Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Nationally recognised business coach and keynote speaker Judy Porter of Shiift will deliver an energising presentation, Getting Out of Your Own Way, at the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference. With over 25 years as a multi-industry business owner and a background in psychology, Judy understands how personality, beliefs, and leadership styles shape business culture.
Judy challenges leaders to reflect on their approach, build genuine trust, and embrace their role as visionary leaders.
“Growing a passion into a business is a wild, rewarding ride,” she says. “But what happens when you’re still in the driver’s seat, tooting your own horn, and holding the map with white knuckles? At some point, you have to trust the team, step into the leadership space, and create a culture where your people can drive the vision forward with you – not just ride along.”
Drawing on experience managing teams of up to 250 staff, Judy offers practical tools to move from micromanagement to empowerment. Known for her engaging style, humour, and actionable strategies, she is a former Chamber Board member and active contributor to regional initiatives.
Judy will also lead a concurrent session, The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business. This interactive workshop explores how feedback can motivate teams and improve culture without causing defensiveness or discomfort.
Attendees will gain valuable insights to unlock their team’s potential and drive sustainable business growth.
9:00am: Official Opening with Mayor Ry Collins
9:20am: Keynote – Get Out of Your Own Way with Judy Porter
9:50am: Plenary Panel – Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact with Terry Archer (Whitsunday Sailing Club), Justin Butler (Whitsunday Sportspark) and Carol Norris (Greater Whitsunday Communities)
11:00am: Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? with Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Alliance), Gerard Millican (Queensland Business Concierge), Julia Wheway (TAFE Queensland), Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation), Leigh-Ann Pool (Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training), Paul Hanlon (Whitsunday Regional Council), Robert Cocco (Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays), and Roxanne Birse (Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
11:45am: Concurrent Sessions – Round One
• The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business by Judy Porter (Shiift)
• Business & Community: Partnering for Impact with Rebecca Woods (Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre), Annika Thomson (Ocean Crusaders), Courtney Quinn-McCabe (Tassal Proserpine Prawn Farm) and Libby Edge (Eco Barge Australia)
• From Solo to Scalable: Building a Business That Works with You with Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media)
1:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Two
• Money Matters for Modern Business with Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service), Kim Jamieson (Accountancy Plus Whitsundays), Justin Butler (Eclipse Financial Planning), Luke Sheppard (Bendigo Bank business banking), Doug O’Connor (Option Insurance Brokers) and Fiona Erquiaga (Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting)
• International Recruitment & Migration by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance)
• Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
• The Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Branding to Grow Your Business with Rachael Smith (Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine)
2:00pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Three
• Local Marketing That Works with Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo) and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life).
• Tendering: Top Ten Tips by Ros Wesche (Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure)
• The Dying Art of Customer Service: 12 Rules for Success with Rick Brown
• Smarter People Management for Small Business with Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group)
3:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Four
• Leveraging AI and VR for Business Innovation and Social Impact with Lisa Green (Telstra AI Solutions), Simon Lowe (People Tech Revolution) and Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation),
• From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams by Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee)
• Finding Support Before You Need It with Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway)
4:00pm: Plenary – Power Up: What’s Next for Your Business
The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference opens with Mayor Ry Collins officially launching the event and announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council – an initiative of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner that brings people together to enhance the operating environment to help small and family businesses thrive.
A key morning feature is the Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact panel, bringing together regional leaders to discuss how collaboration is driving progress in infrastructure, housing, investment, and community development. Panellists include Terry Archer from the Whitsunday Sailing Club, who will discuss creating an Olympic legacy through strategic partnerships; Justin Butler of Whitsunday Sportspark, sharing insights on securing $4.5 million for sports infrastructure improvements; and Carol Norris of Greater Whitsunday Communities, presenting coordinated efforts to address workforce housing challenges.
Following the panel, the Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? session offers a unique opportunity for businesses to engage directly eight key government and regional development agencies and programs. Participants will hear quick introductions from representatives of government and regional development bodies, then join two rounds of speed dating discussions to explore tailored support and collaboration opportunities.
Following the morning program, attendees have the choice of 14 interactive concurrent sessions, held over four rounds across the TAFE Queensland Whitsunday campus.
Attendees will then continue networking at the Tourism Whitsunday monthly networking event at Mirage Whitsunday, Cannonvale.
See the full program: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference
Mayor Ry Collins officially launches the event by announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council
At the Conference, learn how to grow your business through powerful storytelling, exceptional customer service, and effective local marketing.
Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, will share how personal storytelling and authentic branding build trust and deepen community connections in regional areas.
Rick Brown brings decades of experience in building a $20 million business and delivering outstanding customer service, will reveal twelve key rules that create loyalty, enhance reputation, and set businesses apart.
Marketing experts Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo), and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life) will guide attendees on using social media, print, radio, and digital channels. Their panel offers strategies for selecting the right media mix to expand reach, strengthen ties, and boost growth.
Together, these sessions provide practical tools to help local businesses connect with their audience, deliver standout service, and market with confidence and impact.
TAFE Whitsunday is a big part of this year’s Business Conference,serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats,prepared and served by their awesome hospitality and cookerystudents.
Attendees willenjoy the food in Palmers, their student-run training restaurant,where students get real hands-on experience.
This is a greatway to see local talent in action and shows how TAFE is helpingstudents get job-ready in hospitality and tourism, two of theWhitsundays’ biggest industries.
By featuring TAFEstudents at the conference, we’re not only celebrating their hardwork but also helping build a skilled local workforce. It’s a winfor the students, the businesses, and the whole community, showinghow education and industry working together can boost our region’sgrowth and future.
Open to thepublic, Palmers Restaurant is hosting a la carte lunch services form12pm-1:30pm Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September. Bookings essentialphone 4940 2777 or PalmersRestaurant.north@tafeqld.edu.au
TAFE hospitality and cookery students will be serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats at the conference.Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Whitsundays Chamber extends its thanks to the major sponsors behind the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, recognising their vital role in bringing the sold-out event to life.
This year’s conference would not be possible without the generous contributions of:
• Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is a locally owned branch offering full banking services and investing back into the Whitsunday community.
• My Pathway connects people and businesses through employment, training, and community services, including the Self-Employment Assistance program.
• Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, unites local business and community leaders and training providers to deliver relevant employment and training solutions.
• TAFE Queensland’s Whitsundays campus offers practical courses in cookery, hospitality, and early childhood education.
• Shiift provides tailored leadership, culture, and performance solutions for aligned, motivated teams that drive real results.
• Tassal, with its Proserpine Prawn Farm, is a major regional employer committed to sustainable aquaculture and investment.
• Mackay and Whitsunday Life supports the community by documenting and celebrating the diverse stories of the Whitsundays.
A shoutout also to the Conference Champions who are also powering this year’s Conference –Club Whitsunday, Kapow Interactive, Option Insurance Brokers, Scallywag Fabrications, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, Telstra, and Your Business Angels – for stepping up with their generous support.
All these businesses are true business champions, making sure the conference offers the best insights, networking, and practical tools to help you succeed.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out and see how they can help your business thrive.
A major highlight of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference will be the dynamic plenary session Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact, showcasing how strategic partnerships are creating real, measurable outcomes across the Whitsundays.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the session will explore how collaboration across sectors—government, business, community, First Nations and environmental groups—is transforming the region’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects and long-term liveability improvements.
The panel will feature local leaders actively involved in some of the region’s most exciting initiatives:
• Terry Archer, Whitsunday Sailing Club – sharing how the Club is leveraging partnerships to create an Olympic legacy and world-class marine infrastructure.
• Justin Butler, Whitsunday Sportspark – discussing the journey to securing $4.5 million in specialist lending to improve sports infrastructure, and the role of shared vision in reducing risk.
• Carol Norris, Greater Whitsunday Communities – presenting outcomes from the Housing Alliance Project and how coordinated efforts across employers, developers and government are addressing workforce housing and investment challenges in Mackay and Bowen.
“Partnerships are how we move from idea to action,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic. “This session will give businesses real insight into how collaboration, not competition, is shaping the future of our region.”
The plenary will highlight how rethinking traditional business relationships is delivering mutual benefit, improved community outcomes, and smarter resource allocation.
Terry Archer from Whitsunday Sailing Club
Justin Butler from Whitsunday Sportspark
Planning for the 2026 Conference is already underway, aiming to be bigger and better than ever.
The Whitsundays Chamber invites businesses to explore a range of opportunities including sponsorship packages, speaking roles, exhibitor booths, and prize contributions – designed to suit all business sizes and budgets.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event.
Contact admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Your Local Business Voice
The Whitsundays Chamber is the united voice of local business, dedicated to creating a supportive environment where enterprises can grow, succeed, and connect.
As an independent and apolitical organisation, the Chamber works closely with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure business interests are heard and acted upon.
Members enjoy access to valuable networking, education, events, and resources. Through partnerships like joint membership with Tourism Whitsundays and Weddings Whitsundays, members benefit from wider industry reach and stronger representation.
Whether you’re a start-up, sole trader, or established business, the Chamber connects you with the people, knowledge, and resources to thrive.
Join today: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join
The 2025 Conference features vital sessions on leadership, human resources, and workforce development.
One key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact, led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8), challenges leaders to rethink motivation by focusing on mindset, trust, feedback, and retention. Attendees will learn people-first strategies to build stronger teams and create positive business outcomes.
Human resources support is front and centre in the Smarter People Management for Small Business session, hosted by Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group). This practical workshop addresses staff management challenges, compliance, industrial relations, and offers tailored strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
Another key session, From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams, offers a hands-on workshop for businesses to apply workforce insights to help build teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee) leads this interactive planning session.
Workforce challenges are also explored in International Recruitment & Migration. Presented by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance), this session explains how skilled migration can help local businesses overcome labour shortages and boost regional economic growth.
Key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact,is led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
Mark Lipkinfrom Airlie Group hosts a human resources session called PeopleManagement for Small Business
Georgia Lavers from Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committeeleads this interactive planning session
Alana Hopkinsfrom Workforce Abundance explores workforce challenges in anInternational Recruitment & Migration session
At the Conference, business owners can gain valuable insights and practical tools across operations, finance, and support services to help their businesses grow and stay resilient.
For business owners ready to grow, From Solo to Scalable. Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media) will show how to scale a business using systems, automation, and tech tools—without the stress or need for a big team. This session provides a clear roadmap to future-proof your business and improve customer engagement.
In Money Matters for Modern Business, a panel of six finance specialists will cover essential topics like lending, insurance, superannuation, and growth planning. With experts from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus, Bendigo Bank, and more, attendees can ask specific questions and get practical advice to build a strong financial foundation and boost resilience.
Finding Support Before You Need It guides business owners through free, government-backed mentoring and support programs to avoid pitfalls and stay empowered. Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will share how to connect with these resources early and confidently.
Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will present Finding Support BeforeYou Need It, a session guiding business owners through free,government-backed mentoring and support programs designed to helpthem stay empowered and avoid common pitfalls
Nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, Tassal’s Proserpine prawn farm is proving to be much more than a seafood producer. It is a quiet local success story, combining innovation, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.
The farm, which supplies prawns across the country, is run by locals and focused on local impact. From jobs and training to environmental care and community partnerships, Tassal’s presence in Proserpine is making a meaningful difference.
Over the past year, Tassal has spent almost $55,000 supporting community groups, events and causes across the Whitsundays. This includes local associations such as the Whitsunday Brahman Rugby League, the Cannonvale Swimming Club, the Great Barrier Reef festival, the Whitsunday Show, the Proserpine Golf Club, and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.
Tassal’s Manager – Stakeholder and Community Engagement, Courtney Quinn-McCabe, said the company’s community support in the Whitsundays was about giving back in a way that built real, lasting value.
“We believe that when industry and community work side by side, we can achieve much more,” she said. “Our support is about more than sponsorship. It is about helping local groups grow, creating opportunities, and building strong, long-term relationships in the communities where we live and work.”
Tassal has developed a water efficiency plan specifically for its Proserpine site. This is part of a broader approach to responsible aquaculture that includes automated pond aeration, AI-based feeding systems, and real-time water quality monitoring. These tools allow the farm to reduce waste, care for animal health, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The company is also committed to creating jobs in the region. Tassal prefers to hire locally where possible and provides career development opportunities through structured training and leadership programs. It is not uncommon to hear stories of workers who joined as juniors and are now leading teams or mentoring others.
“Our team is part of this community,” Ms Quinn-McCabe said. “We live here, we work here, and we want to see the Whitsundays thrive.”
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One of the great joys of being Mayor is getting out into the community and celebrating the people and projects that are shaping our Whitsunday region for the better.
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright and Cr John Finlay in Bowen to officially open two major sporting facility upgrades that will make a real difference for grassroots sport in our Whitsunday region.
First up was the new field lighting at the Bowen Sporting Complex – a $600,000 project jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government. With lighting now up to standard for night cricket and football, this upgrade opens the door to more games, more participation, and better opportunities for local clubs and athletes.
Later in the day, we joined the Bowen Seagulls committee to celebrate the completion of the Denison Park amenities upgrade – a $1.6 million investment by the Queensland Government that’s delivered new change rooms, a gym, boardroom, accessible toilets and showers, and space to support growing teams and female participation.
Let’s be clear – projects like these don’t just happen. They’re the result of tireless advocacy from both Council and the community.
While I’ve been proud to advocate at every level of government to help secure funding for these upgrades, it’s the locals – like our club volunteers – who put in countless hours of their own time to drive these projects forward and ensure their clubs and communities get the facilities they deserve.
People like Brandon Mackie and Jill Warren, President and Secretary of the Bowen Sporting Complex Coordination Association, and Shane Douglas from the Bowen Seagulls, who volunteer hundreds of hours every year, often behind the scenes, to ensure future generations have access to top-class facilities.
Their passion, persistence and leadership are what keep the wheels turning. From grant applications and committee meetings to line-marking fields and mentoring juniors, these are the people building a strong sporting future from the ground up.
We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated volunteers in our region. Their efforts make our towns stronger, our kids more connected, and our sporting legacy more secure.
A big thank you also to Minister Dale Last and the Queensland Government for their partnership on both projects. Council will continue to advocate for investment in local sport as we head toward 2032 and beyond.
In the Whitsundays, sport is more than just a game – it’s community, it’s pride, and it’s a legacy worth investing in.
Did you know?
Public consultation for the draft Airlie Beach Masterplan will close this Sunday 17 August.
Responding to community feedback, the masterplan sets a bold vision for our next generation of experiences, envisioning catalyst projects, public space upgrades and inspiring private investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond.
Don’t miss your last chance to help shape the future of Airlie Beach by offering your insights on the proposed projects.
For more information and to complete the survey, visit Council’s Online Engagement Portal, Your Say Whitsunday.
The Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers enjoyed a “Christmas in July” celebration last month with a lovely dinner at the Queen’s Beach Hotel in Bowen.
The staff and volunteers all donned their favourite Christmas outfits for the evening.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the volunteers were an integral part of the organisation and this was a way of saying thank you.
The 18 volunteers welcome thousands of visitors each year at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango and at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.
“Our volunteers are passionate about Bowen and the entire region, and they are very knowledgeable,” Leanne said.
“They welcome every visitor with a smile and go above and beyond to provide information about our attractions, businesses, culture and history.”
It has been a big year for the organisation with Bowen winning the Top Tourism Town in Queensland, the Big Mango being named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland and the team welcoming a record number of visitors.
“None of these achievements would have been possible without our wonderful volunteers," added Leanne.
“The dinner was also a good chance for everyone to get together as a team, the volunteers all work on different days and don’t see each other very often.
“After such a busy 12 months, we thought it was time we all had a night out to celebrate.
“Thanks also to the Queen’s Beach Hotel – it was a fantastic evening.”
Contributed with thanks to Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy
Volunteers from Bowen Tourism and Business enjoyed their Christmas in July
Kevin Clarke, Viv Clarke and Glenn Womal
Kate Mackie, Trudy Starkey and Cindy Tonks
Photos supplied
From electric scooters to Rolls-Royces, Precision Auto Service has built a reputation for repairing, servicing, and modifying just about anything on wheels.
Now in its third year of trading, the locally owned business is led by manager and owner Matt Battams, who brings 28 years of experience in the automotive industry.
Starting as a tyre fitter at just 14, Matt went on to work with top-tier brands including Volkswagen, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes, and even prepared Aston Martins for exhibition racing at the Grand Prix. He is a certified Aston Martin Master Technician, with training also in Maserati and other high-end vehicles.
Precision Auto Service offers a wide range of services, from logbook servicing and insurance repairs to specialist off-road modifications. With a wide variety of techincians and servicemen, Precision Auto Service has the right fit for you.
Four-wheel-drive upgrades are a specialty, with staff member Jared renowned for his expertise in custom exhaust systems and other off-road enhancements.
The workshop boasts an international team, with mechanics from countries including Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA, each bringing unique skills. Services extend beyond cars to include motorcycles, mobility scooters, golf carts, tuk-tuks, and even children’s electric cars.
Precision Auto Service also supports the community, quietly sponsoring local festivals, school events, fishing competitions, and golf tournaments, often donating car service vouchers as prizes.
Their philosophy is simple, provide quality workmanship and take the time to do the job properly.
Precision Auto Service covering all motor needs big or small. Photo supplied
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