Local aged care provider Glenella Care is preparing to join Respect, one of Australia’s largest regional aged care organisations, in a move that honours Glenella’s legacy and invests in the future of care in Mackay.

It is anticipated that from 1 December 2025, Glenella Care will officially become part of the Respect community. A dedicated transition team will support the change, with a focus on continuity of care for residents and preserving employment for current staff.

Respect, a not-for-profit organisation, will grow to 40 aged care homes across five states following the transition. The organisation is known for its person-centred care, reinvestment in local communities, and strong support for staff wellbeing.

Jason Binder, CEO and Managing Director of Respect, said Respect is proud to welcome Glenella Care into its community of homes to build on the legacy it has established in Mackay.

“Glenella Care has been providing care to the Mackay community for over three
decades,” Mr Binder said.

“It was founded by a local family who believed older people should be able to age with dignity, surrounded by the people and places they know and love. That belief is at the heart of everything we do at Respect.”

Glenella began as a 62-bed nursing home and has grown into a 108-bed service offering residential and respite care. Owner Renata Litton said Respect was chosen for its reputation and alignment with Glenella’s values.

After almost 35 years, the family is ready to hand over the reins, confident the home’s legacy will continue.

To learn more about Respect, visit respect.com.au

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Photo source: Respect Aged Care

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Let me have a little rant for a moment: these days, it feels like everyone is a marketer. Boost one Facebook post, watch a few YouTube tutorials, finish a quick online course and suddenly people think they’re experts. No strategy. No accountability. Just confidence and Canva.

But real marketing is far more than pressing buttons. It’s understanding human behaviour, reading data, building funnels, testing creative, managing budgets, and turning insights into decisions that actually grow a business, not just create noise.

So how do you choose the right marketer to work with?

Start with strategy. A real marketer asks questions before offering solutions: Who is your audience? What are your goals? What does your customer journey look like? They see the full picture, not just the quick fix.

Next, look for clarity. If they can’t explain their process in simple, human terms, they probably don’t understand it well themselves. Transparency is a green flag; buzzwords are not.

And of course, results matter. Look for proven outcomes: conversions, lead quality, cost per acquisition, revenue growth. Pretty graphics alone don’t build businesses.

This is exactly how I operate at Glow Sphere Marketing. With more than 15 years of international marketing experience, I’ve worked across industries, countries, and platforms, helping businesses grow with strategy-first, data-led, human-focused marketing. I believe in systems, clarity, and solutions tailored to each business.

The right marketer doesn’t just make things look good. They make things work. And they walk beside you as a true partner in your growth.

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At The Mackay Woodturners Club Expo

This Christmas, why not find gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind? The Mackay Woodturners Club, tucked away at Snow Wright Ct, Andergrove, is opening its doors for a weekend of creativity, craftsmanship, and festive cheer.

This weekend, on 22nd and 23rd November, from 9am–3pm, visitors can explore the impressive skills of local artisans working in woodturning, scroll sawing, intarsia, wood burning (pyrography), and carving, with free entry!

Woodturning is far more than a hobby, it’s an art form that requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail. For the club’s members, it’s also a therapeutic and mindful practice, providing a creative escape and a chance to connect with a passionate community.

This year’s Expo will showcase a range of handmade gifts, from toys to homewares, each piece telling a story of dedication and skill. In a world of mass-produced goods, these handcrafted treasures offer quality, longevity, and the chance to support local talent.

Come along, browse the incredible creations, and grab Christmas gifts that will be treasured for years to come.

Event Details:

What: Mackay Woodturners Christmas Expo
When: Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November, 9am–3pm
Where: Snow Wright Ct, Andergrove.
Free entry.

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Photo source: Mackay Woodturners Club

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Meet Maple

Breed: Border Collie X
Age: Young Adult
Personality: Playful, Energetic, Affectionate
Vet work: Microchipped, vaccinated and desexed

About Maple:

Maple is an affectionate girl who loves nothing more than cuddling up on the couch with her favorite people. She’s loyal, loving, and will be your biggest fan!
Her ideal home is active and consistent, with plenty of walks, playtime, and enrichment. She’s a bright dog who loves using her nose in fun scent games and would thrive with someone familiar with herding breeds.

If you’re looking for a devoted companion who’s full of energy, heart, and affection, she’s ready to join your loving home!

Contact Lucys Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue Inc on Facebook, or email
LLTagsandDogRescue@gmail.com for more information,

Donations can be made via the following account details:
BSB: 064-722
ACC: 1069 7243

Photos supplied

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Readers with even a basic knowledge of ancient history will know that the Flintstones were a modern stone-age family from the town of Bedrock and that they were a page right out of history. When you were with the Flintstones, you’d have a yabba dabba doo time, a dabba doo time, you’d have a gay old time.

A lot has changed since then. These days, if Fred Flintstone and his best mate Barney Rubble were to have a “gay old time” it would mean something completely different and dramatically change the story line of the show.

But some things have not changed. The Flintstones was a 1960s animated sitcom that told the stories of the titular family, the Flintstones, and their neighbours the Rubbles. The show depicted the characters taking part in “modern” activities in a stone-age setting.

One of the things that Fred and Barney enjoyed was ten-pin bowling. Now although archaeologists have found bowling-like pins and balls from ancient Egypt around 5000 years ago, ten-pin bowling did not emerge until the mid-1800s in the United States.

It was very popular at the time the show was being produced and Fred and Barney enjoyed the entertaining diversion.

It’s interesting that in a world that has changed so much, ten-pin bowling is still popular.

A friend of mine, Anna, owns the Mackay Leisure Centre and a big part of that business is the ten-pin bowling alleys.

As far as the bowlers are concerned, ten-pin bowling has not really changed … there are those smooth bowling balls of various weights with three holes for fingers and a thumb. There are those 10 pins, which look pretty much the same as they did in the 1960s.

Of course, like everything else in life, technology has introduced efficiencies.

When the Flintstones went bowling, monkeys sitting on a bracket would pick up the knocked-over pins with their tales. In the real world, after a player did their first bowl a device would pick up the pins that were still standing, sweep away the fallen ones, and put the untouched pins back in the same place.

These days at the Mackay Leisure Centre they have string machines that remove the fallen pins and replace the untouched ones exactly where they were, ready for the second bowl. Apart from having strings attached to the pins, computer technology has made scoring and the  bowling operation more efficient.

But if ten-pin bowling is pretty much the same activity it always has been, how about selling real estate?

Marketing a property used to involve simply putting up a for sale sign and placing an ad in the local paper. Thanks to magazines like this one, you can still put ads in a paper but your marketing needs to have digital reach these days to ensure you capture all the potential buyers for a property.

Those buyers might be in Mackay but they might be at work on a mine site or an investor living in Melbourne … digital technology allows them to see the listings, receive text or email links to a property’s marketing and make inquiries by text, email, What’sApp or mobile phone call.

We have digital data bases to ensure we can maintain contact with potential buyers. In a world obsessed with acronyms, we have a CRM system that automatically generates emails with new listings attached that go to potential buyers.

The photographer’s photos are processed by someone in the Philippines and arrive in my in-box in a drop-box link the next day. Videos are now an important part of marketing a property, some done professionally and others done on mobile phones. We use DocuSign to electronically sign contracts.

So, much has changed. There are new, faster and more efficient ways to reach buyers and create competition for a property. But, like ten-pin bowling, the fundamentals are the same.

You still have to talk to people, create trust and negotiate the best possible deal for the sellers. And when the deal is done … Yabba dabba doo!

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David Fisher - Gardian

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Queensland Tourism Awards Shone Bright For Local Operators

The Whitsundays shone at the 40th annual Queensland Tourism Awards in Brisbane, taking home an impressive mix of gold, silver, bronze and Hall of Fame honours. The event celebrated four decades of recognising Queensland’s standout tourism operators, with the Whitsundays once again proving why it remains one of the state’s favourite destinations.

Local winners included Whitsunday Escape, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Pinnacles Resort, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures, Whitsunday Coast Airport, InterContinental Hayman Island and Bowen Tourism & Business Volunteers. Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Mayor Ry Collins praised the region’s dedication, passion and world-class experiences that continue to raise the bar statewide.

The Whitsundays Celebrates Multiple Wins At The 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards

The Whitsundays has once again proven why it’s one of Queensland’s favourite  tourism regions, bringing home an impressive haul of awards at the 40th annual Queensland Tourism Awards held last Friday night in Brisbane.

The celebrations took place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, where the industry came together to mark 40 years of recognising the people, places and experiences that make Queensland tourism so special. The Queensland Tourism Awards are considered the peak of industry recognition, shining a spotlight on operators who go above and beyond for visitors across the state.

This year, The Whitsundays proudly collected a standout mix of gold, silver, bronze and Hall of Fame honours, a fantastic achievement that showcases the strength, passion, and quality of tourism experiences right across our region.

Whitsundays 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards Results

GOLD
Whitsunday Escape – Unique Accommodation
Shute Harbour Marine Terminal – Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
Pinnacles Resort – Self-Contained Accommodation (Hall of Fame)
Iconic Whitsunday Adventures – Tour & Transport Operators

SILVER
Whitsunday Coast Airport – Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
Iconic Whitsunday Adventures – Adventure Tourism

BRONZE
InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef– 5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Bowen Tourism & Business Volunteers – Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the results are a great reminder of the strength and passion that drives the region’s tourism industry.

“These awards really shine a light on the dedication and hard work happening across The Whitsundays every day. From our accommodation providers and aviation partners to our adventure operators and incredible volunteers, our region continues to punch well above its weight," he said.

“It’s this commitment to creating unforgettable experiences that makes The Whitsundays such a standout across Australia. We’re incredibly proud of all our winners and finalists, what a fantastic achievement for our whole community.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Whitsundays has once again shown why we’re the heart of Queensland tourism.

“These results are a credit to our region’s  operators, volunteers and businesses who work tirelessly to deliver world-class experiences," said Mayor Ry Collins.

“It’s also fantastic to see two of Council’s own facilities , Whitsunday Coast Airport and the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, recognised with silver and gold. Our region keeps lifting the bar, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

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Whitsunday tourism operators returned triumphant, bringing home eight awards for the region including four gold. Photo supplied

The team from Bowen Tourism & Business
Whitsunday Escape celebrated on the night
Iconic Whitsundays brought home gold
Shute Harbour Marine Terminal and Whitsunday Coast Airport were thrilled to win
Put next to the other ESCAPE
Pinnacles Resort shone bright on the night

Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone,

The past couple of months have been an absolute whirlwind! It feels like every weekend has been filled with events and I am officially running out of different dresses to wear!

This weekend is no exception, with the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards taking place on Friday night. You can read our 13-page Nominees Feature from page 19 in this edition, and we will announce the winners in a special feature next week.

I would like to say a massive thank you to the people who have brought Business Awards to our region.

The fact that the event has already sold out to its capacity of 200, and that nominations were strong, shows just how much these awards were needed and how well they have been received.

We are really looking forward to attending this Friday and being among so many local businesses who are proud of their achievements. It will be wonderful to come together and celebrate.

Speaking of celebrating, I would also like to give a huge shout out to the local businesses who brought home a Queensland Tourism Award over the weekend. It was wonderful to see so many Whitsunday operators recognised for their hard work. You can check out page five in this week’s edition, and we will have an extended feature for you next week.

Finally, the last shout out for the week goes to another big event, this time one in our own home, my husband’s birthday. All year round he puts everyone else first, racing the kids to after school activities, holding my handbag at countless work events, and always working quietly behind the scenes to make sure his family is cared for and loved.

This weekend I am looking forward to making it all about him for once. Happy birthday darling.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit” Unknown

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Proserpine State High School has partnered with Whitsunday Regional Council, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and its school Parents and Citizen’s Association to deliver a Defensive Driving Course for their Year 11 and 12 students.

The valuable practical and theoretical knowledge delivered to students focuses on hazard perception, vehicle handling, and safe decision-making under pressure, skills that are considered essential for reducing risks on the road.

Adding a meaningful local connection, the course was facilitated by Declan Coull, a former Proserpine State High School graduate who has since established himself in the field of driver education as Director of Advanced Defensive Driving Australia.

Principal Don McDermid of Proserpine State High School said working in partnership with stakeholders and Declan served as a reminder of the strong community ties that continue to support local youth beyond graduation.

“It’s great to re-connect with Declan and see the values we pride ourselves on instilling at school continue to make a meaningful impact and change within our community,” he said.

“This initiative demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when community organisations work together towards a common goal to support our youth.”

Mr Coull commented on how positive his interactions with the students had been.

“They have been very respectful, with high value placed on the partnership between schools and the greater community,” he said.

Rotary Club of Airlie Beach President Jan Clifford OAM said the club members were very proud to be partnering with the initiative.

“It’s so important to support the safety of our young people,” she said.

Principal McDermid expressed his appreciation to all partners involved in facilitating and making the course affordable for students and reaffirmed the school’s dedication to fostering strong community connections that assists in catering for students’ needs outside the school gates.

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PSHS Principal Don McDermid with Year 11 and 12 students along with Whitsunday Regional Council and Rotary Club of Airlie Beach representative Jan Clifford OAM and Advanced Defensive Driving Australia Director Declan Coull. Photo supplied

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Proserpine State High School proudly celebrated its 63rd Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday night, recognising outstanding student achievement across academia, sport, cultural and leadership categories.

The prestigious event is a highlight on the school calendar, bringing together students, families, staff, and community members to honour the hard work, dedication, and success of its young people.
The ceremony showcased the school’s commitment to nurturing excellence and personal growth, with awards presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional effort, talent, and contribution throughout the year.

Principal Don McDermid congratulated all award recipients and commended the collective achievements of the student body.

“Our Annual Awards Ceremony is a wonderful tradition that celebrates the excellence and character of our students. It’s also a reflection of the supportive community that stands behind them — parents, staff, and community members who make our school such a special place,” he said.

As the school marks more than six decades of celebrating excellence, the 63rd Annual Awards Ceremony stands as a proud reminder of its enduring values — achievement, integrity, and community spirit.

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Pictured at the Proserpine State High School 63rd Annual Awards Night in the back row is Principal Don McDermid with students Mia Vloedmans, Bella Knight, Allegra Bradley, Savannah Lamont, Sarah Hart, and Mayor Ry Collins. Front are students Hayden Turnbull, Zachary Gould and Fyn Gunn.

School Principal Don McDermid is pictured with Year 12 student Tavis McDonald who received the QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Award.

Year 12 student Thalia Foster was a worthy recipient of the Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award.

Year 11 student Sam Fogg received the Year 11 James Cook University Shield.

Year 10 student Millieson Groom was named Sportsperson of the Year and awarded the Year 10 ADF Future Innovators Award.

Year 12 student Ivy Thompson received the 2025 Cultural Award and is pictured with the school P&C Association President Natalie Stuchbree.

Year 7 student Saskia Hoey was the recipient of the 21st Century Learner Award.

Rotary Club of Proserpine President Chris Harvey pictured with the Junior Secondary Leadership Teamwork recipient Hayden Turnbull.

Year 10 students Daphne Wood and Max Pomeroy were named the St Vincent de Paul Scholarship recipients.

Year 10 student Josephine Watson was the recipient of the Year 10 ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Teamwork Award.

Year 9 student Sarah Hart received the Junior Secondary All Rounder Award along with the Junior Instrumental Music Award.

Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Regional Council is seeking more nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, with the closing date now extended to Thursday, 28th November.

The Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across the region. Mayor Ry Collins is encouraging everyone to take a moment to nominate someone special.

“We all know someone whether they’re a high achiever or a quiet contributor who deserves recognition for making our community stronger, inclusive and more connected,” Mayor Collins said.

“Taking a few minutes to nominate them is a great way to shine a spotlight on their hard work and dedication. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people and groups who make the Whitsunday Region such an exceptional place to live.”

The Awards recognise excellence across a range of categories:

• Citizen of the Year Award – Honouring individuals aged 27 years or older as of 26 January 2026 who have made significant contributions to the Whitsunday Region or provided outstanding service to the community.

• Young Citizen of the Year – Celebrating young people aged 16–26 as of 26 January 2026 who have positively impacted the community.

• Community Event of the Year – A standout event that has made a meaningful local impact.

• Spirit of the Whitsundays Award – Recognising generosity, pride and contributions that strengthen community connection.

• Corporate Community Contribution of the Year – Honouring business-led initiatives or support that benefit our region.

• Community Champion Award – Mayoral Award – Selected by the Mayor to acknowledge exceptional voluntary contributions in arts, culture, sport or service.

• Volunteer of the Year Award – Celebrating volunteers of all ages who have significantly contributed to the Whitsunday Region. This award is presented in honour of Wally Hinschen.

How to Nominate:

• Complete the online nomination form via Your Say Whitsunday.

• Download a PDF nomination form from the Your Say Whitsunday website.

• Collect and submit a hard copy from any Council Customer Service Centre at Collinsville, Bowen, Proserpine or Cannonvale.

Nominations close 5pm, Thursday 28th November, so don’t miss your chance to recognise the unsung heroes of our region.

Further information on the Australia Day Award celebrations will be provided at a later date.

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The 2025 Whitsunday Citizen of the Year was Matt Stokes President of Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. Photo sourced: Whitsunday Life Newspaper

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Last Friday a major milestone for the Bowen community was announced with the official opening of the Yaringa Frontline Accommodation Units, a purpose-built housing complex designed to support frontline health, education and aged care professionals.

The first of its kind in Queensland, Yaringa consists of four two-bedroom units centrally located in Bowen, providing secure and affordable housing for up to eight essential workers. Each unit includes a shared laundry, kitchen, dining and living space, as well as a garage and parking bay.

The $3.2 million project was funded by the Queensland Government, whose investment has directly addressed one of Bowen’s most pressing challenges, the shortage of workforce housing.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last MP said that "Like most of Queensland, Bowen has paid the price for Labor’s failure to boost housing. That failure resulted in housing not being available for the health and education professionals that our community needs."

“The Bowen Community Council has done a great job in identifying an opportunity that will not only boost services in Bowen but will also help to reduce the pressure on Bowen’s rental market.

“The opening of Yaringa is a great illustration of the Crisafulli LNP Government’s commitment to work cooperatively with community groups to create better communities across Queensland.”

Chairperson of the Bowen Community Council Inc. Chris Coventry said this project is more than just bricks and mortar.

"It’s about restoring access to essential services for Bowen residents and giving our frontline workers a place to call home," he said.

“These four units will provide essential accommodation for our frontline professionals – our nurses, allied health workers and teachers who play a vital role in the wellbeing and future of our town.

“By housing these dedicated professionals locally, we not only support their critical work but also free up accommodation for other community members. Most importantly, we’re helping to ensure that our elderly residents no longer have to travel long distances for essential care.”

Meeting a critical need
Bowen has long struggled to attract and retain professional staff due to rental vacancy rates below 0.5 per cent and limited housing stock. This shortage has impacted the delivery of essential services, including healthcare, schooling and aged care.

Yaringa responds to this need by:
• Providing dedicated accommodation for medical and allied health staff, improving continuity of care and reducing wait times.
• Supporting local schools by housing teachers who previously commuted long distances, enabling better access to before- and after-school programs.

Community impact
The Yaringa units are already making a difference:
• Queensland Health has secured housing for four staff, stabilising local medical services.
• Queens Beach State School has increased its capacity to recruit and retain teachers.
• Murroona Gardens has regained two aged care rooms for immediate use.

“This project is a testament to what can be achieved when government, community and service providers work together to solve real-world challenges,” said President of the Bowen Community Centre Christine Coventry.

“We’re grateful to the Queensland Government for its support, which is already improving access to key services," she added.

“Our vision is to continue expanding accommodation options to attract and retain professionals in Bowen because when they thrive, our entire community thrives.”

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The spirit of giving is alive and well in the Whitsundays, with long-time local community champions Michael and Val Kimpton making a generous $1,000 donation to the Mayor’s Festive Appeal to support families in need this Christmas.

Mayor Ry Collins said the contribution reflects the kindness and community pride that defines the Whitsundays.

“Michael and Val are wonderful examples of the generosity we see right across our region,” Mayor Collins said.

“Their support helps ensure every family can experience a brighter Christmas, and we’re incredibly grateful."

The Kimptons are well known for their involvement in local events and advocacy. Michael is the Race Director of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, one of the region’s premier sporting events, and both he and Val have recently been strong advocates for establishing a mobile blood bank service in the Whitsundays.

Michael said they were happy to support a cause that directly assists local families.

“We live in such a caring region, and if our contribution encourages even one more person to donate, then that’s a win for the whole community,” he said.

Residents who wish to contribute to the Mayor’s Festive Appeal can do so by:

Donating toys, gift vouchers or festive items at any Council Customer Service Centre or Library by 5 December, or Donating $25 or $50 to fund a Festive Gift Box for a family in need.

Mayor Collins encouraged anyone able to assist to get involved.

“Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference,” he said. “Together, we can help make Christmas a little brighter for Whitsunday families.”

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Val Kimpton, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, and Michael Kimpton. Photo supplied

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What a night for the Whitsundays at the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Our region once again shone on the state stage, with local operators featuring strongly across multiple categories and bringing home an impressive haul of awards. It was fantastic to see the breadth of talent and passion on display from accommodation providers to adventure operators and our dedicated volunteers.

A huge congratulations to our gold medallists Pinnacles Resort & Spa, Whitsunday Escape, and Iconic Whitsunday Adventures along with all other winners and finalists. These operators continue to showcase the Whitsundays as one of Australia’s most remarkable visitor destinations.

I was also proud to join Council’s commercial team, led by Craig Turner, in accepting a Gold Award for the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. This award recognises the terminal’s transformation into a modern, high-quality gateway to the islands and an invaluable community asset. Equally pleasing was the Silver Award for Whitsunday Coast Airport, which continues to achieve record passenger numbers and deliver exceptional service.

It was wonderful to see the Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers awarded Bronze for their outstanding contribution. Their warmth and hospitality leave a lasting impression on thousands of visitors every year.

Throughout the week I also met with key tourism leaders, including Assistant Minister for Tourism Nita Green, Tourism Minister Andrew Powell, Assistant Tourism Minister Bree James, and the QTIC team. Those conversations reinforced the strong momentum our region is building, and the confidence industry leaders have in the Whitsundays’ future.

But the celebrations don’t end there.

This Friday night we turn the spotlight to our local business community at the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, a new initiative created through Council’s Whitsunday 2030 Economic Development Strategy. The event will be held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, one of Council’s premier venues and an outstanding facility that showcases the best of regional arts, events and community gatherings.

With more than 200 guests attending and a fantastic spread of finalists across multiple sectors, the night promises to be full of pride, energy and well-deserved recognition. Our businesses, from tourism and retail to trades, services, agriculture and everything in between, are at the heart of a strong Whitsunday region.

It’s been a brilliant week of celebration for the Whitsundays and with the Business Awards ahead, the best is still to come.

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AGM & New Board Members

At the Whitsundays Chamber Of Commerce & Industry Annual General Meeting last Thursday new board members Giulian Grasso and Doug O’Connor were welcomed.

President Allan Milostic said Chamber finish in a strong financial position for 2024, reporting solid financial health and significant momentum.

Key achievements in 2024 - 2025 included hosting State and Federal election candidate forums, strengthening collaboration with government and regional partners, making six Council submissions, releasing findings from the Vision for the Whitsundays project, enhancing advisory and sub-committee structures, merging with Weddings Whitsundays, expanding membership to 230 businesses, and delivering 11 events with more than 300 attendees.

Entering 2025–26, the Chamber is positioned for continued growth and impact, boosted by a sold-out Business Conference, a successful Business Awards program, and new responsibility for Cruise Ship Markets management.

Jade Yvonne from Amanda Camm MP's office presented a summary of the year. Which included a range of new initiatives, policy reforms, and funding programs designed to reduce red tape, improve access to government services, boost procurement opportunities, and strengthen regional business growth. Additional support programs were highlighted, including grants for security upgrades, wage subsidies for apprentices, extended business wellness services, and new cyber-security training resources.

The Whitsunday Regional Council also announced a successful year including initiatives such as $50 million being allocated for housing infrastructure, a $33 million sewer project from Bowen to Whitsunday Paradise and $10 million is earmarked for the Cannonvale sewer project and more.

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Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce Board Members Fiona Erquiaga, Giulian Grasso, Jannah Baker, Doug O’Connor, Allan Milostic, Megan Taylor and Emily Harvey (absent Anthony Nobilia and Asher Telford). Photo credit: Mackay and Whitsunday Life

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Bowen Community Centre recently held its Community Champions Recognition event, a chance to thank the people and organisations who make our town such a special place. Over the past three years, the Centre has delivered 23 free services to the community  from chair exercises and playgroups to the soup kitchen, food bank, Second Bite, and cooking classes. These programs are possible because of the champions who gathered with us on 7 December.

The truth is, without these heroes we couldn’t do what we do. The Government provides the space and facilities, but it’s the dedication of 18 community champions that brings events like the Community Carnival, Health Forums, and R U OK Day to life. Their efforts ensure Bowen has the support, connection, and spirit we all rely on.

We are proud to acknowledge the generosity of Abbot Point Operations, Bowen Industrial Hire, Hillery Group, Lowcock Builders, Peries IGA Bowen, Whitsunday Regional Council, Bowen Community Sunday Markets, Bowen Men’s Shed, Aurizon, Bowen Baptist Church, Coral Cove Apartments, ECM Project Engineering, Grace Christian Fellowship, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Horseshoe Bay Social Club, the memorial of James Barry, Prices Plus Bowen, Woolworths Bowen, and Zonta Club of Bowen Inc.

These Business and community organisations stand shoulder to shoulder with our community. Their belief in Bowen is the reason we can continue offering free programs and events year after year. If we can ask one thing of our community, it’s this: shop locally and support those who support you. Together, we’ll keep Bowen strong and thriving.

Contributed with thanks to Bowen Community Centre

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