By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
The crush will start to roll out across the region next week, and things are getting busy across the industry. While final bolts are being tightened in what has hopefully been a very productive mill maintenance season, the community can expect to see machinery start to move around the cane rail and road network.
That can include looking out for anything from cane trains – we all know THAT jingle – to haulout tractors and trucks, to long vehicles moving cane harvesters and requiring pilot escort vehicles.
Depending on the weather, Mackay Sugar will lead out with a staggered start across the three mills, with Farleigh starting on 3 June followed by Racecourse the next day and Marian at full steam by 13 June.
Plane Creek has been delayed to 18 June from the original 11 June, as a result of industrial action in recent weeks. It is to be hoped that the parties can come to an agreement, and that the mill can perform reliably across the season after such a perilously late start.
Sugarcane is an important part of the regional economy and the region’s communities. CANEGROWERS wants to see everyone interacting with the sugar industry to get home safe every day, be it grower families, our harvest crews, mill workers, or members of the community sharing the transport networks with our industry.
Harvest season can be hectic, so we ask the community to be patient with some of our slower moving vehicles. Please don’t do the crazy dash overtake of a haulout tractor at 100km an hour on a back country road. Please don’t try to beat the loco that is approaching a crossing.
Everyone needs to be somewhere, so taking care will help all road and rail users to get where they need to, safely. As the saying goes: “better to be late than never”.
For those working the harvest, we encourage you to be mindful of all the necessary safety factors – being aware of overhead powerlines and making best use of the Ergon “Look up and Live” app; routinely thinking about always maintaining safe loading levels when filling bins, so to mitigate spillage; taking care along the roadways and in the sidings. Given the rain seems to be hanging about, we also remind driver to take great care to ensure that we do not track mud onto roadways, which creates a safety hazard for other road users.
Aside from safety CANEGROWERS Mackay has been working hard on our annual harvest labour campaign, and have just completed two Haulout Driver training courses. We are committed to industry safety and efficiency, and are proud to say that, with funding from the Queensland Government Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, we have trained 19 drivers new to the industry in basic safety and procedures, assisting them with practical experience on farm alongside theory work and Cert II Rural Operations modules. Anyone keen to take up work in the industry are welcomed to take a look at positions vacant or post work wanted on the www.mackaycanegrowers.com.au website Farm Jobs Noticeboard.
Here’s hoping for a successful - and safe - 2024 crush!

Be aware of rail crossings becoming more active
Haulout vehicles will be on the move as the crush rolls out from 28 May.
Pictures: Kirili Lamb

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Amidst the for and against opinions and murmurs of the 'Say No to Digital ID' rally in Mackay, Stephen Andrew, MP for Mirani emerged as the voice of dissent as he spoke on the potential reality of a dystopian future ahead.
With fiery belief, Mr Andrew painted a picture of a world where every move is traced and monitored from the cradle to the grave. The digital ID, he proclaimed, was not just a tool for convenience but a leash on freedom and a chain binding humanity to the whims of unseen forces.
Drawing from what he described as ominous contents of the parliamentary bill, Mr Andrew laid bare the stark reality of what could lie ahead.
The complicated contents of the bill leave one thinking the Digital Id Movement will be introduced for the good of the people, however protestors of the ‘Say No to Digital ID’ debate otherwise.

Fear and worry circulate the movement as some believe it will own all personal history such as births, marriages, medical history, education and behavioral activity as well as SIM card registration.

Alongside this, some proclaim that it is being implemented by design worldwide, inspired by the UN and the WEF and will be overseen by private sector overseas companies.

Concerns also rise, regarding a person who refuses to grant digital permission, with a potential consequence to be shut out of the economy as well as society by being locked out or denied access, a similar consequence seen in the COVID-19 debacle.

Others note the undeniable issues of power outages, storms and crashes nearby, which could lead to a surge of individuals facing difficulties accessing their personal information when it's most needed.

In his impassioned speech, Mr Andrew drew parallels to the coercion witnessed during the Covid vaccination drive, where choice was replaced with ultimatums and consent became a mere compulsion.
Further concerns indicate that there will soon be no ability to stand up for personal beliefs let alone basic rights.
Anti-digital ID activists are warning others about the social credit system and how the population is yet to be “in a digital prison from which we can never escape.”
As Mr Andrew rallied the crowd, he underlined the importance of pushing back against the invasion of our independence and rights. He encourages his fellow Australians to stand tall and reclaim what is rightfully theirs: freedom.
In his final plea, Mr Andrew laid bare the truth, that total control is not seized by the government but willingly surrendered by the people. It was a sobering reminder that the fight for freedom is not just a battle of words but a struggle for the soul of a nation.

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Images from the No Digital ID rally held in Mackay

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Mackay Sugar is preparing to commence its 2024 crushing season from Tuesday 28 May and this brings an important reminder for local residents to stay cane-train aware.
“It’s been a busy maintenance period and we’re excited to be making our final preparations for the upcoming crushing season,” said Carl Morton, General Manager Operations.
“As with every year, the start of crush means our locomotives start moving more frequently around our cane rail network.
“This makes it a timely reminder for everyone to stay cane train aware and be alert when travelling throughout the region,” said Mr Morton.
“Whilst our locos are active all year, they operate 24/7 during the crushing season. This means it is particularly important for people in our community to be cane train aware – we want everyone to get home safely,” explained Mr Morton.
Mackay Sugar’s cane train operations include 37 locomotives that cover more than 850km of railway track spanning from Wagoora in the north to Munbura in the south and as far west as Finch Hatton.
In addition to improving its locos, cane bins and rail infrastructure as part of the scheduled maintenance program, production at Mackay Sugar is set to benefit from yet another year of significant investment across several major capital improvement projects, with more than $34 Million spent on new and improved mill infrastructure over the past 12 months alone.
Mackay Sugar CEO Jannik Olejas said, “Nordzucker Group continues to see significant value in our business and the sugar cane industry and has confirmed its commitment to increase the levels of ongoing investment in the years ahead.
“On the back of a thorough asset analysis, we have identified several plant and process opportunities that we are excited to deliver. Many of these will see us bring in new technology and set us up for positive performance benefits in the years ahead,” Mr Olejas explained.

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There wasn’t a shovel in sight when Year 10 students from Pioneer and Mackay State High Schools set about digging up the benefits of studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in senior school and the potential career pathways available in the resources sector.  
 
Year 10 students at both schools participated in a STEM Unearthed workshop recently which explored how further studies in subjects like geology, chemistry and engineering can lead to meaningful careers as geologists, metallurgists, mining engineers and more. 
 
The workshop was delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) – the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council, with the support of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA). 
 
Linda Murry, General Manager of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal said many of the students were interested in pursuing STEM studies in Years 11 and 12, with the idea of ultimately joining the resources sector. 
 
“We are keen to encourage and support the next generation of professionals entering the resources workforce,” she said.
 
 “It was great for our team members to have the opportunity to engage with students about the benefits of joining our exciting sector, which offers a rewarding career, competitive salaries and a great work-life balance.”
 
Mackay State High School Acting Principal, Matt Reeves, said the workshop was particularly valuable for students who were deciding on their subject selection for Year 11. 
 
“Talking to industry professionals about their career journey provides the students with a unique picture of potential careers they will not get anywhere else. 
 
I hope this workshop has ignited their interest in continuing STEM studies and ultimately a professional role in resources,” said Mr Reeves. 
 
Katrina-Lee Jones, QRC Director for Diversity, Skills and Education, said the STEM Unearthed workshop was popular with the students and industry. 
 
“One of the QMEA's goals is to highlight the great career opportunities available to students and create a pipeline of new talent for the resources workforce,” said Ms Jones. 
 

Year 10 students from Pioneer and Mackay State High Schools participated in the STEM Unearthed workshop

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By Hannah McNamara

A solemn ceremony was held last Saturday as locals from all walks of life gathered in compassion to acknowledge the lives of those lost to domestic and family violence.

As the sun set, 40 Pink Crosses were displayed on Eimeo beach to symbolise the 37 women murdered so far this year, along with the other three, in honour of the guest speakers loved ones who were tragically murdered in previous years.

Among the crowd stood guest speaker Vicki Blackburn, mother of Shandee Blackburn, who has been fighting for her daughter’s murder case since 2013. Ms Blackburn spoke on her own childhood upbringing along with the traumatic incident of losing her beloved daughter Shandee to a violent attack that is still yet to be solved.

Josiah Benedito-Taotafa, a resilient young man spoke on the loss of his sister, commenting on her infectious, loving personality that was horrifically cut short due to an attack from her ex-partner. The young man tells his sisters story, as a reminder to look out for our loved ones if you suspect that they are involved in a toxic relationship. He ended his speech on the lyrics of ‘Keep Ya Head Up’ by Tupac, referencing the importance of respecting women and putting an end to hurting “our women”.

As the candle ignited, tears rolled down the cheeks of many and those who spoke of their experiences on the night, found solace in knowing they weren’t alone.

The number of deaths on the rise in regards to this societal issue has been confronting to say the least, but with the help of services like Broken Ballerina Inc and the support of the local community, it’s important to remember that there is hope in times of darkness.

The aim is to lessen the number of deaths to 0 but until then, organisations such as Broken Ballerina Inc and Queensland Police Services require your help to combat this issue.

Speak out against domestic and family violence and report to police immediately if you suspect that you or your loved one are in danger.

To continue their mission, Broken Ballerina is in need of community funding to help survivors of domestic violence find safety and support. Visit their Facebook page or donate via www.brokenballerina-inc.com.au

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40 pink crosses were spread across the beach in commemoration of the lives lost to domestic violence this year. Photo Credit: Adam Sane

Vicki Blackburn, mother of Shandee Blackburn

Josiah Benedito-Taotafa bravely shared his sister's story in hopes of raising awareness against the signs of domestic violence.

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The recent unveiling of the BEE MINDFUL mural marks the progression of Stage 4 within the comprehensive "Bee Corner" initiative, a nine-stage program spearheaded by the MKY City Heart Collective.

The program aims to extend connectivity throughout the community, linking directly to Wood St parkland. This was made possible through the generous support of grants, local business sponsorships, and the dedicated efforts of a resilient team of volunteers who fundraised for a year to make this masterpiece a reality.

In honour of World Bee Day in the month of May, locals gathered to view the highly anticipated reveal of the Bee Mindful Mural last Saturday, at 7th Lane on Wood Street.
Attendees explored the fabulous bee-themed mural, adorned with crochet bees and honeycombs crafted by Marian T, along with family fun workshops led by Let the Children Play and Bee Creativezzz.
The face behind the mural features Jess Bush, a model and actress known for her many roles in Australia's Top Model and StarTrek series as well as her profound ability to hand craft sustainable bee-themed jewellery - which originally inspired artist Scott Nagy to include her in the mural, creating a fully immersive 'BEE' project.
Artists Scott Nagy and Krimsone placed intricate details to signify meaningful and mindful components, including only a few bees in the mural, with a scenic but almost bare landscape correlating to the Pioneer Valley along with the floral food basket and the fragility of the ecosystem, given bees are critical pollinators and producers.
Event Co-ordinators of the BEE MINDFUL MURAL PROJECT, Bonnie McCarthy and Tammy Laval, shared their insights on the project, reflecting on the importance of bees in relation to National Bee Day and how we as humans are impacting their existence and the environment.

“We wanted to tell the story of our CBD bees, by muralising the bee's plight through this mural installation,” Bonnie emphasised.

Tammy added that “If we all made conscious efforts to improve how and what we use in our gardens, we are all making a difference in ensuring the longevity of these pollinators.”

The team extends a heartfelt thank you for the sponsors, grants list, Camilleri Family owners of Penney's Arcade and all involved in the magnificent masterpiece.

With multiple future plans in mind, the team are on the lookout for volunteers who would like to get involved. Visit MKY City Heart Collective for further information.

Caption: The highly anticipated BEE MINDFUL mural was officially unveiled last Saturday in honour of World Bee Day. Photo credit: MCHC Team

Caption: The talented artists behind the masterpiece: Scott Nagy and Krimsone

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To celebrate Botanic Gardens Day, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is hosting a special community event to celebrate all things botanic.
The Botanic Gardens Open Day will be held on Saturday, May 25, from 8am to noon on the Tropical Sun Lawn.
This family-friendly event promises to be a delightful time for all ages.
Council's Libraries team will be on hand to entertain the kids with a range of fun activities, including the First 5 Forever van, craft activities, a baby space and a giant Jenga game.
There will also be scavenger hunts and you can complete Birdlife Mackay’s bird spotting checklist to go into the draw to win a copy of the Field Guide to the Birds of Australia book.
Plant enthusiasts are in for a treat with orchid, daisy and plant sales, guided walks, botanic art demonstrations and a range of botanic-themed community displays.
The Garden Friends will be in attendance and will be sharing information on our region’s vulnerable plants and the famous Bungee Jumping Caterpillars.
The Botanic Gardens Café will be open, and you can make a booking by calling 0401 677 164.
The Visitor Information Centre will also be open for assistance and will have a range of botanical books, earrings, cards and artworks available for purchase.
For more information visit mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au.
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Did you know?
Botanic Gardens Day is an annual celebration first initiated by Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) nine years ago. It is an annual day of celebration to highlight the role of plants in our lives and the important work botanic gardens and arboreta undertake every day to conserve them for future generations.
This year’s theme is ‘More than a garden – protecting our plants and landscapes.’ The theme reflects the fact that botanic gardens and arboreta are not only nice places to visit, but they also conduct ecological research, safeguard plant diversity through living collections and seed banks and educate and empower communities in environmental sustainability.

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The Botanic Gardens Open Day will be held on Saturday, May 25, from 8am to noon on the Tropical Sun Lawn

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A mother and her calf are officially the first two humpback whales to have been spotted in the Whitsundays, marking the beginning of the season, the first as a formally declared Whale Heritage Site.

The early sighting was claimed by a group of seafaring locals who were out filming near North Mackerel Bay on the North-eastern end of Hook Island on Tuesday this week.

A mother and calf Humpback whale were the first of the majestic mammals to be spotted in Whitsunday waters this season. Photo credit: Phil Gordon from Riptide Creative

The Whales Have Arrived!

A filming expedition on Hayman Island’s brand-new day boat, Osprey, was made even more significant with the group being the first to spot a mother and calf Humpback whale playing in the cool Whitsunday waters.

Asher Telford, the General Manager of SeaLink and former owner of Red Cat Adventures, led the maiden voyage on Osprey.

“It certainly got everyone revved up!” he expressed.

“It’s almost a month early and we were very surprised.”

Asher speculated their early arrival could be due to the cooler than usual start to the winter months.

“Everyone on board was really excited to check it out,” he shared.

“And it’s always a buzz to be the first to spot the whales at the beginning of the season.”

Phil Gordon from Riptide Creative was filming on the day and excited to generate some impressive footage of the illusive mammals in their natural habitat.

“We first saw the baby as it did a full breach out of the water,” he explained.

“Then we waited until it surfaced again and that’s when we got the photos.”

From June to September each year thousands of Humpback whales travel from the icy temperatures of the Antarctic and come to the warmer waters of the Whitsundays to give birth and nurture their calves during the first few months of their lives.

The Whitsundays tour operators, Traditional Owners and broader community are known for respecting and encouraging the global best practice in the preservation of these protected creatures along with other cetaceans.

There are several citizen science programs operating and a dedicated group called Whales of the Whitsundays (WOW) which all help to provide a safe environment for the migrating mammals.

It is thanks to the efforts of WOW that the Whitsundays was officially named a Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance in March this year.

The Whitsundays is only the second such site to be designated in Australia and the first to be designated inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the only site in the world to be in a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

The certification puts the region on the map with Hervey Bay, the only other designated site in Australia.

Following the early sighting this week, it is expected that more Humpback whales will be arriving any time now.

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The first two Humpback Whales made a surprise visit during the maiden voyage of Osprey. Photo credit: Riptide Creative

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Hi Everyone,

As we approach the 200th issue of this fabulous newspaper, we would like to say a huge thank you to you all for taking the time to flick through the pages, read our stories and engage with our advertisers each week.

Over the past four years, thanks to all of you and the dedicated work of our incredible team, we have created a fantastic print media platform that is keeping local story-telling alive.

We have been privileged to experience significant growth during this time and we really appreciate your support in getting to where we are today.

Some of the highlights have included watching our online presence grow – we now have 22,000 unique viewers per month – each choosing to read their weekly news on our website.

This is in addition to the 15,000 printed copies that are distributed around the region each week.

Last year represented another huge milestone moment for the business when we were honoured to be invited by the Burdekin community to launch a new newspaper in the region.

We have now been printing a weekly newspaper for the Burdekin since September and we are pleased to report it is running successfully as well.

Another major highlight was winning four state awards at the Queensland Country Press Awards last year – this included one gold, a silver and two bronze awards - spanning various categories from editorial campaigns to advertising features, and of course the infamous ‘Jenny and Steve’ ad.

This weekend marks a year since we received those awards and a small contingent of the team will be heading down again this weekend – wish us luck!

Regardless of whether we win, however, I feel like we have won already!

Serving the community with local news each week, being privileged to preserve the ongoing history of our beautiful region and meeting so many amazing people along the way – this is our reward.

Each morning I wake and think how lucky I am to do this job and work with this team of awesome people in a community I love.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” (Mark Anthony)

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A young Whitsunday resident has chopped off her lovely long locks for charity, raising an impressive $2,100 along the way.

Seven-year-old Maya Murphy decided to donate her hair to help sick kids following a conversation with her mum, Shannon, who had heard of Variety Children’s Charity, Hair With A Heart.

The initiative encourages people with long hair to “take the chop and change lives”, stating that “your lovely locks will be turned into wigs for people who’ve lost their hair from cancer, alopecia or other medical conditions”.

After a little consideration, Maya announced that she would like to do it and, with the help of her family, set up a charity page through the organisation, asking people to sponsor her ‘Big Chop’.

It wasn’t long before Maya watched the money roll in and the initial target of $750 was smashed almost straight away when they hit $1000 within the first 24 hours.

By the time she took the chop, Maya had raised an incredible $2,100.

A total of 20 centimetres of Maya’s hair was cut off and it has now been sent off so that a wig can be made from it.

Maya said she enjoys having short hair and was pleased her long hair was going to help sick kids.

“I just wanted to help them,” she said.

Shannon added that the whole family were very impressed with Maya’s giving nature.

“We are super proud of her!” she said.

“She’s that kind of kid that has a good heart always.”

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Young Maya rocking her new short hair and holding her long plaits which she will donate to sick kids. Photo supplied

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Good news for taxi-riders following the announcement this week that Uber will soon be coming to the Whitsundays, opening up the region and meeting the need for increased demand.

More than 3.9 million Australian’s are already using the ridesharing app and Uber is now ready to expand its business model into the regional areas.

The company, which has been operating in Australia for the past 12 years, is now looking for Uber Drivers and appeals for those interested to register.

Whitsundays Mayor, Ry Collins, welcomed the upcoming launch: 

“We know many of our residents have long requested another transport option to get from A to B, so I was excited to hear of Uber’s plans to launch here in the Whitsundays,” he said.

“Any business that makes the lives of locals easier, while offering another earning opportunity, is certainly welcomed in Whitsundays. It is an exciting development for our community.”

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As part of Domestic Violence Prevention Month, Whitsunday Regional Libraries are bringing awareness to their ongoing partnership with DV Safe Phone.

This collaboration aims to raise awareness and encourage the community to contribute their old working phones to DV Safe which collects, repairs, and offers them for free to front-line services as a safe phone for victims in domestic violence situations.

Phone drop-off points are currently located at all Whitsunday Regional Libraries in Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville.

Mayor Ry Collins said that it’s not uncommon for people to have old mobile phones tucked away at home and, by donating them to one of the collection boxes at our regional libraries, residents can potentially help people in very traumatic circumstances.

“Part of Council’s role is to promote healthy and safe environments for our community to live in, and we are well placed to promote this initiative through our public spaces such as our regional libraries,” he said.

“We’ve had collection points in our libraries for approximately 12 months now and we want the community to know that we can all make a meaningful difference to people in need through the simple act of a donation.”

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DV Safe Phone, Ashton Wood, expressed sincere appreciation for the partnership, emphasising the pivotal role of community engagement in addressing domestic violence.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Whitsunday Regional Libraries for their invaluable support," remarked Ashton.

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Councillor Jan Cliiford, Mayor Ry Collins, Councillor Clay Bauman and, Nikki Firmin from DV Safe Phone, donating their old phones at the collection points.

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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A big, beautiful fig tree on the parkland adjacent to Cannonvale Beach has been poisoned according to recent information given by Whitsunday Regional Council.

Evidence asserts that drill holes have been discovered around the base of the tree and poison could have been inserted into the roots which has then poisoned the tree itself.

The tree has now lost over half its leaves and the remaining structure is brown and frail looking.

A Whitsunday Regional Council statement on the matter reads as follows:

“We regret to inform the community of the loss of a beautiful fig tree on the Cannonvale Foreshore,” it said.

“Over the past two weeks, deliberate damage has been inflicted upon the tree, evidenced by drill holes strategically placed around its trunk, indicating a poisoning attempt.

“Over the weekend, fresh poison holes were found, and the tree has taken a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, an arborist report has confirmed the tree cannot be saved and will be removed to ensure public safety. We will look to replant a new tree in its place.”

Sadly, the statement, which was released on Council’s Facebook Page, soon garnered unfavourable attention from community members throwing accusations at the neighbours of the nearby apartments, claiming they had poisoned the tree to get a better view.

“Pretty clear who it was. Their unit is in the background of the photo!! Need to just plant another bigger and denser tree to replace it and put in camera surveillance,” Paul Jukes commented on the post.

Appalled apartment owners have since come forward in defence, stating they would never poison the tree, nor do they know of any neighbours in the tight knit community that would do so.

“I’ve been living here 12 years and there’s no way I’d poison the tree and, while I don’t know everyone in the units, I am the Chairman of the Body Corp and I wouldn’t think anyone would do it,” said resident, Alistair Gourlay.

“We’ve got such a lovely view, and the tree is beautifying the parkland across the road, I don’t see why anyone would want to destroy it.”

The incident has now been logged with Queensland Police, and Council are encouraging anybody who may have information about the act of vandalism to contact Council or the Police.

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A beautiful old fig tree on Cannonvale Beach has been poisoned. Photo supplied

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Bowen is recognised as the Mural Capital of Australia and with almost 30 murals adorning the walls around the town, it is no wonder.

Bowen was once destined to be the capital of North Queensland and this incredible history is reflected in the new mural of Herbert Street which depicts imagery of the town in the 1930’s.

The murals show the old wide streets of Herbert Street, the very first Supreme Court north of Rockhampton, and the old Commonwealth Bank.

Painting the murals is highly acclaimed Brisbane artist Glen Gillard.

Glen has been painting murals in Bowen since 1989 and has consistently travelled up to complete them as the years have gone by.

Painting this current mural for the past three weeks, Glen is expecting to finish his latest masterpiece before the end of the month.

He is impressed with the progress of the current mural and can’t wait to finish and let his newest work flourish by the Bowen Foreshore.

After he has finished the paintings, he will include names and dates of the buildings so the public can learn about the buildings and their history.

Secretary of the Mural Society, Heather Skinner said they have more exciting plans for the future.

“Down the track the plan is to get QR codes but we’ve got to get the money for that,” she said.

“But with the QR codes, people could click and get the extra information.”

The murals in Bowen are all about history and Heather said they are very effective in informing people about Bowen.

“It's great because it means we don't just get the local people learning about the History we get people from around Australia and even overseas,” Heather said.

Glen says he feels privileged to be given the opportunity to show the history of the area, and that he loves Bowen and is very grateful for the amount of the work it has provided for him over the years.

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Secretary of the Mural Society, Heather Skinner and Artist Glen Gillard

Glen adding touches to his mural

Glen standing in front of his yet to be finished mural

Photo Credit: Daniel Heggie

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More than 50 business-minded individuals attended the inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference which took place in Cannonvale last week.

An initiative of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event was a melting pot of inspiration and activity, with a diverse range of guest speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions where all attendees were encouraged to participate and contribute.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP opened the event with an inspiring speech and, following the main agenda, the event culminated when Whitsunday Regional Council hosted special guest, Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb.

Mayor Ry Collins said the region was privileged to host the Queensland Small Business Commissioner for a two-day visit.
 
“The Commissioner engaged with the local business community and budding entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights and support tailored to the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the area,” he said.
 
“There is a considerable amount of support available through the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner designed to help businesses succeed, ranging from financial advice, upskilling and training, navigating disputes and government legislation to wellness checks.
 
“These initiatives are crucial in fostering a resilient small business community in the Whitsundays and I encourage everyone to use this fantastic resource.”

Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it was thrilled with the response and looks forward to it becoming a marquee annual event for the region’s business community.

“The event was a hive of buzzing energy, new connections, ideas, and great discussions,” said a Chamber spokesperson.

“The Chamber wishes to thank everyone who participated, our speakers, and sponsors for bringing the Whitsunday Business Conference to life!”

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Councillor Clay Bauman, Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins.

Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry Liaison Officer Julia Evans addresses the audience

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm gives inspiring speech

Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry Liaison Officer Julia Evans with Chamber President Alan Milostic

Tolita Dukes, Cait Fleming and Mark Henry

Trevor Rees and Councillor Clay Bauman

Wendy and Andrew Barker

Jody Mulholland, Victoria Payne, Michaela Krutz and Kristian Mulholland

Joscelyn O’Keefe and Mark Powell

Heather Batrick and Cindy Baker

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie and Rachael Smith

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