland, fostering a sense of unity and pride.
The competition offers prizes for best submissions in the categories of Adult ($500), Under 18 Years ($250), and Under 12 years ($200) plus Highly Commended Certificates. The competition is accepting entries up to 300 words, and submissions close on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
The Love Letter to Queensland Event will also feature a stimulating lineup of noteworthy speakers. Each speaker will present their own love letters to Queensland, offering a diverse array of perspectives and experiences.
Big names include, Marco Renai, Elizabeth Hackett, Dr. Chris Sarra, Dr. Melissa Ashley, Karen Jacobsen, Andrew Wilcox MP, Federal Member for Dawson.
Marco Renai was awarded the 2024 Queenslander of the Year and is recognised for his impactful work with at-risk youth through the Men of Business program, giving them the skills, knowledge and confidence to be happy, healthy and successful.
Elizabeth Hackett, is Executive Chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism Group, and is well known for her significant contributions to the tourism industry in Australia and New Zealand alongside The Whitsunday Skyway Project.
Dr. Chris Sarra, is the CEO for the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation, leading initiatives for youth engagement within Queensland.
Also joining the lineup is Dr. Melissa Ashley, an award-winning author of historical fiction novels and celebrated academic will also be in attendance at the event.
President of the Whitsunday Writers Festival, international speaker, and the voice behind a billion GPS and smartphone devices and author Karen Jacobson will also be speaking at the event.
In addition, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP will be at the event to announce and read the winning love letter to the Queensland community writing competition entries.
Tickets for this special supper-club styled event are now on sale. Premium ticket holders receive guaranteed VIP up-front seating with personalised table service, and standard ticket holders will enjoy the event from the gallery, standing room only with limited seating available.
The inaugural Love Letter to Queensland event and writing competition is being coordinated by the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival and proudly supported by James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing and the Whitsunday Regional Council through their Community Assistance Grant program.
For more details about Love Letter to Queensland Festival event and community writing competition visit our website: www.whitsundayswriters.com/love-letter-to-queensland

What: Love Letter to Queensland event
When: 6:30pm-9:00pm Thursday 6 September 2024
Where: Coral Sea Resort ballroom, Airlie Beach
Registration: Tickets are strictly limited. Standard tickets $49/$39 concession and Premium tickets $69/$59 concession include light supper and two drink vouchers followed by a cash bar.

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Andrew Wilcox
Chris Sarra
Elizabeth Hackett
Karen Jacobsen
Marco Renai
Melissa Ashley

Sunday 4 August will see the Whitsunday Regional Council’s coordination of the Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project at the Proserpine SES Shed from 1pm.
The Project has been delivered by the Council since September 2022 and aims to assist the community to become more prepared for bushfires. Drawing from funding from the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, the workshops are offered free of cost to members of the community.
During the workshops, attendees have the opportunity to develop a Property Bushfire Plan in consultation with the Council’s Bushfire Officer, along with the development of a Community Bushfire Plan.
Community Bushfire Plans aim to improve community awareness of bushfires within the region and educate members on how to identify the actions required to manage and reduce bushfire hazards and risks within these areas.
Additionally, the project entails the installation of priority community water tanks, firefighting hydrants and infrastructure, and provides attendees with funding opportunities if their premises has been affected.
Registrations to attend the bushfire resilience training workshop for 4 August can be made by contacting the Council’s Bushfire Officer, Greg McCarthy on 0458 816 751 or by emailing info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.
More information can be found on the Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project by contacting the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Natural Resource Management and Climate unit on 1300 972 753.
Is Your Property Bush Fire Safe?
   • Maintain your property through the removal of excess vegetation, and fallen leaves and branches, clean out gutters and roofs, mow lawns, trim trees, and clear weeds. It is advised to maintain a cleared area of at least 10 meters around your home.
   • Create an emergency kit with essentials such as water, first aid supplies, medications and important documents.
   • Be prepared to act through accessing emergency updates and radio broadcasts to understand when to leave your property, and the best evacuation rout to follow.

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What: Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project
When: Sunday 4 August at 1pm
Where: The Proserpine SES Shed
More Information: Call Greg McCarthy on 0458 816 751 or email info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

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Welcome to the first in our series of Chat Local segments where we ask community members a topical question of the week

This week’s question:

How was your day disrupted by last week’s global IT outage?

Richard Evans

During the recent global IT crash, I was at home trying to meet a publishing deadline. The outage totally disrupted everything. I couldn't access files in the cloud or communicate with international suppliers through email and messaging apps. It really showed me how much I rely on technology for simple tasks like research or coordinating activities.

As it happens, I’m writing a political crime thriller about cybersecurity highlighting how our lives, especially our national security is tied to technology. This recent experience was an eye-opener about how chaotic a prolonged global shutdown could be. I have lost manuscripts and other writing in the past before committing to the cloud, and now I reckon offline backups become important again. Given we are susceptible to natural disasters it’s something we all should reconsider how we operate effectively if technology and power were down for an extended period.

Leanne Abernethy

I was at work when the outage occurred, but our organisation was not affected.

However, I am well aware of how reliant we have become on technology. Whenever the internet drops out, we obviously do not have access to emails which are a very important part of our communication. It can also mean we are unable to make tour and accommodation bookings at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.

When EFTPOS is down, obviously our visitors are unable to buy merchandise and local produce at our centre unless they have cash.

In all businesses, technology is now very important to all processes so it can be very inconvenient whenever there is an outage of any kind.

Rosanagh Gallivan

I was on Magnetic Island on annual leave so there was minimal impact on my day. For a few hours I didn’t have access to my internet banking app, although payments still went through so this wasn’t really a concern.

On the island itself I didn’t see any major issues or impacts either.

Overall, though from what was reported, I think it does show how reliant we all are on technology in certain industries and instances, but on the flip side, perhaps just how quickly we can bounce back. 
 

Alyssa Turner

During last week's IT outage, I was between work and home. It was interesting as my tech was not affected at work; however, at home, I had no mobile data on my phone or Wi-Fi for days.

It was certainly an eye-opener to people's reliance on technology (I was forced to watch deal or no deal on regular TV—this was devastating!). However, I had no serious implications; it was more just an inconvenience, not the end of the world!

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Where can I get good apprentices, trainees, and young people for my business?

Scott McPherson of IDEAL Placements said: "Are you an employer of choice? That is the first question you must ask yourself. With the labour market so tight, you need to know what separates your business from everyone else. That is your starting point and will help market yourself to apprentices and trainees.”

“Looking internally is always a great place to start. That young person on your books doing 10 hours a week could be your next leader in your organisation. Be prepared to invest time into a young person and watch them grow and thrive."

Reaching out to local schools and government providers to invite students and participants to visit your business is a great way to showcase your business.

Proserpine State High School’s Bernadette Porter (work experience coordinator) and Shelley Simpson (Link and Launch coordinator, a program that connects Year 12 leavers who have not yet transitioned to further study, training, or work) said “pathways include work experience, offering students a taste at their chosen career and the potential to meet a future employer, and Certificate II and III training across many industries. These are precursors to apprenticeships and employment straight after finishing high school.”

“Employers can connect with schools to advertise job vacancies, training opportunities, and get involved in school events.”

The Chamber is partnering with Proserpine State High School and IDEAL Placements for the Whitsundays Job Fair (14 October).

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Shelley Simpson PSHS

Berndadette Porter PSHS

Scott McPherson IDEAL Placements

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Whitsunday Regional Council offers lower differential general rates for owner-occupiers of residential properties used as their principal place of residence. Eligible property owners that comply with council’s policy need to complete and return the required form by 4 August 2024 to take advantage of this. If you already receive this benefit, there's no need to reapply. Ensure your property is correctly categorised for the reduced rate by visiting https://bit.ly/WRC-owner-occupier

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Looking for a real estate agent that offers a personalised experience tailored to suit all your buying and selling needs? Kath Barker is just a phone call away, offering extensive experience and dedication to the real estate market.

With over five years in the industry, Kath has established herself as a trusted independent agent in the Whitsundays area, operating under Compass Realty Whitsundays, and with the support of @Realty.

Having lived in the Whitsundays many years ago, Kath's roots in the community enable her to know the ins and outs of the area. She has even developed a background in building and construction due to working alongside her husband in the construction industry, giving her a unique advantage in understanding property intricacies.

Whether assisting first-time buyers or experienced sellers, Kath is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes. What sets her apart as a standout in the industry, is her ability to provide an empathetic approach with a commitment to transparency. This ensures that clients receive honest advice and informed decisions every step of the way.

“I just love the satisfaction of helping people achieve whatever their goals are in real estate, whether that’s buying or selling,” she said.

“I’m not out here to compete with the big agencies, I really just want to be that person that can provide a personalised experience for my clients.”

Beyond her client-centric approach, Kath remains actively engaged in the local real estate landscape, providing regular market updates through informative videos on her socials. Her proactive marketing strategies, including in-home appraisals and targeted listings demonstrate her commitment to delivering quality value and results.

Contact Kath Barker today on 0401809697, email kathbarker@atrealty.com.au or visit Kath Barker - Compass Realty Whitsundays on Facebook for all your buying/selling needs!

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kathbarkerrealestate/featured

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Next week Whitsunday Regional Council will host a key event at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal for invited stakeholders to collectively explore the current economic landscape of our region and chart a course towards a prosperous future.
 
Council’s Economic Development Day will focus on “Growth and Opportunity in the Whitsunday Region: Unveiling Our Economic Future" and this event is an exceptional opportunity for invited tourism and commerce stakeholders to network and engage.
 
Guest speakers for the day will be headlined by industry recognised housing market analyst Michael Matusik, who has helped over 1,250 new residential projects come to fruition, many of which involved innovative and often affordable housing solutions.
 
Michael will deliver an in-depth housing/ demographic/property economic market report for the Whitsunday region providing invaluable insights into the current market trends and projections that will undoubtedly shape our economic strategies moving forward.
 
Throughout my career I have always prioritised supporting economic development and advocating for local businesses, fostering strong partnerships, and promoting innovation and this will continue to be a focus in my role as Mayor.
 
Economic development is the cornerstone of a thriving community. It is about more than just growth in numbers; it's about improving the quality of life for our residents, creating opportunities for businesses, and ensuring that our region remains a vibrant, attractive place to live, work, and visit.
 
Here in the Whitsundays, we are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, from our world-renowned beaches and the Great Barrier Reef to our fertile agricultural lands and diverse marine life. These assets provide a strong foundation for economic development, allowing us to attract tourists, investors, and new residents to our region.
 
However, leveraging these assets requires strategic planning, innovative thinking, and collaboration. This is where the role of the council becomes pivotal.
 
By fostering an environment conducive to business growth, supporting local enterprises, and investing in critical infrastructure, we lay the groundwork for sustainable economic development.
 
A key aspect of our strategy is to diversify our economy. While tourism will always be a vital part of our identity, we must also look to other sectors such as agriculture, marine services, and renewable energy. Diversification not only makes our economy more resilient but also creates a wider range of job opportunities for our community.
 
We must also focus on workforce development. Ensuring that our residents have the skills and training necessary to meet the demands of a changing job market is essential.
 
Community engagement and collaboration are at the heart of our economic development efforts. By working together with local businesses, community groups, and government agencies, we can identify opportunities, address challenges, and create a shared vision for the future.

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