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.
Read the full story
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
Read the full story
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
Read the full story
Whitsunday Regional Council is encouraging the community to share their feedback on the draft Airlie Beach Masterplan, a bold vision aimed at guiding the town’s future growth and transformation in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond.
Mayor Ry Collins said the draft plan marks an exciting step forward in reimagining the future of Airlie Beach and shaping a long-term vision that extends to 2050.
“This is a draft for feedback, and we want locals, visitors and businesses to help us fine-tune it,” Mayor Collins said.
“Your ideas and priorities will shape the final masterplan that Council will consider later this year, ensuring it truly reflects the community’s vision.”
The masterplan responds to community feedback and focuses on pedestrian safety, green spaces, parking, and foreshore activation. It aims to position Airlie Beach as Australia’s premier regional waterfront and support long-term economic and tourism growth.
***Key proposals include:
• Public Space Upgrades & Connectivity: Enhanced pedestrian and cycle access, improved atmosphere and precinct identity.
• New Event & Market Spaces: Outdoor venues and market areas to boost activity and visitor experience.
• Catalyst Projects: The Wanderers redevelopment and Waterson Way Integrated Hub, including a multi-storey carpark and retail spaces, to attract investment.
• Infrastructure for Growth: Projects aligned with future growth needs and Olympic opportunities.
***Revitalisation highlights:
• Foreshore: New features like a fishing pier, waterplay island, playground, volleyball courts, market plaza and multideck carpark.
• Main Street & Esplanade: One-way traffic, canopy-covered Airlie Boulevard, and a bidirectional bike lane.
• Airlie Creek: Nature-based experiences and a proposed elevated gondola – the “Skyway.”
• Shingley Beach: Boardwalk connecting to Coral Sea Marina.
• Sports Park: Expanded PCYC and new nature walk loop.
• Airlie Hill: Lookout with panoramic views and accessible paths.
Mayor Collins also emphasised the importance of managing expectations around delivery.
“While the masterplan lays out a bold, long-term vision, these projects won’t happen overnight,” he said.
“Works will be prioritised and rolled out progressively as funding and resources become available.
The draft masterplan is now open for public comment until 17 August 2025. Community members are encouraged to review the plan online or in person, attend upcoming information stalls and share their thoughts.
For more information and to have your say, visit yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.
Following the tragic death of 17 year old Jack Beasley in Sufers Paradise in 2019 the Queensland Police Service has been very proative in addressing community concerns about knife crime in Queensland. In 2021 the legslative framwework for ‘Jacks Law’ was put in place. This legislation allowed Police the power to use hand held scanning devices in relelvant places. Airlie Beach Safe Night Precinct is one of those areas that was named.
Since 2021 in Queensland more then 100,611 wanding operations have been carried out and more then 953 weapons seized. These wandings have taken place in Safe Night Precincts, transport hubs, shopping centres, sport and entertainment venues around the state.
On the 18th July 2025 the legislation was expanded and formalised allowing Police to conduct wanding in areas listed above, without the approval of a Senior Officer and anytime they feel necessary. On the weekend in Airlie Beach Police conducted over 400 wandings. The continuation of these laws will ensure the dafety of all persons in our community.
On Tuesday the 15th July the Whitsunday Police Community said good bye to a colleague and friend as Sergeant Brett ‘Chuck’ Norris retired from the QLD Police after almost 40 years continuous service. In a unique farewell Chuck was farewelled as he brought in PC Damian Leeding one last time. Here he marched through his family and colleagues with a Police piper.
As Officer in Charge of the Whitsunday Water Police, Chuck has dedicated over 24 years to the community here in Airlie Beach. He was awarded a Humanitarian Society Bravery Award in 2009 for the rescue of 37 people who’s yacht had become stricken in wild seas. It was the largest helicopter rescue from a vessel in Australian history.
A wonderful bloke and an exceptional mariner. Congratulations Chuck, enjoy the break mate. You’ll be missed.
Contributed with thanks to Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Police Station Anthony Moynihan
The Whitsundays community will soon welcome experienced paediatric psychologist Michelle Macpherson, who is set to begin consulting at Barefoot Medicine Whitsunday next week.
With more than 25 years in Educational and Developmental Psychology, Michelle brings extensive experience supporting young people aged 2 to 18, particularly those navigating anxiety, depression, school refusal, and complex diagnoses. Her client-centred approach is built on collaboration with families, educators, and other stakeholders to ensure long-lasting outcomes.
“It's always about identifying, the reason that they have decided to reach out for some support,” said Michelle.
“They've reached a point where they've felt either that it was time to seek external support, or perhaps had the courage to make some changes in their lives and feel that they would benefit from some guidance to navigate those changes.”
Michelle has worked across government, independent, and private school sectors, previously running her own practice for 15 years. She is also passionate about educating carers and teachers, believing strongly in community collaboration to improve youth wellbeing.
Michelle recently relocated to the region and said she is excited to join Barefoot Medicine, whose team she described as “a group of professionals committed to expanding services and improving mental health outcomes in the Whitsundays.”
Her broader mission is to equip young people and their support networks with tools to foster resilience, insight, and responsibility.
Michelle will begin consulting next week at Barefoot Medicine Whitsunday, offering services aimed at strengthening youth mental health and community wellbeing across the region.
Michelle Macpherson starts at Barefoot Medicine Whitsunday next week. Photo supplied
A century of education, faith and community spirit will be honoured this weekend as St Catherine’s Catholic College hosts its much-anticipated Centenary Picnic on Sunday, the 27th of July, from 10am to 3pm.
Held at the college grounds, the family-friendly celebration promises a day of connection, celebration and fun for all ages. Locals past and present are warmly invited to attend and take part in this special milestone event.
Guests can look forward to a vibrant day filled with food trucks, live music, guided campus tours, a school history display, and plenty of nostalgic fun including old-school games and an inflatable obstacle course and jumping castle. Face painting, a BYO picnic area, and delicious options from a coffee van, sausage sizzle, burger stand and ice cream truck will also be available.
For those wanting to treat themselves, Airlie Picnic Co will be offering gourmet picnic and charcuterie boxes for pre-order, ready for collection at the event. Prices range from $60 to $210 depending on size and selection.
Whether you’re a former student, proud parent, or supportive local, this centenary picnic is an opportunity to gather with the wider Whitsundays community and reflect on 100 years of educational excellence and community building at St Catherine’s.
Everyone is welcome to attend, and with perfect picnic weather forecast for Sunday, it's sure to be a highlight of the local calendar. Don't miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
What: St Catherine’s Catholic College Centenary Picnic
When: Sunday, the 27th of July, from 10.30am to 3pm
Where: St Catherine’s Catholic College
Cory O’Shea knows how far an apprenticeship with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables can take you.
He scored a fitting and turning apprenticeship at Wilmar’s Herbert sugar mills straight out of school, back in 2007, and is now Manager Operations at Proserpine Mill.
“I knew I wanted to do a trade, and Mum and Dad strongly encouraged me to try for an apprenticeship at the mill,” Mr O’Shea said.
“I didn’t have a family connection to the mill, but I knew some people who worked there so I organised work experience at Victoria Mill in my own time while I was still at school and really liked it.”
Mr O’Shea said that, as an apprentice, he was mentored by some of the most experienced tradesmen in the sugar industry.
“They were old-school tradies with so much knowledge,” he said.
“We had a really good cohort that year and many of us are still in the business – some on tools and others in supervisory or management roles.”
After completing his apprenticeship, Mr O’Shea took a position as shift fitter at Macknade Mill in Ingham, where he went on to work his way up the ranks at both Macknade and Victoria mills.
He moved to Proserpine in 2023 to be Manager Mechanical Engineering of Proserpine Mill and then, this year, became the site’s Manager Operations.
It’s no surprise that Mr O’Shea highly recommends an apprenticeship with Wilmar.
“It can be the start of a life-long career in the sugar industry. It opens doors and offers so many career opportunities,” he said.
Applications for Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ 2026 Apprenticeship Program close this Sunday, 27 July. Apply here, or search ‘Wilmar apprenticeships’.
Change The Way You Connect
Whether you love working the room or loathe the awkward small talk, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites you to reimagine what networking can do for your business.
Ahead of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, the Chamber will host a high-impact preview event at 7:30am Thursday 14 August at Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach.
This practical and energising session will demonstrate why networking is not just a social nicety but a core business strategy.
Attendees will walk away with fresh skills, greater confidence, and the tools to turn introductions into opportunities.
If You’re Going To Network, Make It Count
This is not your average breakfast event. Attendees will learn how to:
The session will also preview the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, giving attendees an insider look at what’s in store and how to get the most from the region’s marquee business event.
Speakers Who Know The Power Of Connection
Kath Barker – Principal, Compass Realty Whitsundays
With nearly two decades in the property and construction industries, Kath is proof that strategic relationships drive success. Now leading a boutique real estate agency known for its personal touch, Kath’s passion for connection extends beyond real estate. She previously ran successful networking events on the Gold Coast and now leads regular Speed Networking events in the Whitsundays. She’ll share her experience transforming short conversations into lasting business outcomes and how to network with intention.
Dr Julia Evans – Chamber Liaison, Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Julia has led the Chamber’s operations since 2023. A business strategist and educator with over 25 years’ experience, she helps organisations and individuals strengthen relevance, engagement, and impact. Julia has advised state and national industry bodies and led women in business initiatives. She challenges traditional networking, focusing on authenticity, active listening, and strategic follow-up to build lasting partnerships and professional growth.
What: Build Better Business Connections & Conference Preview Event
When: 7:30am – 9:00am Thursday 14 August 2025
Where: Club Whitsunday, 2489 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach
Cost: Chamber and Tourism Whitsundays members – Two (2) FREE tickets
Association Partner members – Discounted tickets $18.75
Non-Members – $25
Whether you love or loathe networking, this event will give you the strategies, confidence, and clarity to make every connection count.
Book now – spaces are limited: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/build-better-business-connections-conference-preview-event/
Speakers Dr Julia Evans and Kath Barker. Photo supplied
%20(1).JPG)
Let’s Shape the Future of Airlie Beach Together
The draft Airlie Beach Masterplan is now out for community feedback and Council would love your input.
This isn’t just a plan on paper. It’s a shared vision for the future of Airlie Beach and a roadmap for how we can create better public spaces, encourage smart investment, and get ready to shine when we host the 2032 Olympic sailing events right here in the Whitsundays.
The draft reflects years of community feedback on what matters most — things like pedestrian safety, shade and tree canopy, parking, green space, and how we activate the Foreshore and Airlie Creek to make the town more liveable, walkable, and vibrant. It’s a bold step forward and sets a long-term direction for Airlie right through to 2050.
But it’s important to understand that this won’t happen overnight. The masterplan is designed to guide future decisions and investment over time. Projects will be prioritised and delivered as funding and resources allow — some sooner, some further down the track.
We want to be clear that the masterplan isn’t a promise that everything will be built tomorrow. However, it is a live, shovel-ready blueprint that puts us in a strong position to attract funding, guide future improvements, and make sure we’re ready to seize big opportunities — like the 2032 Olympics — when they come our way.
Now it’s over to you.
You can explore the plan online at on our Your Say on Council’s website or visit your local Council customer service centre for a printed copy and hardcopy survey. Feedback is open until 17 August.
If you’d rather talk it through face to face our engagement officer has been out and about with the next chance at the Reef Festival markets on Saturday, August 2.
We’re also running a student arts trail competition alongside consultation. Local students are invited to submit ideas for murals, sculptures, signs, or creative landscaping that tell the story of Airlie Beach. There’s a $50 PEC voucher up for grabs, and their ideas could help shape real projects in the years ahead.
Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, a parent, or just someone who loves this town, now’s the time to have your say. This is about building a better future for Airlie Beach, not just for today, but for generations to come.
Let’s shape it together.
Soft plastics can’t be recycled in your yellow-lidded recycling bin. In fact, placing them in the yellow bin can contaminate the load, meaning the entire batch might end up in landfill. What a waste!
To check if plastic waste can be recycled, try the scrunch test! Soft plastics can be scrunched into a ball and don’t bounce back (like cling wrap, plastic bags and food wrappers) - these items must go in the waste bin. Hard plastics (like milk bottles, yogurt tubs and shampoo bottles) can be placed in the yellow lidded bin to be recycled into new products.
For more information, search for Let’s Get it Sorted on Council’s website.
Goodness Gracious the health and lifestyle store has been quietly nourishing the local community with natural remedies, wellness essentials and alternative products that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Stepping into the store, visitors are met with an impressive selection of Ayurvedic medicine, medicinal mushrooms, herbal teas, and supplements, from magnesium, zinc in liquid colloidal form to black seed and oregano oils, known for their immune and digestive support. Popular products like castor oil and bone broth reflect a growing interest in holistic healing, with the store offering education and advice to match.
Current owner Jackie Movigliatti said the health industry has boomed in the last few years, and the store has an opportunity for growth. Jackie has run the shop for the past three years and said the experience has been both educational and rewarding.
Beyond health, shoppers will find organic pantry staples, raw local honey, eco-friendly cleaning products, Celtic sea salt, crystals, and essential oils. A corner of the shop is also devoted to festival fashion, with flowing linen, cotton wear, and vibrant pieces brought in especially for events like Mushroom Valley and Flametree Gathering.
Originally opened as a health store, the business expanded into clothing and giftware and has become a unique blend of wellness, lifestyle and creativity.
Jackie is now preparing to return to her passion for yoga and relocate to an ashram. She’s seeking a new owner to continue the store’s legacy. “There’s so much more potential here, especially for someone passionate about natural health.”
Jackie Movigliatti owner of Goodness Gracious. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Most people are about to receive their annual super statement to 30th June 2025. The annual returns have been around the long-term average, between 6% and 10% depending on which portfolio you are in and how much risk or volatility you’re comfortable with.
This year’s returns are around average, but they do fluctuate from year to year. For the previous three years they were typically 2% to 4% higher and the 2021 Financial Year was boomer at around 20% to 30%. These returns sound great but don’t forget that there was very little return in 2019 and 2020 on the back of the COVid pandemic. When you sit down with a Financial Planner and get some advice about your super and finances, you learn that there are more than just default Industry Super Funds. Other types of more sophisticated super accounts include Retail Funds and Self-Managed Super Funds.
Retail Super Funds are where you decide to purchase a fund from a product provider, usually with guidance from a Financial Planner. Modern retail Super Wrap offerings have thousands of investment choices. Care and guidance need to be taken to ensure your portfolio of investments is well structured with such a huge choice. This choice enables your portfolio to be customized to say protect against market downturns if you are drawing a pension or to screen out investments with questionable ethical or environmental credentials if that’s your preference. These may suit people with higher balances or who are making larger contributions and want more control and flexibility around investment options and the potential tax savings on transferring to pension phase after age 60.
Self-Managed Super Funds are where you set up your own super fund, usually with up to 3 other family members so you can pool your funds to invest. SMSF’s offer the most investment choices and flexibility, including direct property, but they are expensive. The ATO suggests the minimum balance to justify the set up and ongoing costs with a SMSF is $500,000. Purchasing a direct property in a SMSF comes with even more costs so it is generally only for those with very large balances or used for business premises. There are significant compliance requirements and most SMSF’s are paying administrators, tax agents, auditors and financial planners each year.
The key with super is to ensure you have a fund that matches where you are in your financial journey and not something that you fell into or suited where you were years ago.
For a free consultation with local people who understand the complexities of these or any other financial matter, contact Eclipse Financial Planning at Cannonvale on 49467359 today, email whitsunday@eclipsefp.com.au or visit www.eclipsefp.com.au
The Weather Is Cooling But Your Campaign Can Stay Hot
Premium Marketing for up to 60% off.
• Platinum Web Listing
• Professional Photography
• High-Impact Property Video
• 360° Virtual Tour
• Property Brochures
• Floor Plan
• Professional Copywriting
• Social Media Campaign
• Styling Support
• Signboard
Contact an agent today for an obligation free chat.
Joe Bishop 0415 070 114
Lynn Milsom 0415 039 060
Wayne Singleton 0416 024 168
Make an appointment to see one of our experienced tax Accountant’s today – 07 4948 4444.
It’s not just about who gets the air fryer. A good will ensures your wishes are followed and makes things easier for the people you leave behind. Without one things can get messy, fast. And not the fun kind of messy.
At Whitsunday Law, we walk you through the process step by step. Whether it’s your first will or time for an update, we’ll make it straightforward and stress-free.
Because your estate shouldn’t be left to chance (or to a dodgy online form).
Whitsunday Law – Planning ahead so your kids don’t fight later.
Bowen State High School came alive with colour, culture, and community spirit on Friday, the 18th of July, as students, staff, families and community partners gathered to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
The day began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony, led by Juru Elder Uncle Jimmy Gaston and accompanied by traditional Aboriginal dancers. Student representatives proudly raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in a special flag-raising ceremony.
To commemorate 50 Years of NAIDOC, the school also introduced its inaugural academic and citizenship awards, named in honour of the late Aunty Cecelia Upkett and Mr Darryl Paul — two cherished figures who played significant cultural roles within the school community.
Principal Robert Harris welcomed all attendees, acknowledging the strength of community partnerships and the school’s ongoing support for First Nations students.
“Bowen State High School is about empowering students to realise their full potential, including nurturing the next generation to flourish and thrive and to be the Elders of tomorrow,” Mr Harris said.
“We do this by providing high quality teaching and learning, a culturally safe, respectful and responsible environment and leaning into our vision to strengthening relationships with First Nations students, families and communities.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins attended the event and praised the school’s leadership.
“Congratulations to Mr Harris and the Bowen SHS team for putting on such a meaningful event and continuing to champion reconciliation and equity in our community,” he said.
The celebration featured hands-on cultural activities, including palm frond weaving, traditional games, Indigenous arts and crafts, and a traditional Kup Muri feast, complete with meats, vegetables, damper, and a specially made NAIDOC cake.
The celebration holds a special place on the school calendar, with the entire day dedicated to reflection, celebration, and unity.
“The celebration is an important event on the school calendar. Bowen High dedicates an entire school day for celebration, reflection and an opportunity to come together as one to honour the enduring strength and spirit of First Nations culture,” Mr Harris said.
The 2025 NAIDOC Week celebrations were made possible through support from the National Indigenous Australian Agency, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, Pacific National, AURIZON, Bowen Meat Supplies, and members of the Juru Elders and First Nations families.
Staff and students of Bowen State High School enjoyed a wonderful NAIDOC celebration last week (Photo Supplied)
It was all smiles at the Bowen RSL earlier this month when a team of hardworking volunteers from Abbot Point Operations stepped in to help with a task that was as heavy as it was heartfelt.
As part of a recent community grant allocation, Abbot Point Operations donated a full set of brand-new chairs to the Bowen RSL and went one step further by personally delivering and moving both the new and old furniture on site.
Bowen RSL’s Rhonda Nilsson couldn’t have been more thankful for the effort.
“A big thanks to Abbot Point crew for helping Bowen RSL with the heavy lifting this week,” Rhonda shared.
“Not only did Abbot Point Operations provide our chairs with a community grant but they provided strong young arms to help us shift the old chairs and they also helped with some other heavy lifting that was needing to be done!”
The support didn’t stop there. In the true spirit of community, the RSL’s outgoing chairs were passed on to several local clubs where veterans are members, including the Bowen Men’s Shed, SSAA Gun Club, and Bowen Pistol Club.
The generous gesture greatly eased the load for the Bowen RSL, and Rhonda, along with the rest of the staff members, cannot thank the four volunteers from Abbot Point Operations enough.
4 crew members from Abbot Point Operations volunteered to do some heavy lifting at the Bowen RSL earlier this month (Photos Supplied)
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
