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
We are now well past the first month into the 2025 crushing season in the Central District, with millers reporting reasonable factory operations, albeit plagued by wet conditions and other adverse impacts.
Mackay Sugar Limited, as of 6 July, was at 8 per cent of its 5.15Mt estimate, leaving around 4.75Mt to crush. The miller is predicting, on current estimates, that the season will end—dependent on the usual myriad of factors, including weather—around 5 December. The current throughput for the season at the same date is 413,799 tonnes, with a season-to-date CCS of 11.4.
Proserpine Mill has crushed 179,640 tonnes of its 1.58Mt estimate at the end of its fourth week on 12 July, with a season-to-date CCS of a healthy 13.02. Again, inclement weather has had an impact on the start, and weather conditions have not been conducive to drying the ground.
The Plane Creek Mill area has also had weather impacting operations, as well as recent operations being impacted by key personnel illness. At the end of week 6 (12 July), the season-to-date CCS was 12, with 219,249 tonnes crushed of its 1.6Mt season estimate.
Standover is being factored into all three areas, and the challenge will be to get the significant tonnage through the mills to ensure a clean slate for cane growers to achieve a sense of normalcy around the 2026 season and mitigate the ongoing issues of out-of-cycle growing patterns and standover.
QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball and the QCAR Central District Committee have proudly supported the regional shows in the region, with the Sarina Show the final to be held on the weekend of August 2 and 3.
The Central District Committee is also supporting other regional events in each of the three regions that make up the Central District.
QCAR has initiated meetings with some Mackay Regional Council councillors to discuss issues that relate to local government and have an impact on agriculture—and specifically cane growing—including rates, land acquisitions and feral pests and weeds.
This week, QCAR will attend the Mackay Sugar annual general meeting, meet with Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, and attend the annual 2025 Mackay Show Cane Awards.
QCAR also met recently in person with Agri Labour Australia’s Senior Business Development Manager, Kellie Colvin, and Gus Saunders, Agri Labour’s Health and Safety Manager.
Networking with Agri Labour is a key strategy for QCAR and the agricultural sector to fill the labour gap with experienced and skilled workers.
Anyone having any issues retaining a reliable worker has Agri Labour as an option. To contact Agri Labour for further information, call 0461 598 900 or visit www.agrilabour.com.au to see available applicants.
Finally, QCAR would like to remind everyone to put safety first while we collectively make tracks to the end of the 2025 crushing season – farm safe, home safe.
QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball
QCAR Central District Committee member Bryce Jackson and Chairman Steve McKeering caught up recently with Mackay Regional Council councillors to discuss a variety of issues that impact cane farmers in the Mackay Regional Council electorate
QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball, right, met with Agri Labour Australia’s Senior Business Development Manager Kellie Colvin, centre, and Health and Safety Manager Gus Saunders, left, to discuss labour options for the sugar industry in the Central District
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
Prime planting time is almost here for growers, and after the challenges of a wet start to winter, it’s important to make time for getting clean seed planting material.
The beginning of the crush has been very much a stop/start affair due to the consistent rainfall events which the majority of the district have been experiencing over the first month of the crushing season.
Paddock conditions vary by the locality, but the general rule is that they are very wet to moist, at the time of writing. We require some substantial periods of prolonged sunshine to help dry out the district to improve harvesting conditions. CCS (sugar content) has been slightly up on previous years however the stand over cane is very much a mixed bag.
Across both Mackay and Plane Creek milling areas we are dealing with a lot of cane that remained uncut in 2024: standover cane. Being older, the CCS can be iffy, and it is often harder for the mill to process.
One of the other effects which this rainy June-July has had on growers is that very little early planting was achieved. Wet field conditions have narrowed the planting window period. Even with this situation occurring, and the compressing of the planting timeframe, growers make use of several important tasks which are essential at this time of year, prior to planting.
Firstly, we are fortunate in the Mackay and Plane Creek region to have very low levels of Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD). This debilitating sugar cane disease can have catastrophic impacts on productivity and farm viability. Unfortunately, this disease is rampant in some other areas of the state.
Our low levels of RSD in this region is primarily due to the terrific work which the local productivity boards - Mackay Area Productivity Services and Plane Creek Productivity Services - perform in inspecting and testing seed cane sources before planting has commenced. Growers are reminded of the importance of this critical step in the planting process.
Growers are given the opportunity to receive clean seed and new varieties from their local productivity board clean seed plot. Not only does this help in the prevention of disease, but trials have indicated significant productivity gains are to be achieved by continually updating your planting material from these seed plots.
Whilst it is a very time-consuming and, at times, a painstaking process to go and collect and plant this clean seed, the benefits far outweigh the negatives and growers are reminded not to forget about his invaluable process during this hectic time of the year.
Finally, to help control the spread of Ratoon Stunting Disease, growers, harvesting contractors and planting contractors are reminded of machinery sterilisation procedures which are quite simple but effective in mitigating the spread of infection of this devastating disease.
Prevention is always better than the cure, for the hip pocket and for sustainability.
If we all work together on this, we can certainly maintain the low infection rates across our region.
Some of the crew taking billets back to the sampling station, while walking each row to check for RSD. Photo credit: MAPS
Productivity services work hard to prevent RSD
A record-breaking crowd gathered at Queens Park last Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC celebrations in Mackay, with this year’s Family Fun Day hailed as one of the most powerful yet.
With the event held during school holidays, families turned out in force to celebrate the 2025 theme Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy. Mayor Greg Williamson described the turnout as “wonderful,” praising the contributions of youth performers and cultural dancers.
Cr Alison Jones said, “I felt a sense of pride and belonging in this region... as a multicultural community we came together to recognise our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”
A representative from Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation added, “Our hearts are full... the beat of the drum, the clap of the sticks, the laughter of children and the power of dance.”
The annual NAIDOC march and festival continue to grow as cornerstones of cultural pride in Mackay.
Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/29rbkrpr
A heartfelt Christmas in July event hosted by disability support group SNAGS brought smiles, music, and mid-year cheer to nearly 90 participants and support workers in Mackay last Saturday.
“We received a donation from the Rotary a few weeks back, so we planned on what we could do with the donation, which became Christmas in July,” said the group’s organiser Rainelle Peterstorfer.
With the support of Sally’s Curry Hut, who donated their time and cooked the meal, the SNAGS team brought the celebration to life with care and dedication.
“We crazily started organising presents and wrapping and got it sorted within about 10 days… and it turned out really amazing,” Rainelle said.
SNAGS, co-run by Rainelle Peterstorfer and Kathryn Andrews, is a not-for-profit volunteer-run group that brings people with disabilities, families, and support workers together for regular karaoke nights full of fun, laughter, and a whole lot of dancing and singing.
To support SNAGS, email snags.mackay@outlook.com or visit their Facebook page to purchase merch.
A joyful Christmas in July event hosted by SNAGS brought nearly 90 people together for music, gifts, and a free lunch. Photo source: SNAGS Karaoke Mackay (Facebook)
FRONT
Australia’s first private orbital rocket launch has been postponed again, with Gilmour Space Technologies confirming the Eris rocket will now lift off no earlier than July 27.
The delay follows operational setbacks and upper wind forecasts that ruled out a safe launch during the original July 16–20 window. The Gold Coast-based company announced the change in a social media update, saying they were “standing down from this week’s launch window” and shifting to the next opportunity.
The Eris rocket is a first-of-its-kind orbital launch vehicle developed entirely in Australia and is set to launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Queensland. The team continues working through weather checks, range assessments, and final system reviews in coordination with national agencies including CASA, the Australian Space Agency, and Airservices.
“Rocket launches are complex,” Gilmour Space stated. “Delays are normal, especially for a first-of-its-kind testflight.”
Australia’s first private orbital rocket launch has been delayed again, with the test flight of the Eris rocket now scheduled for no earlier than July 27.
The updated target comes after operational delays set the team back by a day, and the latest upper wind forecasts ruled out a safe launch within the original window of July 16 to 20. Gilmour Space Technologies, the Gold Coast-based company behind the mission, announced the change in a social media update, stating they were “standing down from this week’s launch window,” and shifting focus to the next opportunity.
The adjustment comes as part of final preparations by Gilmour Space, which is behind the ambitious mission. The Eris rocket is a first-of-its-kind orbital launch vehicle developed entirely on Australian soil—and while excitement builds, the company is taking a cautious approach.
“Rocket launches are complex,” a Gilmour Space spokesperson stated on their Facebook page. “Delays are normal, especially for a first-of-its-kind testflight.”
The team is working through a series of weather assessments, range checks, and final system “go/no-go” reviews. Coordination with regulatory bodies and safety authorities is also a crucial part of the process. This includes the Australian Space Agency, CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority), Airservices Australia, and maritime agencies.
"We're carefully working through weather, range checks, final system go/no‑go reviews, and coordinating with the Australian Space Agency, CASA, Airservices, maritime authorities, and others," the spokesperson explained.
The Eris rocket represents a new era for Australia’s growing space industry. Designed and built by Gilmour Space, it’s intended to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit, offering an Australian solution to a rapidly growing global demand.
Despite the delay, enthusiasm remains high. Space industry supporters, science enthusiasts, and local communities—particularly in north Queensland—are eagerly watching as the countdown continues. The launch will take place from the company’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport, near the coastal town of Bowen in the Whitsundays.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the proposed rocket launch was exciting for Bowen, the entire Whitsundays region, all of Queensland and the Nation.
“While we understand there has been delays, we are confident the rocket launches will be a great attraction for our region going forward," she said.
“This is rocket science – so delays are part of what happens – but we are so pleased that Gilmour Space Technologies chose Bowen as their launch pad.”
For those keen to follow along, Gilmour Space is providing real-time updates on the launch window via their mission page at gspace.com/missions. But for those who’d rather wait until the rocket’s in the sky, the company says they’ll also be sharing full launch coverage and results after the fact.
The launch is expected to be a major step toward establishing a sovereign space capability in Australia, something space experts say is critical for national innovation, security, and economic growth.
The company also shared a scenic image of the launch site, captured by a staff member in Bowen, to highlight the unique location from which Australia’s space ambitions are taking off.
With final checks underway and eyes on the weather, the countdown to lift-off continues—now tracking for July 27.
Launch date gets pushed back. Photo Credit: Steven Holden - Gilmour Space Technologies.
Hi Everyone,
Exciting news! The latest issue of Core Life and Tripping Magazine is hitting the stands this weekend—so keep an eye out for the brand-new edition.
A huge thank you to our incredible team for creating yet another amazing magazine—an impressive 116 pages of blood, sweat, and passion!
Speaking of blood and sweat, in this edition of Core Life, you can read about my Metabolic Diet journey with local nutritionist Bec Tarver.
Together with my husband, I spent a month with no sugar, no carbs, and no alcohol (okay, the no alcohol part may have only lasted two weeks!)— but we both experienced miraculous results.
During the challenge, our diets were scientifically tailored based on our blood test results, showing exactly what our bodies needed for optimal fuel. We also had to cut out snacking, eat only every five hours, and prepare each meal with precisely measured ingredients.
It was exciting, gruelling at times, but ultimately incredibly rewarding. I now feel better than I have in years—full of energy, healthy, and no more bloating!
You can read the full story in Core Life Magazine in my feature, “Bye-Bye Mum-Bod.”
In other exciting news, Core Life and Tripping Magazine has now doubled its coverage in Townsville, following our expansion into Hinchinbrook and Burdekin earlier this year.
There’s clearly a strong demand for a quality lifestyle and travel publication in regional areas—and now, with a growing gap in the Townsville market, we’re eager to meet that demand too.
This means that when you advertise in Core Life or Tripping Magazine, your business will now reach audiences from Cardwell in the north to Sarina in the south, as well as your existing local markets.
It’s a major step forward, and we’re thrilled to bring local businesses along with us. If you’d like to book an ad in Core Life or Tripping, please reach out to your local Sales Manager, Trish Jandt—her number is listed on the left-hand side of this page.
Rach
Quote of the Week: "Happiness is having better problems. Success is having better failures. Discipline is having better addictions" (Mark Manson)
No one knows a stringed instrument quite like Roger Buckmaster. For 60 years, strings have been his profession, from crafting violins to selling handcrafted banjos through a shop in Nashville. Now retired, Roger has been pulling on the heartstrings of the community by freely restoring cherished stringed instruments for those in need.
Now 81, Roger has spent a lifetime making and repairing violins, banjos and guitars. Trained in London, and originally from Loughborough, Roger has travelled across Australia helping schools, orchestras and musicians keep their instruments alive and well.
"I used to service all the orchestras and many schools. I had 200 schools on my books at one stage," he said. "We just went everywhere."
From Alice Springs to the Whitsundays, Roger’s generosity has struck a chord. His custom guitars and violins have been displayed in the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, and one of his banjos even lives in a museum in Oklahoma.
"I must have donated them two dozen instruments from different makers... mainly from Australia, right back into the 20s and 30s."
While many have admired his work, one famous fan stands out.
"Rod Stewart wanted to buy one of my guitars and his manager said to me, name your price. But I said I hadn’t got one. It had already been sent to the Powerhouse Museum."
Currently travelling between Bowen, Burdekin, and Airlie Beach, Roger continues to offer his expertise to anyone in need, simply out of goodwill.
"Everyone knows where to find me. I can meet them at different places... they can always contact me."
From museum collections to helping out locals with beloved instruments, Roger’s kindness is music to the community’s ears.
If you need a stringed instrument serviced, Roger is available over the next month and is kindly happy to help. You can reach him directly on 0419 549 841.
Rogers guitar that Rod Stewart wanted now in Sydney Powerhouse museum.
A local family is facing one of the most challenging times of their lives, but their battle has been buoyed by an incredible wave of community support.
In February 2024, Brad Lindsay was diagnosed with Testicular Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He spent the next nine months undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiation, and by October 2024, he was considered in remission.
Tragically, several weeks ago, while at work, Brad suffered a seizure while driving and crashed his vehicle. A CT scan revealed that his cancer had returned, this time spreading to his brain. Devastatingly, Brad’s diagnosis was confirmed as Testicular Lymphoma Stage 4 Central Nervous System (CNS) Brain Cancer.
Due to the complexity of his condition, Brad will now undergo further chemotherapy, as well as an immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy — a highly specialised treatment that offers him the best chance of fighting the disease.
Brad has now moved to Townsville for treatment, and his loving wife Nikki has not left his side, becoming his full-time carer. Unfortunately, they have both had to give up their employment, and with Brad having used all his leave entitlements during last year’s battle, the financial stress has become a reality.
Brad and Nikki remain as positive as possible and are deeply grateful for the kind words of support and invaluable financial donations made through their GoFundMe page.
“I cannot describe the emotion that I personally have felt over the last couple of days from the outpouring of financial support you have all given,” shared Nikki on the GoFundMe page.
“It is extremely overwhelming for me to accept, but I am feeling very grateful and humbled to receive help from you all.
“This is a really hard time for our family, and it just amazes me that there are people we don’t even know who have donated to us.
“To every single one of you, please know that I am forever grateful for your support to help us through this devastating time.”
Friend of the family and GoFundMe organiser Ella Griffiths said, “If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, your support will greatly help in reducing the financial stress they are facing.
“Brad and Nikki are kind, humble people who’ve always given so much to others — and now they need our help. Please help us to help them.”
Brad and Niki in happier times
Brad is going through the toughest battle of his life, but the community can help ease the financial burden at this difficult time
Brad and Niki with their family
Photos supplied
The twelfth annual Smart Arts Exhibition, will open this Friday 18 July and it will be showcasing art work from local artists of Cannonvale Smart Arts.
A special feature of this year’s event will be an auction of pieces from the exhibition’s African-themed section, with all proceeds going to Aid for Africa Down Under AFADU).
The works will be judged by renowned artist Carol Bell, with the live auction to follow, conducted by Brad Sobott of Taylors Property Specialists.
Suzi Hancock, founder of Smart Arts, has long supported AFADU, a registered charity that has been helping children in Zimbabwe for over two decades. AFADU funds the Lirhanzo Children’s Village, which cares for orphans affected by HIV/AIDS in the remote and disadvantaged Zimbabwe.
Cannonvale artist Pammie Harrison, who has served on the AFADU board since 2009 and has made nine visits to the village, praised Suzi’s commitment.
“I am elated that the ever generous, Suzi, a sponsor of orphans at the children’s Village for many years has come up with this fabulous way to raise money for the children’s on-going education,” she said.
More than 80 original artworks will be on display and available for purchase during the week-long exhibition. Two standout pieces in the auction include Mzimba (Rhino) and Chimp My Ride.
The opening night kicks off at 6pm on Friday 18 July at Smart Arts Studio, 8 Commerce Close, Cannonvale.
Tickets are $10, which includes wine and nibbles. The exhibit is on display for one week only
The Smart Arts Exhibition opens Friday 18 July, and will be on display for one week only. Artwork supplied
The Whitsunday Regional Council’s public consultation regarding Short Term Accommodation closes this weekend Sunday 20 July 2025.
Open from 11 June Council has asked the community to ‘Have your say” relating to Council’s scheme.
The Whitsunday Regional Council announced change to the Whitsunday Planning Scheme 2017 following resident's concerns that short term accommodation was conflicting with the availability of housing for long-term residents.
Council said that the changes were to help better manage short-term accommodation, within the Low Density Residential zone, hoping to find the right balance between supporting tourism and protecting residential amenity and housing supply for locals.
Council had identified 10 precincts in which Short Term Accommodation would be allowed and supported, these included Shute Harbour, Brisk Bay, Dingo Beach, Hydeaway Bay, Conway Beach, Wilson Beach, parts of Airlie Beach, North Mandalay, and Bowen, Queens Beach, Grays Bay and Horseshoe Bay.
The recent changes will not change the following:
• Home based businesses - e.g. letting a room alongside permanent residents living in the home.
• STA within the Low-medium density residential zone or other non-residential zones where it is currently permitted, subject to requirements
• STA that already have planning approval in any zone.
Council is seeking public consultation on the new amendment.
You can have your say until Sunday 20 July, when council close the ‘Have your say’ and begin consideration.
• Online via a registered account on Yoursay - via the online survey below
• In writing to Council, by mail or in person to a Customer Service Centre
• Email to planning.submissions@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au, including the name and address of each person who is making the submission.
Accomodation in Airlie Beach. Stock image
%20(1).JPG)
It’s fantastic to see Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) reaching new heights and truly flying high. In the past year, we welcomed over 522,000 passengers, smashing our previous record and cementing WCA as one of Australia’s top regional gateways.
But this milestone is about much more than numbers. The airport is a powerful driver of our regional economy, creating local jobs, opening doors for small businesses, and strengthening our tourism and hospitality sectors. It also means better connectivity for everyone, whether you are a business owner, a worker, or visiting family and friends.
This success highlights the Whitsundays’ incredible appeal, not just as a holiday destination but as a vibrant, thriving place to live, work, and build a future.
Whitsunday Coast Airport is a fully self-funded, Council-owned asset that operates without ratepayer subsidies. It delivers strong financial returns, which are reinvested into essential services and infrastructure to keep our region moving forward. Every dollar of profit supports projects that make the Whitsundays an even better place for all of us.
This record-breaking year is a win for our economy, our tourism industry, and our entire community. I want to thank our dedicated airport team, airline partners, and of course, all of you who continue to support this vital part of our region.
Beyond passenger numbers, our team remains focused on providing a seamless, high-quality experience for everyone, whether they are heading on holiday or returning home. Our steady growth from 280,000 passengers in 2021 to over 522,000 today shows what we can achieve with careful planning, smart investment, and strong community support.
Importantly, the airport is much more than a tourism hub. It supports business travel and freight services, keeping our region connected and competitive, and stands as a true symbol of how strategic investment can drive economic growth and strengthen our community for years to come.
As part of this forward focus, I’m also excited to share that the airport has joined the Containers for Change program. By collecting and recycling eligible drink containers, the airport and other Council business units are expected to raise around $80,000 each year.
This isn’t just about recycling, it’s about turning small actions into big community benefits. We’re exploring options to direct these funds to local non-profits, sporting clubs, and grassroots groups across Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen, and Collinsville.
Partnering with a Bowen-based contractor keeps jobs and expertise local, backing our businesses and delivering practical environmental outcomes.
Additionally, our airport is part of pioneering efforts to trial sustainable aviation fuel through Virgin Australia’s partnership with Viva Energy that helps reduce emissions and keeps us at the forefront of industry change.
When I reflect on these milestones, I’m reminded that our airport is more than a gateway. It’s an engine for economic growth, environmental progress, and community pride.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released the next wave of program highlights for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, showcasing eight practical breakout sessions designed to give local businesses real tools, insights, and strategies to grow and adapt in a changing regional economy.
The conference—scheduled for Thursday 28 August at TAFE Queensland’s Whitsunday Campus—will feature two more rounds of concurrent sessions. Each is designed to help participants choose the topic most relevant to their business goals, covering areas such as finance, workforce, marketing, leadership, customer service, and tendering.
At 1:15pm, the second round of sessions will begin. Highlights include a financial deep dive in Ask An Expert: Money Matters for Modern Business, where a panel of six regional finance professionals will unpack topics including structure, compliance, lending, superannuation, and insurance. Panellists include representatives from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus Whitsundays, Eclipse Financial Planning, Bendigo Bank, Option Insurance Brokers and Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting.
Other sessions in the 1:15pm block include International Recruitment & Migration, presented by Alana Hopkins from Workforce Abundance, and Unlocking Motivation with leadership coach Brian Ward of BRIAN8. Rounding out the workshop options is The Power of Storytelling, led by Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine, who will share how personal branding can connect businesses more deeply with their community.
At 2:00pm, the third round of concurrent sessions will offer another tailored learning opportunity. Ask An Expert: Local Marketing That Works will see marketing specialists Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo), and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life) share strategies for social media, print, radio, and digital success.
Businesses looking to secure more contracts won’t want to miss Tendering: Top Ten Tips with Ros Weche from the Department of State Development and Infrastructure, while The Dying Art of Customer Service will explore 12 practical rules that helped presenter Rick Brown build a $20 million business. Meanwhile, HR specialist Mark Lipkin will guide attendees through compliance and strategy in Ask An Expert: Smarter People Management for Small Business.
With limited seats remaining, attendees are encouraged to register soon and take advantage of the ability to personalise their conference experience. For full program details and tickets, visit: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference
As a business owner I spent many years, 10s of 1000s of dollars, and a lot of lost time on training my teams and seeing no difference.
Big spend – zero shift. Sound familiar? If you’re like me you gave up. So why doesn’t it work
Learning, growing and creating change takes intent. It’s not just an investment in time and money, it requires ongoing curiosity and followup by management to imbed new learnings until they stick. Contact Shiift to help build a training program that works for you. We create long-term programs to create sustainable positive change and even step in to help create accountability when you’re just too busy.
Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter of Shiift
Coral Sea Marina’s Better Boating Expo, held on Friday, 11th July, welcomed a vibrant crowd of locals, visitors, and members of the boating community for a day packed with education, entertainment, and environmental advocacy at the Coral Sea Marina Gardens.
From safety at sea to sustainability tips and local reef knowledge, the expo offered a fun-filled and informative day for all ages. Families and children, in particular, were thrilled by the live life raft demonstration presented by Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays, which gave them the rare chance to "hop on board" a real raft and imagine the experience of being adrift at sea.
Many young visitors also eagerly took part in the safety flare deployment, tested their skills at Mainstay Sailing’s rope station, and learned about the fragile beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from the passionate team of local Master Reef Guides.
“While guests are enjoying the reef, our Master Reef Guides work with tourism operators so guests enjoy the reef, they don't touch the reef, don't stand on the reef, remove all their rubbish, make sure they don't bring pests onto the islands — all of those different things. But most importantly, we connect them to the reef, and hopefully we send people home wanting to look after it and protect it,” said James Unsworth, Project Manager of the Master Reef Guide Programme.
Visitors were also invited to head down to the water and explore VMR1, Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday’s rescue vessel, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s barge, and to chat with the crew on board.
The event successfully brought together an inspiring range of organisations including Queensland Parks and Wildlife, Maritime Safety Queensland, Tangaroa Blue, Whales of the Whitsundays, and many more passionate local businesses — all offering engaging presentations and hands-on experiences aimed at promoting safer, smarter, and more sustainable boating.
Maritime Safety Queensland Marine Officer Tristan Carlson explained the changes made to the life jacket laws in Queensland:
“If you're boating alone in a vessel under 4.8 metres, you are required to wear a life jacket now. And also, if you have a child under 12 years old in an open area of a boat, they're also required to wear a life jacket,” he said.
“There've been a few changes here, and we're trying to get people to understand that. We believe that education is the best way to achieve that.”
The Better Boating Expo also served as the official launch of Coral Sea Marina’s new Better Boating Guide – Our Guide to Greener Recreational Boating. Designed for everyone who spends time on the water, this comprehensive guide provides tips on reducing environmental impact, managing waste, protecting the marine environment, and being a positive ambassador for the ocean.
“It was incredible to see such a strong turnout from our local community and visitors alike, all eager to learn and engage with the marine environment,” said Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina.
“The Better Boating Expo is a reminder of the positive impact we can have when we come together to share knowledge, encourage sustainable choices, and foster a culture of responsibility on our waters.”
With face painting, ice cream, expert advice, and hands-on experiences, the Better Boating Expo proved to be both educational and enjoyable — reinforcing Coral Sea Marina’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community connection.
For more information or to download the Better Boating Guide, visit the Coral Sea Academy website at coralseaacademy.com.
Safety Flare Demonstration at the Better Boating Expo. Photo supplied
.jpg)
More than 30 people gathered at the Proserpine Swimming Pool on Saturday, June 28, to honour the extraordinary legacy of Des and Janet Erricker, two beloved community members whose selfless contributions helped shape generations of local swimmers.
The unveiling of a commemorative plaque was a long-overdue gesture recognising the couple’s efforts in not only helping to fund and establish the original Proserpine pool, but also teaching countless children to swim, completely free of charge.
Des, saw the need for a public swimming pool and, with community support, made it happen. Together with Janet, they ran daily swimming lessons before and after work, coached children in stroke technique, and helped form the Proserpine Swimming Club alongside other parents.
The couple did more than teaching children how to swim, they would pay for swimmers if parents could not afford it and they would also pay for accomodation when chidlren travelled to carnivals or events with the swimming club.
The couple’s daughters — Robyn, Lynn and Gail led the unveiling and spoke movingly of their parents’ devotion to the community. Past club members and their families, previous students all shared fond memories, with many remarking on how the Errickers’ kindness left a lasting impression.
The ceremony concluded with light refreshments and laughter under the pool’s shaded area. It was a fitting tribute to a couple who gave so much, and asked for nothing in return.
The Plaque honouring the couple is now on display. Photo 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.
