Mackay Regional Council's Australia Day event grants are now open and local community groups are encouraged to apply.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was excited to offer the Australia Day event grant funding once again.
“A number of our 2024 Australia Day community events had to be postponed due to a cyclone, so we are really looking forward to a ripper Aussie Day event line up in the new year,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Not-for-profit community groups can apply for up to $1000 to support their Australia Day event and celebrate what they love about our beautiful region,” he said.
“From beach games and park barbecues to awards ceremonies and morning teas, the events are a great way to celebrate our vibrant community spirit.
“The events will run at various times throughout the day and are a celebration of the amazing region we call home.”
To be eligible for funding, events need to be held on Australia Day 2025 (Sunday, January 26), be free for all to attend and held within the Mackay Regional Council area.
Organisers also need to be a registered not-for-profit group or have a letter of support from a registered group.
Applications are now open via the council website and will close midnight Sunday, November 24.
Australia Day event grant application forms and guidelines can be found on the council website at mackay.qld.gov.au/ausdaygrants.

‍

Celebrating Australia Day at Mackay Contract Bridge club, from left to right, Jewel Schmidt and Tricia Garner

‍

For more than two decades, Reef Catchments has played a significant role in protecting and restoring natural resources in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. From the mountains to the sea, they have worked to support resilient regional environments, build strong community partnerships, and lead initiatives in conservation, land management and ecosystem restoration.

As an independent not-for-profit Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation, Reef Catchments are involved in the integrated management of natural resources like land, water, soil, plants, and animals, with a focus on balancing human needs with environmental health to ensure a sustainable future.

With offices based in both Mackay and Proserpine, Reef Catchments operates with a dedicated team working across 5 key project groups: Waterways, Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture, Great Barrier Reef and Healthy Rivers to Reef, all working together to drive positive environmental outcomes in our region.

Together their work includes:

   • Repairing landscapes
   • Monitoring and Improving water quality flowing through the catchment area to the reef
   • Sustainable agriculture practices
   • Habitat conservation
   • Revegetation, Weed and pest programs
   • Collaborating with Traditional Owners
   • Reduction of sediment loss, erosion mitigation and chemical run-off
   • Stewardship and community initiatives
 

Early Beginnings
In the early 2000’s, both the Federal and State Governments made a commitment to regionalise NRM and introduced 56 regional NRM organisations throughout Australia covering land, estuarine and coastal areas. This included the establishment of the Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Group (MWNRMG) in 2003, which would later be renamed Reef Catchments.

Starting with a small team, they worked closely with community stakeholders, including regional catchment and Landcare groups, to create the first Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Plan. This plan provided a collaborative assessment of the regional landscape and prioritised actions for enhancement and rehabilitation. This was followed by the Mackay Whitsunday Regional Water Quality Improvement Plan, marking the first time funding was secured for a regional water quality assessment and monitoring program. Strategic plans such as these have been the cornerstone for ongoing activity at Reef Catchments.. They have provided clear guidance, established accountability, and enabled measurable outcomes for both the organisation and the partners they work with.

Getting down to business
From the very beginning, the team got to work sourcing project investment to deliver on the recommendations outlined in the NRM plan. These early programs allowed the Reef Catchments team to develop an intimate knowledge of the region, build strong stakeholder relationships and gain crucial on-ground experience. Each plan and project laid the ground for the next, leading to the implementation of a host of programs over the years covering streambank remediation and maintenance, sustainable agriculture, reef resilience and biodiversity projects.

A vision for the region
Reef Catchments firmly believe a healthy environment and well-managed ecosystems are integral to a resilient region, strong economy, and a healthy community. By prioritising environmental conservation, they endeavour to protect natural resources while enhancing the well-being of residents and visitors. Investing in these initiatives fosters economic growth, creates jobs, and drives innovation, ensuring the region's long-term sustainability.

“Our strength lies in our people and our ability to observe, listen, and collaborate. We're all-in, because we believe in the collective power of working together to improve the natural resources that support both our community and our economy”
Katrina Dent – Chief Executive Officer

Over the past two decades, Reef Catchments has grown through dedication, strategic vision and positive action. Evolving from modest beginnings to becoming a key player in environmental stewardship, they have continuously adapted to the region’s changing needs, turning challenges into opportunities. Looking to the future, Reef Catchments is committed to using its rich history, regional expertise, and innovative approach to drive meaningful change.

‍

The Sustainable Agriculture team partners with farmers and landholders in the Mackay Whitsunday area to implement on-farm practice change. This collaboration produces on-farm benefits to productivity and profitability while directly contributing to important reductions in sediment, nutrient, and chemical losses.
These activities span multiple agriculture sectors and are centred around providing agronomic support in the adoption of holistic farm management and best management practices. As well as supporting the distribution of knowledge through the dissemination of water quality trials, monitoring, modelling, and reporting.
Our Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) connects with farmers, landholders, and the broader agricultural industry to promote climate-smart and sustainable agriculture projects in the region. The SAF facilitates partnerships to help projects achieve outcomes that enhance productivity, build resilience, and protect natural resources.

Strong Foundations
Between 2006 to 2008, the first Mackay Whitsunday Regional Water Quality Improvement Plan (MWRWQIP) was developed. This marked the first time funding had been received for a regional water quality assessment, modelling, and measurement program. It aimed to identify a range of specific land management practices to improve on-farm economic and environmental sustainability. The delivery process focused on increased adoption of these land management practices across agricultural properties in the region.
Significant programs that followed include the Reef Rescue initiative - part of the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Program, Project Catalyst - a groundbreaking leader in sustainable farming within the sugarcane industry, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP).
Alongside on-ground programs with landholders, the Sustainable Agriculture team organises regular events, forums and field days that bring together a wide range of regional landholders, industry experts, community groups and businesses.  The popular two-day Grazing Forum has been drawing large audiences for 11 years.  Events such as these introduce new technologies and perspectives, allowing attendees to network and share ideas.
Cultivating the future
Several long-standing projects were successfully completed in the 2023-24 period and the team has been actively planning and securing funding for a range of new projects, many of which are set to be announced and launched over the next year.
With a rich history and extensive experience to draw on, the team is focused supporting the grower’s and the agriculture industry’s efforts towards shared environmental goals and stewardship.

‍

The Reef Catchments Waterways team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to working with landholders to improve the health of our region’s waterways. With extensive experience in streambank and gully remediation, the team works closely with local landholders and stakeholders to achieve meaningful, long-lasting outcomes for water quality and riverine health.

The team achieves this by focusing on reducing fine sediment runoff, particularly in areas like the O’Connell Basin, which is a priority for protecting the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. They collaborate with contractors and landholders to implement a range of engineered solutions, such as pile fields, rock revetments, rock groynes, and root ball structures, alongside natural streambank protection measures like revegetation, weed control, riparian fencing, and off-stream watering points.

Additionally, the team also co-designs engagement activities offering upskilling opportunities for landholders, promoting best-practice riparian management and fostering sustainable on-ground change.

Creating Opportunities from Challenges

In 2017, Cyclone Debbie caused significant damage to our region, impacting local communities and ecosystems. Reef Catchments responded proactively to provide a rapid and comprehensive assessment of regional environmental damage. The speed with which the assessment was compiled and submitted led to the receipt of significant funding toward regional environmental disaster recovery works. Efficient delivery of landscape remediation not only ensured the successful completion of the initial project but also paved the way for subsequent work, establishing Reef Catchments as an innovative and efficient delivery vehicle, outstanding for a not-for-profit organisation.

Building on strong foundations

The last 24 months have seen the successful completion of several significant projects including Reef Trust IV and Reef Trust VII. With the team currently executing other projects such as the Streambank Remediation Program - O'Connell, West Hill Creek Recovery and the Nature Based Solutions to Build Regional Resilience project.
Beyond this important on-ground work, the team has also been deeply involved in securing funding for streambank remediation projects across our NRM region. Efforts have been rewarded with the commencement of the Mackay Whitsunday Landscape Repair Program, one of six projects to be delivered under the Australian Government's $200 million dollar commitment to improving water quality.
This program helps the team enhance priority catchments by restoring eroding gullies, rehabilitating streambanks, and improving groundcover through sustainable grazing. These actions aim to reduce sediment runoff and protect the Great Barrier Reef.

‍

One of the largest teams at Reef Catchments, the Biodiversity team - formerly Conservation and Communities - undertakes a diverse range of projects with a focus on wetland conservation, safeguarding priority species (flora and fauna), and fostering community collaboration to manage invasive species and enhance habitat health in the face of a changing climate.

‍
Getting Started
In 2004, the first funding for a Coastcare Facilitator was received from the Department of Environment and Heritage. Their role was to facilitate community involvement in coastal and marine management, participate in regional natural resource management delivery and support the delivery of the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). The NHT was established in 1997 as one of the most significant environmental programs in Australian history, and continues to fund Reef Catchments projects today.  This was complemented by the Caring for our Country Program (phase 1 & 2) between 2008 -2018 when Reef Catchments expanded to also tackle Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Farm Practices, Water Management, and Indigenous Engagement.
‍

Working with Traditional Owners
From the outset, Reef Catchments has engaged with local Traditional Owners, with the Traditional Owners Reference Group (TORG) being formed in 2005.  Working with the TORG allows us to incorporate their deep knowledge of Country and help build stronger connections to the land with a view to improving environmental outcomes for everyone.
‍

Current Focus
Over the years, the Biodiversity team has continued to focus on maintaining our region’s unique flora and fauna through a range of programs. We launched our first ever koala conservation project last year and have already improved over 50ha of koala habitat across Sarina.  Earlier this year we deployed 30 habitat reef modules into Mackay’s coastal waters through the Rubble to Reef Program to expand fish habitat. The team are currently working to determine if the endangered Red Goshawk persists in our area as well as ensuring that our beaches remain a safe stopping place for the Eastern Curlew as they undertake their epic annual migration.
With 12 active projects across the region, this team is busily delivering practical on-ground activities and engaging with stakeholders to help protect and preserve biodiversity for years to come.

‍

In 2017, Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsunday coastline causing extensive the regional landscape and also heavily impacting underwater ecosystems. This disaster was a key factor underpinning the formation of a Great Barrier Reef Foundation project - the Whitsundays Reef Islands Initiative (WRII). Managed by Reef Catchments, this groundbreaking project focuses on positioning the Whitsundays as a global hub for inshore fringing reef stewardship.
The WRII coral and seagrass restoration projects were Reef Catchments' first venture into ‘in-water’ projects, marking a significant shift in its conservation strategy.
Local stewardship enhances reef health and community ties by promoting responsibility, sustainable practices, and regional tourism.
As 2022 unfolded Reef Catchments recognised the need to formalise its efforts towards preserving the Great Barrier Reef. This led to the establishment of a dedicated Reef Team. Since then, the team has expanded, adding a Senior Project Officer and developing a strategic plan. This plan not only outlines potential Reef research partnerships but also pinpoints critical marine ecosystems to prioritise moving forward. Establishing the Reef Team and plan underscored Reef Catchments’ ongoing commitment to enhancing reef resilience and conservation efforts.
More information on these projects is available on the Reef Catchments website.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The Reef Catchments GIS team uses a computer system that captures, displays and analyses geographically referenced information. In other words, you can accurately map data in its true location on the earth’s surface and overlay it to reference other data layers.
‍
GIS has been an integral part of Reef Catchments project management, monitoring and evaluation processes since the start of the organisation. GIS data is collected by field staff and project stakeholders and is key to measuring project progress and success, it allows us to provide accurate data to program funders for reporting purposes.
The purchase of a light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor is allowing Reef Catchments to expand into the drone space, assisting in project prioritisation, monitoring and evaluation. The drone will detect changes in the landscape caused by erosion to streambanks and gullies using pulsed laser light to measure elevation changes on the Earth's surface.This data helps prioritise areas for rehabilitation investment, focusing on the most valuable regions for restoration.

‍

LiDAR images showing changes in a gully over time.

‍

The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, hosted by Reef Catchments, is a leading network of organisations working together to maintain and improve waterway health in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region, through monitoring, education and collaboration. The Partnership has representation from all sectors, including industry, agriculture, research and science, ports, conservation, tourism, traditional owners, government, and more.
The Healthy Rivers to Reef team collate data from more than 40 data providers to produce an annual waterway health Report Card. They also manage a range of data collection projects, on-the-ground initiatives and community education activities to enhance understanding of local waterways.
Celebrating 10 years in 2014, the Partnership has worked with Reef Catchments as it’s host organisation for a decade to build a solid foundation in the region, supporting each other through knowledge sharing, teamwork and collaboration.

Corporate Shared Services (CSS)
The CSS team are the backbone of the organisation, supporting staff and ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day organisational functions. Comprising Human Resources, Accounts, and Administration, this group ensures that essential support functions are running smoothly, enabling the entire organisation to focus on delivering practical and effective project activities.

Communications & Media
Reef Catchments has a dedicated in-house communications and media team focused on raising awareness, engaging stakeholders, and fostering community involvement. Their expertise covers everything from graphic design and video production to social media, web content, and media outreach, supporting both project-specific communications and corporate branding. Stay connected and informed by following Reef Catchments on social media or visiting their website.

‍

When it comes to using clichés, I avoid them like the plague. Boom boom.
Some readers will pick up the vague humour in my use of the cliché “avoid them like the plague” to emphasise my dislike of clichés.
Others will feel they have more important things to worry about in their busy, stressful lives than to be on the lookout for feigned hypocrisy and lame attempts at humour in a real estate column.
To them, I say:  Laughter is the best medicine; he who laughs last laughs loudest; read between the lines; and, If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.
One of the worst features of real estate write-ups is the boring use of cliches.
You know the ones: “Million-dollar views”, “renovate or detonate”, “cute cottage”, “state-of-the-art kitchen”.
They are a big yawn. Predictable and lazy.
But the thing about clichés generally is that they have an element of truth about them: Better safe than sorry; You can’t judge a book by its cover; There are plenty more fish in the sea.
So it’s not that a cliché is wrong but that it has become overused and boring.
The worst real estate cliché of all is also probably the most correct: Location, Location, Location.
I won’t ever use the term because it is so over-used that it means nothing to buyers anymore. So when the location is the big thing about a property, I need to use different words to convey the same idea.
As a property owner and real estate agent, I feel location is often the most important thing. That changes, depending on what a buyer wants: Sometimes block size is more important because a buyer wants a big house or a big shed or acreage; sometimes it’s the age of the house because the buyer wants something with no maintenance.
But buyers who are looking for those features will always try to get them in the best possible location … a big block as close as possible to town, a modern house as close as possible to schools and community facilities.
Sometimes the value of the location is determined not by a property’s convenient access to everything but the lifestyle and views it creates.
Seaforth is a great example in our part of the world. I tend to sell properties more in suburban Mackay than anywhere else but I have sold quite a few properties in Seaforth and it has become a very popular part of the world, particularly anything with water views and access to the beach.
I was first blown away by the interest in water-front locations in Seaforth about four years ago when I had an old, unrenovated property to sell in Frangipanni Avenue. In a matter of days, dozens of people inspected the property and I had about 10 offers after the first open house.
No one cared that it was a 40-minute drive to Mackay. What mattered was the good-sized block with water views across the road from the beach. And that it was only a 40-minute drive to Mackay.
Some people buy there to have a weekender and holiday home for their family while they are still working. It might become their primary home after retirement.
And price is always the thing. When you can pay many millions of dollars for beach-side properties with ocean views in NSW and Victoria, the much, much lower prices in Seaforth and other similar Mackay  region areas provide a great opportunity for local people.
I sold another water-front block in Poinciana Avenue recently and, again, the interest was enormous.
So, if you’ve got a cute cottage with million-dollar views that’s ready to renovate or detonate, you could be sitting on a gold mine.

‍

Across the Mackay region, a poignant tribute now graces our streets: newly redesigned signs featuring red poppies, honouring the sacrifices of World War I and II casualties. In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, the Mackay Regional Council has started installing these new commemorative street blades, replacing the M150 street signs first introduced in 2012 as part of Mackay’s 150th anniversary. The poppy signifies that the street is named after a soldier who was a casualty of war and whose records show they were born in Mackay, enlisted from our shores, or had lived in the district.
This initiative stems from a community-driven effort, where residents were invited to submit the names of family members who lost their lives in these conflicts. In 2012, the council launched the ‘Lest We Forget Soldier Street Naming Project’ to commemorate our fallen soldiers and raise awareness of their histories. Local history enthusiast Basil Graham, along with students from Mackay North State High School, played a crucial role in researching and documenting these stories.
Now, as the streets of Mackay proudly display these poppy-adorned signs, they serve as a daily reminder of the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.

‍

For CQUniversity alumnus Fiona Mann Bobongie, starting her own First Nations consultancy as a way to facilitate a path towards cultural connection, respect and understanding.

The Mackay resident started Cyclic Konnectionz (CK) in 2018 to create tailored programs that support community engagement, professional growth and reconciliation through culturally-informed frameworks and initiatives in the region. 

CK also delivers cultural capabilities training and development to improve professional spaces through Walk on Country (Country is Curriculum©️), Reconciliation Action Plans, and a personally-developed framework on cultural diversity.  

"For over 15 years, I’ve been delivering professional development, and recognised a significant gap in the way workplaces were approaching cultural capabilities,” Ms Mann Bonbongie said. 

“Cyclic Konnectionz was born out of a desire to fill that gap and help both individuals and organisations develop meaningful cultural understanding and connections."

As a proud Darumbal woman with family ties to New Caledonia and Vanuatu, Fiona attributes the success and core of CK to her First Nations heritage. 

“Cyclic Konnectionz is my heritage. The business operates on First Nations theories, using ancient methodologies of sitting in circles and enacting protocols that have been in place for thousands of years.

“I chose the name Cyclic Konnectionz to represent the cyclical connections between Country, Sea Country, Sky Country, Ancestors, Elders and future generations. It also reflects the interconnectedness with other First Nations peoples and their lands.

"Konnectionz is about connectedness to all of the above – to make movement for our mob," she said. 

"My goal is to make change for my people so that one day, First Nations peoples won’t need to do what I do because the respect for our culture will be ingrained in everyone."

Reflecting on her education, Ms Mann Bonbongie said that gaining a Bachelor of Learning Management (BLM) from CQUniversity had been pivotal to her journey. 

“The BLM enabled me to achieve a teaching degree, but also to build confidence in achieving, believing, accomplishing and futuristic thinking through digital technology. 

“It built a foundation for me to help guide our mob to become stronger, healthier and more resilient.

“I choose CQUniversity for its local, personalised approach - and the small campus environment in Mackay was supportive and empowering. 

"My experience at CQU continues to influence my work today in both my academic and cultural knowledge to drive CK’s mission.”

As CK continues to grow, Ms Mann Bonbongie said she remained focused on relationships, and ensuring that First Nations standpoints and methodologies were authentically represented and respected. 

"To build harmonious relationships and for Reconciliation Action Plans to be truly enacted, these methodologies can only be shared by First Nations peoples.

“They have been enacting the practices for 1000s of years - from the time they took their first breath within family, community and mob.”

‍

Fiona Mann Bobongie. Photo supplied

‍

Whitsunday Anglican School’s Junior School began Term 4 with a ‘superb’ display of talent and dedication.

Special Acknowledgements:

Miss Walker and the Junior Concert Band – Recognised for their outstanding performance, showcasing musical opportunities for students and the extended school community.

Eason Wang – Acknowledged for his beautiful renditions of the national anthem and School song at assemblies.

Dare to Care Award Winners – Celebrated for demonstrating kindness, empathy, teamwork, and perseverance, serving as excellent role models.

Uday Singh – Commended for his recent achievements in tennis, showing promise as a future talent.

Kash Rowe and Rosie Ma – Recognised for their dedication to gymnastics, pursuing their goals in the sport.

Mackay Eisteddfod Participants – Applauded for their impressive efforts, making the school proud.

Spelling Spectacular Participants – Congratulated for their enthusiasm and hard work in the competition.

Australian Mathematics Competition Students – Awarded certificates for their achievements, with Distinction recipients to be honoured at the Awards events.

State Chess Team – Celebrated for their exceptional performance at the recent competition.

‍

While results of last week’s State Election have not yet been officially declared, Amanda Camm has claimed 69.6 per cent of the votes and has been successful in her bid to secure a second term as Member for Whitsunday.

Meanwhile, Dale Last has commanded 65.7 per cent of the votes counted so far and has also secured another tenure as Member for Burdekin, the area that encompasses Bowen and Collinsville.

Both LNP candidates are, for the first time, representing their region while not in opposition following David Crisafulli’s landmark victory and subsequent announcement as the new Premier for Queensland.

Whitsunday Region Stands To Gain
From LNP Led State

For the first time in more than 10 years, LNP is now at the helm of both the Whitsundays region and Queensland as a whole.

This means that vital projects and funding avenues that had previously been caught in the crossfire or used as political footballs, can now be actioned with both our local leaders and heads of state representing the same party.

This also means that election promises made by both Amanda Camm and Dale Last during the demanding campaign race can become realities, each project having a positive impact on the region.

Amanda Camm commented this week that she was thrilled to see Transport and Main Roads (TMR) had already started on preliminary works to flood-proof Hamilton Plains and said she is “committed to seeing the full project delivered”.

In addition, Ms Camm promises that a new Shute Harbour Boat Ramp will be delivered and broader state-wide issues such as youth crime, cost of living and health services will be addressed on a local level.  

“We really want to make sure our region receives its fair share of funding,” she said, stating that an LNP led state government means that “every election commitment I’ve made, I can actually deliver.”

“I’m keen and motivated and energised to get working and to deliver for the region”

Similarly, Dale Last Member for Burdekin says he is excited to deliver for the region, with one local election promise, driving the redevelopment of Bowen Marina Precinct, high on his list.

“We’ve campaigned for a fresh start for Queensland, and we have a real commitment for rural, regional Queensland and that’s something I am passionate to deliver,” he shared.

“After 10 long years in opposition, we’re now in government and with a bit of luck I’ll be a minister as well.”

Mr Last was previously Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Shadow Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Shadow Minister for Corrective Services and Shadow Minister for Rural and Regional Affairs.

Meanwhile, Ms Camm was previously Shadow Minister for Child Protection, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence and Shadow Minister for Women's Economic Security.

Ms Camm stated that she would be “humbled to be offered any position” by the government moving forward and that at the moment they are largely in “caretaker mode” while they set a date to officially open parliament under the new government.

“I am really humbled at the number of people who have put their trust in me and the LNP, people who have committed to a fresh start,” she shared.

Mr Last reiterates Ms Camm’s sentiment, sharing his own appreciation for the region.

“I’m so proud and honoured to represent the Burdekin electorate, to have that confidence put in me for the next four years is such a privilege.”

‍

Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Laura Gerber MP and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. Photo supplied

‍

Hi Everyone,

We woke up this week with a brand-new state government and welcomed back two familiar faces to our region - Amanda Camm Member for Whitsunday who represents the Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Cannonvale areas and Dale Last Member for Burdekin who represents Bowen and Collinsville.

No matter which party you voted for, the whole region gains in this election because for the first time in more than a decade our local leaders are from the same political party as the new Premier, David Crisafulli.

This means that funding streams are likely to be more forthcoming and projects we have dreamt about for years are likely to come to fruition.

I’ve met David Crisafulli a few times now and at every interaction I have found him to be respectful, humble and engaged.

Our first meeting was here in the Whitsundays, and I think he was accustomed to being asked the hard questions by city journos. It may have come as it bit of a surprise when I put my recording device down and chose to just have a chat to get to know him instead!

The second time I met David was this year at the Queensland Country Press Association Awards night, he was there to present the award for Best Free Newspaper of the Year.

When our name was called for this award, it was particularly nice that he was there to present it – I could tell he was thrilled a small regional newspaper like ours had won such a big award.

David was born in Ingham and began his career as a journalist, this means he not only understands regional towns, he also loves regional newspapers which is another win for us here locally.

To finish off I would also like to personally congratulate the new Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton. From Police Officer to Parishioner to Politician, Nigel is a good man and I know he will do a wonderful job for his electorate.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” (Susan B Anthony)

‍

The Good deed this week goes to Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, who work tirelessly to keep the Whitsunday seas clean and marine life safe.
Eco Barge is excited to announce that Jade, a juvenile Green sea turtle found stranded on the rocks at Seaforth on September 30, will soon be released back into her ocean home.
Covered in barnacles and stranded, Jade was safely transported to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre with the support of the Mackay District Turtle Watch team.
Upon arrival, Eco Barge’s dedicated team assessed Jade’s health, finding her overall condition good but requiring special care to regain her strength. Over the past weeks, she has received lots of care, including barnacle removal and a nutritious diet of squid and cuttlefish to bring her back to a healthy weight.
A big thanks to the committed efforts of the Eco Barge Whitsunday Turtle Carers, Jade is now ready to return to the sea.
Jade was released on Thursday.
For more information or to find out how you can volunteer your time, please visit www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au

Jade when she was found – covered in Barnacles
Jade the turtle with Lynette Bunker a turtle response volunteer who will be releasing Jade.

‍

Since announcing their formation just two short weeks ago, the Whitsundays’ inaugural team of ‘Dancing CEOs’ have been extraordinarily busy in their quest to end domestic violence within our communities and raise over $41,000 for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ).

Kate Purdie, Candice Crossley, Alice Harriott, Julie Telford and their ‘Team Whitsundays’ mentor, Katelyn Collins, have added another name to their support squad, with the announcement of Whitsunday Regional Council’s ‘Mayoress’, Mel Collins, in the role of Patron.

Through her public profile as wife of Whitsunday Mayor, Ry Collins, Ms Collins will now help with advocacy and awareness of Team Whitsundays’ meaningful mission, describing herself as “honoured” to have been asked to perform ceremonial duties at upcoming fundraising events.

“I’m super excited to support the ladies from Team Whitsundays in their pursuit to entertain us with their dancing prowess whilst raising funds for such a worthy cause – especially as this is an issue close to my heart, having previously worked in the office of our Whitsunday MP, Amanda Camm, during her tenure as Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence,” she said.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes an enormous amount of work has already gone into gathering prizes for raffles and organising events – one of which will be truly ‘Epic’.

In another ‘first’ for both the Whitsundays and an established WLSQ fundraiser, Team Whitsundays will be hosting a 2025 ‘Epic Walk for DV’ in Airlie Beach on Sunday, March 30, at the same time as the main event takes place in New Farm Park, Brisbane.

Epic Walk Co-Founder, Brendon Mann, who started the event with his partner, Brendan Smith, as part of their own ‘Dancing CEOs’ team fundraising in 2021, said it was incredible to think that for the first time in its near-five-year history, a sea of purple – the colour synonymous with taking a stand against domestic violence – would be spread across two locations, within the north and south of our state.

“For us it’s not just about the fundraising but also about raising awareness of the services provided by WLSQ and the fact that they are available for women across all of Queensland,” he said.

Being familiar with the Epic Walk from her time as a former Dancing CEO and as an ongoing WLSQ Ambassador, Katelyn Collins said this was a fantastic way for the entire Whitsundays community to get behind not just their local ‘Team Whitsundays’, but also form their own walking and fundraising teams, thereby making a truly personal contribution to the overarching cause.

“We’re calling on not just individuals, but groups of friends, businesses, community groups, schools, regional organisations – anyone and everyone – to accept the challenge, form a team, sign up and start your own fundraising to help WLSQ reach more women when they need it most,” she said.

“Bring a blanket, your dog, your family and friends, and join us for a picnic in the park and live entertainment once the walk ends; and if you’re a business interested in sponsoring the 2025 Epic Walk for DV, we need to hear from you so please, reach out to teamwhitsundays@gmail.com.”

The Whitsundays ‘Epic Walk for DV’ will cover 5km from the Coral Sea Marina Gardens, along the Bicentennial Boardwalk and back.

Registration costs $29, or $24 for early birds and kids walk free.

For more information about upcoming events follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Sharon Smallwood.

WHAT: Epic Walk For DV
WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens
WHEN: March 30, 2025

‍

Alice Harriott, Kate Purdie, Patron Mayoress Mel Collins, Julie Telford and Candice Crossley. Photo credit: Sharon Smallwood

‍