Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Memories of time spent on Dent Island as recorded by Reg Hatch in his book “Dent Island 1959” – an extract.
Reg was 20 years of age and a qualified painter when he left Brisbane in 1959 to “see what was over the hill.” On what was only his second plane trip, he arrived in Mackay and then, with two other passengers, flew to Lindeman Island on his first small-plane trip. After three weeks on Lindeman, Reg boarded the “Hossack H” bound for Dent Island.
On Dent Island, the lighthouse is now an automatically operated light but, in 1959, when Reg Hatch worked there, there were two lighthouse keepers and their families. Reg observed, “The lighthouse itself wasn’t very high. It was about 30 feet and painted white with a red top. Near the lighthouse was a new split level timber weatherboard house in which the head lighthouse keeper and his family lived.” On the same level to the north, a second new house was being constructed for the other keeper and his family and it was this house that Reg was there to paint.
Reg remarked, “The light keepers didn’t seem too be big on gardening. There wasn’t any soil, only rocks. The few trees on the island were stunted. Steps ran down from the lighthouse to the old houses. The only place where it was level was where the houses were perched and it seemed to me if you had one leg shorter than the other, you would be suited to the light keeper’s job.”
Reg also noted there were 200 steps from the lighthouse to the beach. Lloyd Williams was the head lighthouse keeper. His wife taught their youngest child on the island, whilst the older children attended boarding school. The second keeper, also Reg by name, was English. He explained to Reg Hatch the method of working the light “six hours on, six hours off, right through the night.”
The workers’ camp was three miles from the lighthouse as that was the only place where water was available.
Living quarters for the workers was a shed which had apparently been erected earlier on by the O’Hara family who had a cattle lease on Dent Island at that time.
Reg said that the primitive conditions the men worked under at Dent Island caused them contact the union organiser in Mackay, asking him to travel to the island to investigate the situation. But the two McDonald brothers (who owned the business engaged on the Dent Island project) had gotten wind of the visit and met the organiser incognito in Mackay and accompanied him on the journey to the island. They plied him with as much alcohol as he could drink so that upon arrival, he was totally incoherent and had to return to Mackay to recover. More men were then employed from Mackay to hurry the job along.
After completion of the work on Dent Island, Reg again worked for a short time on Lindeman Island before moving on. He concluded, “These are my memories of Dent Island as a young painter in 1959. Little did I realise then that I would later become a lighthouse keeper, serving at various stations along the Queensland coast - Sandy Cape on Fraser Island; then Cape Cleveland outside of Townsville; Booby Island and Goode Island in the Torres Strait and then in 1970, I was made Head Lighthouse Keeper at Cape Moreton. I took over from Lloyd Williams when he retired, eleven years after I had first met him on Dent Island in 1959.”
Postscript: The Dent Island Lighthouse, the first in the area, was erected in 1879. Automation was effected in 1983 and the lighthouse was demanned in 1987.
One of the graves in the accompanying photo is that of three-year-old Caroline Bliss, daughter of the then lighthouse keeper. She was buried on 3rd April 1885. The occupants of the other two graves are unknown.
Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and Reg Hatch. Photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.
In a powerful celebration of empathy, leadership, and community spirit, the B Kinder Foundation hosted its very first B Kinder High School Summit on 29 May 2025. Held at Proserpine State High School, the event brought together student leaders from Bowen State High School, Whitsunday Christian College, and St Catherine’s Catholic College.
Far from a typical school event, the summit was designed to inspire students to become agents of change within their schools and communities. Through a series of hands-on activities and guided reflections, students were asked a simple but profound question: “How can I make it better?” The answers that followed were thoughtful, courageous, and full of heart.
Facilitated by Jessi from Illuminate Education Australia, who flew in from Tasmania for the occasion, the summit marked a major milestone for the B Kinder foundation. Over the past seven years, this grassroots movement has evolved into a nationwide initiative, with its B Kinder school program now supporting student leaders across Australia. The program encourages students to roll out five kindness initiatives over the school year and participate in workshops and summits that promote compassionate leadership.
The following day, on 30 May, the Primary School Summit welcomed younger leaders from Whitsunday Christian College, Proserpine State School, and St Catherine’s Catholic College. Both events hosted around 80 students each.
These summits were more than just a day out and were a spark for lasting change. Students left energised, inspired, and ready to carry the message of kindness back into their schools and communities.
As the b kinder foundation continues to grow, events like these are embedding kindness into the heart of education.
Children at the primary summit on Friday
Children at the High School summit held on Thursday
b kinder foundation representative Mel Turner, Proserpine State High School Captains Callum Henry and Mia Vloedmans, Bowen State High School Captains An Nguyen and Brooke Jameson, Whitsunday Christian College School Captains Cody Love and Charlotte Adams, Director of Schools & Curriculum from illuminate Education Australia Jessi Mostogl.
Front: St Catherine's Catholic College students Isabella O'Sullivan and Domingo del Solar.
Frida the schools therapy dog helping out at the B Kinder event
Hi Everyone,
Whale season is here, and I’m eagerly awaiting the first sighting!
This is truly my favorite time of year, there’s nothing quite like watching them swim alongside their calves, and send plumes of spray into the sky.
To celebrate, I have had the idea to launch a fun new feature in Ruth2Reef called Whale Watch Weekly! If you capture a photo of one of these incredible whales, please send it to ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com. Your photo could be featured in an upcoming edition, with full credit to you, of course!
And if you come across any other inspiring or interesting environmental stories, I’d love to read those too, so please feel free to send them my way.
Happy whale watching,
Ruth
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The first humpback whales we are likely to see close to the islands are pregnant females or females with newborns.
Humpback mothers with calves spend as much of their time logging as possible.
Logging is a form of rest where humpback whales float motionless near the water's surface, much like a log.
They remain near the surface with their blowholes exposed to the air, allowing them to breathe.
Whales must remain conscious while sleeping to breathe. During this resting state, humpback whales shut down only one hemisphere of their brain at a time while the other remains active.
Mothers also spend time logging to conserve energy, because they are relying on their fat reserves to produce 600 litres of milk per day for her calf; until she returns to her feeding grounds in the Antarctic.
It’s important to be on the lookout for whales during the next couple of months, because logging whales can be extremely hard to see.
Last season there was an injured whale reported off Hamilton Island’s Qualia Resort.
It was a good news story. After watching her behaviour for a period of time I was pleased to report she was logging with her calf near her nose.
The first photo is logging behaviour. In the second photo she was no longer logging and has more of a hump.
Please report sick, injured or dead marine life on 1300 130 372
To find out more about special whale events and information on whales in the Whitsundays, join the WHALES OF THE WHITSUNDAYS Facebook page; or go to https://www.whitsundaymarine.org/projects
Contributed by Kellie Leonard, Master Reef Guide/Whales of the Whitsundays
A once-abandoned gold mine near Proserpine is drawing renewed attention after modern testing revealed the presence of a large, mineralised system, with only a small area explored to date.
The historic Dittmer Mine, discovered in 1934 and closed in 1951 after producing more than 54,000 ounces of gold, is being revived by Ballymore Resources. The company rekindled interest in the site last year after mapping and sampling unearthed several high-grade gold zones. Underground explorations have since reopened, alongside the launch of a 3,000-metre diamond drilling program.
Spanning 513 square kilometres, the broader exploration project has also received a $300,000 grant from the Queensland Government to support an 8,051 line kilometre aerial survey. The area includes multiple historic gold and copper prospects.
If mining proceeds, potential extraction methods would include cyanide leaching and flotation, with metallurgical tests confirming the ore is suitable for such processing. However, the prospect of renewed mining has raised environmental concerns among some local residents, particularly around water quality, road access, and impacts on native wildlife.
To address these concerns, Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm visited the Dittmer community recently to engage with residents and provide updates on the project's status. Approximately 60 locals attended the meeting, where Ms Camm emphasised her commitment to transparent communication and due process.
“The current application for development is sitting with the land court to make an independent decision. The hearing was held on the 6th of May and the court has six months to make a decision.”
Ms Camm reassured residents that their concerns would remain central to any decisions moving forward.
“I am committed to representing the priorities and concerns of the Dittmer community, while ensuring any potential development adheres to strict regulation and controls,” she said.
Once a decision is handed down, Ms Camm said she would consult with the relevant Minister to determine the next steps for the project.
The visit provided a platform for open dialogue between community members and government, with residents raising a range of concerns from environmental protections to infrastructure and local wildlife preservation.
As the process unfolds, both residents and project stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the Land Court’s decision will pave the way for Dittmer Mine’s next chapter or bring its revival to a halt.
Amanda Camm, speaks with Dittmer residents about the mine
Around 60 locals attended the meet
The Whitsundays will soon play host to one of Australia’s most respected economic voices.
David Robertson, Chief Economist at Bendigo Bank, is heading to Proserpine on Thursday, 10 July for a special community event – and everyone’s invited.
Known for his ability to make complex economic trends easy to understand, David’s engaging and down-to-earth style has earned him a strong following, including on his popular YouTube series.
With more than two decades at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and a career spanning senior roles at major financial institutions, David brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. At this free event, he’ll break down what’s really happening in the economy—from interest rates and employment trends to property values and the Australian dollar.
Hosted by Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, this is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from a leading expert about the financial forces shaping our country—and what it could all mean for local families, businesses, and the Whitsundays region.
Don’t miss out! Whether you’re a business owner, first homebuyer, retiree, or just curious about what’s ahead for the economy, this event is designed for everyone.
**What: Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chief Economist event
When: 7:30am–9am Friday, 11 July 2025
Where: Filby’s Motors, Proserpine
Registration: Free event, open to all. RSVP by Wednesday, 9 July via secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au
Can’t make it? David will be presenting at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce’s New Financial Year breakfast, 7:30am Tuesday, 8 July in Mackay. This special event is proudly sponsored by Community Bank Sarina, celebrating 20 years in the community this year.
**Over $211,500 Invested Back Into Our Region – and We're Just Getting Started!
For the past eight years, your locally owned Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine has proudly backed regional not-for-profits with more than $211,500 in support — and we’re not slowing down.
In 2025 alone, we’ve provided funding to local sporting clubs, community groups, and iconic regional events. You’ve probably seen our fully equipped BBQ Community Trailer firing up most weekends across the Whitsundays!
“Our profit-with-purpose model means the more our community banks with us, the more we can reinvest,” says Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman, Mark Henry. “It’s a cycle of support — when you back us, we back you.”
We’re proud to sponsor several exciting upcoming events — and we can’t wait to see you there!
Want Support for Your Next Event or Project? Apply Now!
Applications are now open for sponsorship funding and use of our popular Community BBQ Trailer. With limited funds available and high demand, it’s a competitive process — so make sure your application stands out!
To learn more and grab an application form, contact our Board Secretariat at secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au
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On Thursday, I had the privilege of welcoming guests to our Shute Harbour Marine Terminal to mark World Environment Day—a powerful reminder of why we must protect what makes our region so special.
As the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, our Whitsundays is one of the most ecologically significant places in the world. From our reef to our rainforest, we’re not just caretakers of the environment—we’re leaders in sustainable tourism.
Thursday’s event brought together environmental leaders, tourism operators, and community changemakers to focus not just on ideas, but on action.
A highlight was celebrating the launch of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Whitsunday Coast Airport—a major milestone in our region’s sustainability journey.
We were honoured to have Fiona Walmsley, General Manager of Sustainability, in attendance from Virgin Australia, and she shared their commitment to greener skies.
The adoption of SAF aligns perfectly with our region’s legacy of biodiversity protection and low-impact tourism. But none of it would be possible without strong partnerships—between Council, industry, and the operators who understand that our economic and environmental futures are intertwined.
Whether it’s sustainable aviation, reef-safe tourism, or grassroots green initiatives, we are united by the belief that tourism can and must be a force for good.
Thanks to QTIC for choosing the Whitsundays to host the event, our industry partners for their continued leadership, and every single person who came to listen, to share, and to act.
Together, we are creating a more resilient, sustainable Whitsundays—because our environment deserves nothing less.
Coral Sea Marina’s Kate Purdie, SeaLink Whitsundays’ Julie Telford, Whitsunday Transit’s Candice Crossley and Whitsunday Family Dental’s Alice Harriott are officially ‘Dancing Queens’ after raising nearly a quarter-of-a-million dollars for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) at Brisbane’s City Hall on Saturday night.
Representing the Whitsundays as the region’s inaugural team of ‘Dancing CEOs’, these four women stepped out on stage not just to dance but also to shine a spotlight on the issue of domestic violence, and ultimately to benefit the thousands of women and children impacted by it each year, who turn to WLSQ for help.
Raising a staggering $238,734 of the $877,000 total – and beating Brisbane’s ‘Team Joanne Fricker and Lauren Holland’ to the top of the leaderboard by a mere $1,790 – the Whitsundays team was not only crowned Dancing CEOs’ 2025 Fundraising Champions but also won the Community Awareness Award.
Julie Telford said going into the event, they’d had three goals, all of which were met by that result.
“One was to raise as much money as possible for the vulnerable women and children in our communities and across our state, the majority of whom we will never meet, but whose hardships have touched our hearts,” she said.
“Next was to expose domestic violence for what it really is; to bring the issue out from behind closed doors, where we can challenge it as a community,” she continued.
“And finally, we wanted to have fun with the experience and bring our friends, families, and wonderful, generous, caring community along for the ride.”
Kate Purdie said none of those goals could have been reached without significant support.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Whitsunday community and the local businesses who have supported us,” she said.
Swapping their company roles for new personas as sea sirens for the night, the ladies’ performance was as much about fun as it was philanthropy, showcasing their individual and group dynamic, and capturing the essence of the Whitsundays as Queensland’s premier destination at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
The routine was choreographed by Che Pritchard from Brisbane’s Mad Dance House and coached locally by Chez O’Brien from Proserpine’s Chez’s House of Dance.
Alice Harriott said the dance had been modified when the team was just three months into rehearsals, due to a serious knee injury she sustained while skiing.
“I was determined to be on that stage in some capacity or another and am extremely grateful to have fulfilled that wish, but to my mind the challenges I faced in making that happen paled into insignificance by comparison to those faced by the women and children I was there to dance for,” she said.
Candice Crossley, who recruited her team-mates those many months ago, echoed these sentiments.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to dance together for the women and children of Queensland affected by domestic violence.” she said.
The entire team also acknowledged the considerable contribution made by their mentor Katelyn Aslett-Collins, a WLSQ Ambassador and Dancing CEOs alumni, whose dedication to the cause has been unwavering throughout.
For more information and to see event photos and video by the Whitsundays’ ‘Riptide Creative’, follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook Page.
This month, we meet Chamber members Jen and Doug O’Connor of Option Insurance Brokers—a new Whitsundays-based business offering personalised insurance solutions for businesses and individuals across Australia.
Established in 2024, Option Insurance Brokers provides tailored cover across all major insurance types, including business packages, liability, commercial motor, professional indemnity, cyber, home and contents, landlord and more. Drawing on over a decade of industry experience in both corporate and boutique brokerages, Jen and Doug set out to create a brokerage that reflects their core values: authenticity, transparency, and genuine service.
“Our motivation was to simplify insurance and make it accessible – cutting through the jargon to give clients peace of mind,” said Jen. “We take the time to understand each client’s circumstances and match them with the right protection.”
As the broader insurance market shifts toward digital convenience, Option Insurance Brokers is embracing a different trend—personalised, human-centred service. With rising premiums, more frequent natural disasters, and increasing policy complexity, the demand for trusted guidance and advocacy is stronger than ever.
Launching a new brand in a competitive industry has been their biggest challenge, but Jen and Doug are rising to it by building strong community relationships, maintaining a strong online presence, and ensuring every client experience leads to word-of-mouth referrals. They also remain agile, constantly reviewing the market to keep cover options competitive and relevant.
Their top tips for fellow business owners include:
Build relationships, not just a client list – Trust drives referrals.
Don’t wait for perfect – Start something, then improve it.
Know your numbers – Financial clarity enables growth.
Jen and Doug value being active Chamber members, saying, “"Being part of the Chamber connects us with supportive local businesses, providing community, collaboration, and resources that have helped us grow. We love the sense of community and the shared drive to see small businesses succeed in our region.”
Jen and Doug O’Connor of Option Insurance Brokers. Photos supplied
The Whitsundays is celebrating a historic milestone in its tourism industry, with over 120 local businesses across the region recognised in the 2025 Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP). This record-breaking achievement cements the Whitsundays’ status as one of Queensland’s premier tourism destinations, showcasing the region’s diverse offerings and commitment to delivering world-class visitor experiences.
From boutique accommodations and exciting tours to unique attractions, delicious food and drink, and essential transport services, the honoured businesses represent the full spectrum of the Whitsundays’ vibrant tourism landscape. The BOQEP’s rigorous, independent assessment process evaluates businesses on customer feedback, digital presence, regional tourism membership, and formal accreditation — ensuring only the highest quality experiences earn the prestigious Best of Queensland stamp.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth praised the exceptional achievement:
“Tourism Whitsundays has seen a record level of businesses achieve BoQ status in 2025 which is a huge credit to the tourism businesses in the Whitsundays and a key reason for the ongoing success of the region. Well done to all of the operators that have achieved Best of Queensland this year.”
The Best of Queensland Experience Program is a joint initiative led by Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership with Queensland’s Regional Tourism Organisations, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The BOQEP stamp serves as a trusted mark of excellence, guiding visitors to the region’s top-quality tourism experiences and reinforcing the Whitsundays’ reputation as a must-visit destination for travellers from near and far.
As the cooler months settle in, mid-winter is the perfect time to give your home a thorough deep clean. Beyond the usual dusting and vacuuming, focusing on upholstery, concrete surfaces, and rugs can transform your space into a fresh, healthy haven. Here are some expert tips to get started:
Ready for a complete mid-winter deep clean? Call the experts at Protect and Sanitise on 0406 039 486 for professional upholstery, rug cleaning, and more. Let them help you refresh your home safely and effectively!
Did you Know?
This Friday 6 June is Queensland Day! Join us for a free community event at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 4pm as we celebrate all things maroon!
There’s something for everyone; free activities and facepainting for kids, market stalls, Aussie animal encounters, live music, circus shows, food vans and free lamingtons!
As the celebrations outside draw to a close, stick around for a special cinema screening of Crocodile Dundee – The Encore Cut at 7.30pm (tickets sold separately).
For more information, head to Council’s website.
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Over the weekend, seven members of our team proudly represented Life Publishing Group at the Queensland Country Press Awards (QCPA) in Brisbane.
We were absolutely thrilled when our publications each took home an award — Mackay and Whitsunday Life earned gold for Marketing Campaign of the Year, Burdekin Life received silver for Best ROP Feature, and our talented cadet journalist Victoria Velton was awarded bronze for Young Journalist of the Year for her powerful coverage of the floods in Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper.
It was truly heartwarming to see every one of our papers recognised. Even more special was knowing that each person in our team played a vital role in producing award-winning work. From our dedicated sales team brainstorming creative campaigns and diligently securing advertising, to the graphic designers and production crew bringing each issue to life with style and flair; from the journalists crafting stories filled with impact and heart, to our tireless distributors ensuring every paper reaches the community — this is a collective achievement we all share.
I feel deeply honoured to work alongside such incredible people every day.
During the awards dinner — a grand event with over 100 fellow newspaper professionals — I was caught by surprise when the Emcee mentioned a familiar name: Peter Lewis. Could this be the Peter Lewis from the Proserpine Guardian?
As I pondered approaching his table at the front, a small woman with short brown hair suddenly appeared nearby.
“Are you lot from the Whitsundays?” she asked.
We nodded, and within seconds, a warm connection was made. Peter Lewis is a true local newspaper legend. He and his wife Cynthia purchased the Proserpine Guardian in 1972. The paper, first established in 1904, sadly closed its doors in September 2014.
Peter began working at the paper in 1960, a year after his father bought it. Starting as a compositor — a typesetter — he recalled how back then you quickly learned every aspect of the trade. The Proserpine office was a traditional printer’s house, and I fondly remember Peter giving me a proud tour there 13 years ago.
Fast forward to the present, and we reconnected at the awards. I hadn’t realised before that Peter is a Life Member of QCPA and even served as its President during the 1980s. Meeting Peter and Cynthia at the awards night was an absolute honour. Their story reminds me of the enduring nature of our craft — how regional journalism transcends generations and continues to enrich our culture.
Thank you, Cynthia, for seeking out the ‘Whitsunday Table,’ and thank you, Peter, for your decades of dedication in keeping the flame of local journalism burning bright for the Whitsundays. We are proud to carry that baton forward, and look forward to doing so alongside you both for many years to come.
From one Editor to another — thank you for helping keep regional print media alive.
Living on the picturesque Hayman Island hasn’t stopped Hang Nguyen from chasing her dream of working in early childhood education. The dedicated student is currently completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) through TAFE Queensland, which she studies online to suit her unique island-based lifestyle.
“I do my course online because I am based on Hayman,” Hang explained.
Hang said that she likes the flexibility of doing the course online, but most she enjoys what the course covers.
The TAFE Queensland course covers a range of skills, including activity planning, multicultural awareness, teamwork, and behavioural strategies, all of which have left a lasting impression on Hang.
“My favourite thing in my course is seeing how the children grow up at that age, and how to teach them new things,” she said.
Hang also works at the local school on Hayman Island and travels to the mainland to complete her practical placement at a childcare service. The hands-on component, she says, is another favourite part of the course.
“I like being with the children, they have a lot of different ideas, you will never think about it but when they say it, it gives us a different angle to look at it.”
Her passion lies in caring for children from six months to six years old, and she finds the early years particularly rewarding. She likes how TAFE Queensland has structured the course and what they teach.
“I’ve learned a lot of different things, how you organise activities for the kids, how you look after them, for babies how you feed them, how you settle them down and when they are upset how to calm them down,” she added.
With over a year of study under her belt, Hang is looking forward to completing her qualification and hopes to continue working in the childcare industry, potentially at the centre where she is currently working.
“It’s a very nice place there and very supportive.”
Hang’s journey is a testament to the flexibility of online education and the power of passion, especially when combined with the peaceful surroundings of island life.
Hang’s journey highlights how the flexibility of online education and personal passion can thrive at TAFE Queensland.
Locals are in for a treat with an upcoming Gin and Food Pairing Event that promises to celebrate regional flavours through a unique collaboration between a local venue and boutique 74 Islands Distillery
Set just a few weeks away, the event will feature six carefully matched dishes, created by chefs from both Club Whitsunday and 74 Islands Distillery, paired with four gins, two vodkas, and two cocktails crafted with 74 Islands spirits. The distillery, located just up the hill from Club Whitsunday, produces both dry and botanical gins, distilled using traditional and rainwater methods, as well as smooth locally made vodka.
“This is our first food and drink pairing event, and we really wanted to partner with someone local,” said Club Whitsunday General Manager Josh Prowse.
“Guests will enjoy food and drinks designed to complement each other, plus a cocktail finale featuring custom recipes from 74 Islands’ bar manager.”
Bookings are already rolling in, with strong early interest and Josh is looking forward to the event.
Tickets are priced at $120 offering a full evening of food, drinks, and a celebration of local produce. Josh said that nobody will leave the event hungry or thirsty and it’s a great opportunity to have a high quality afternoon while supporting two local businesses.
Bookings are essential and can be made via the QR code on the event flyer.
WHAT: Botanical Bites
WHERE: Club Whitsunday
WHEN: Saturday 14 June (3pm – 5pm)
74 Island's Distillery will be partnering with Club Whitsunday for this event. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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