The Whitsundays is off to a flying start in 2025, breaking records left, right, and centre!

In just two months, The Whitsundays has welcomed 27 cruise ships, bringing over 66,000 passengers to our region. Around 52,000 of them have stepped off to soak up the sun, explore Airlie Beach and beyond and support local businesses. And it’s not slowing down—another 13 cruise ships are set to arrive in March, proving The Whitsundays is a must-stop destination for cruise lovers.

Whitsunday Coast Airport has smashed records of its own, with over 50,000 passengers passing through in January - its busiest month ever! With direct flights connecting us to major cities and even more routes on the horizon, it’s never been easier to visit our slice of paradise.

More visitors mean more buzz, more business and more love for our beautiful region - we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.

Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

‍

Hi Everyone,

For the past decade,I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Life Publishing Groupfamily. When I first joined, we were printing two bi-monthlymagazines. Fast forward to today, and we now produce four weeklynewspapers alongside those same two magazines.

It’s been anincredible journey—one filled with growth, determination, breakingbarriers, and plenty of laughter along the way. We've embraced everychallenge, thinking outside the box, and smashing stereotypes atevery turn. What a wild ride it’s been!

This week, however,marks a significant moment for the company. My mentor, my hero, myguiding force, and the woman who has championed me since day one—BecDouthwaite—is about to embark on her own adventure with herhusband, our beloved ‘paper delivery boy,’ Douth.

The two of them areventuring overseas where they will be taking an extended vacation tothe UK, to spend quality time with family.

To say we’ll missthem both is an understatement. While Bec will continue to be a partof the business, offering advice and mentorship whenever we need it,the thought of them being thousands of miles away is hard to grasp.

Amidst all thischange, however, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s ahead.Over the past year, Bec has stepped away from the day-to-dayoperations of the business, and I’ve had the privilege of leadingthe team under her mentorship.

So, even thoughshe’s been just down the road, in many ways, I’ve already beenstepping into the role I’m now about to officially take on—leadingthe company.

It’s with greatpride and humility that I accept this position, and I want to extendmy heartfelt thanks to both Bec and Douth for placing their trust inme.

I know this businessis like a second child to you (and it is to me as well!), and Ipromise to treat it with the same care and dedication, working hardto make you both proud.

For our readers,I’ll still be based in the Whitsundays and will continue to overseethis newspaper closely. I am, however, also responsible for our otherpublications, traveling across the regions each month. This meanssome of our talented cadet journalists will have the opportunity toshine in the Editor’s note from time to time.

As the companyenters a new chapter, I want to take a moment to wish Bec and Douththe most incredible time overseas. We’ve shared so many wonderfulmemories, and I’m sure there are many more to come! When you’reready to return, we’ll all be here, eagerly waiting to welcome youback.

Rach

Quote of the Week:“Only those who dare, truly live” Ruth P Freedman

‍

Did you know that from 1 January 2025, intentionally underpaying an employee’s wages or entitlements can be a criminal offence? This doesn’t include honest mistakes.

The Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code Declaration 2024 (the Code) came into effect at the beginning of the year, alongside Australia’s new federal wage theft laws.

The Code provides small businesses (those with fewer than 15 employees) with a framework to avoid prosecution for underpayments that occur unintentionally. It highlights the critical need for small businesses to take a proactive approach to wage compliance.

While participation in the code is voluntary, non-compliance with wage laws, including adherence to industry awards, carries significant risks.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has the authority to impose substantive civil penalties for breaches whether known or unknown – including hefty fines, back-pay orders, possible imprisonment, and reputational damage.

To safeguard your business, it’s essential to:

regularly review payroll systems,
ensure all wages and entitlements align with industry awards and legal standards, and
maintain accurate, up-to-date records.
Proactively addressing compliance not only minimises the risk of penalties but also strengthens trust with your employees and demonstrates your commitment to fair and lawful practices.

Don’t wait for an issue to arise—take action now to ensure your business is fully compliant. If you need guidance Chamber member, Mark Lipkin from The Airlie Group, offers members 1-hour free consultations on industrial relations. Contact Mark today at mark@airliegroup.com.au

For more information, see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/compliance-and-enforcement/criminal-prosecution/voluntary-small-business-wage-compliance-code

‍

Hi everyone!

Last weekend was Clean Up Australia Day, and it was fantastic to see so many wonderful organisations doing their bit to keep the beautiful Whitsundays clean.

I had the chance to visit Coral Sea Marina and witness firsthand the incredible amount of rubbish collected by volunteers.

It is heartwarming to see communities and businesses coming together for such an important cause. Back in Sydney, I often took part in scuba diving clean-ups where we removed rubbish from the ocean floor. I even once found a shopping trolley with an eel living inside.

I am currently working on my Advanced Open Water qualification and cannot wait to continue progressing in scuba diving. I am especially excited about getting involved in more environmental projects, including hopefully earning my shark and coral reef conservation specialities.

Happy reading!

Ruth

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
― Dr Jane Goodall

‍

By Ruth Puddefoot

Plunging into the ocean’s depths, you might be fortunate enough to encounter a Moray Eel. Known for their fierce appearance and impressive diversity, these fascinating creatures captivate divers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Beyond their striking looks, Moray Eels play a vital role as apex predators in coral reef ecosystems. Inhabiting warm, reef-rich waters, they help maintain ecological balance by preying on fish, crabs, shrimp, squid, octopuses, and even scavenging weakened or dead organisms.

Moray eels are as remarkable as their hunting technique. Expertly camouflaged within the reef, they lie in wait before launching a swift ambush. Equipped with specialised jaws and razor-sharp teeth, they can tear into prey or crush it with ease. While not typically dangerous to humans, they do pack a nasty bite. Their presence even influences the distribution of other reef species, including sharks, underscoring the intricate dynamics of marine food webs.

Although not currently classified as threatened, Moray Eels face growing risks from human activities. Conservation initiatives, such as marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices, are crucial to safeguarding their habitats and ensuring their populations thrive for generations to come.

Fast Fact: Moray Eels can grow up to a staggering 1.5 metres

‍

It is easy to see Whitsunday Islands and surrounding fringing reefs as static and unchanging. But that is not true, as slow, gradual changes often go unnoticed. Over time these changes may become accepted as the status quo, the way things have always been. This phenomenon is called shifting baseline syndrome.

Shifting baseline describes a gradual change in our accepted norms and expectations for the environment across generations. Unfortunately, our tolerance for environmental degradation increases and our expectations for the natural world are lowered.

Our Whitsunday Island coral reefs are a classic example. Only 50 years ago, the quality and abundance of coral and fish was significantly better than today. As well, the water clarity, on average, was much better. But over time, the reefs have deteriorated due to poor water quality, crown-of-thorns starfish, cyclones, coral bleaching and other impacts.

But people experiencing the island reefs for the first time today would accept what they see as the norm. For the most part, today’s visitors are happy with what they see because they don’t know any better, and that is sad.

This example shows how shifting baselines affect our perception and acceptance of the state of the natural world. In truth similar changes are occurring all around us.

The consequences of shifting baseline syndrome are dire and include an increased tolerance for progressive environmental degradation, changes in people's expectations as to what is a desirable (worth protecting) state of the natural environment, and the establishment and use of inappropriate baselines for nature conservation, restoration, and management.

Now the real challenge is to look beyond the current status quo. We need to move the clock back and help rebuild the natural environment.

You can fight the growing Shifting Baseline Syndrome and help rebuild our natural environment by supporting conservation organisations, reducing our carbon footprint, participating in citizen science activities, supporting only sustainable businesses and industries, and raising awareness. Together, we can help reduce the relentless decline of the environment and provide current and future generations with a more stable baseline of what the world should be.

‍

Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

‍

Healthy Reef

Unhealthy Reef

‍

By Ruth Puddefoot

Cleaning up the coastline is no small task, but it’s one that the Whitsundays community is eager to take on. On Sunday, March 2nd, Coral Sea Marina became the heart of action for the annual Clean Up Australia Day event. Volunteers, fuelled by a shared passion for preserving the region’s pristine coastline, came together to make a real difference.

In partnership with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation and the ReefClean program, they tackled the shoreline, collecting litter with dedication and teamwork. But the effort didn’t stop there – after the hard work of gathering the debris, it was sorted and cataloged for the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI).

This crucial data helps track pollution sources and drives forward innovative strategies to reduce waste, ensuring that the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Volunteers gathered at Meeting Point D, Coral Sea Marina at 8:30 am on Sunday, equipped with gloves and collection bags. After the clean-up, they learned about the impacts of marine debris and ways to protect the oceans.

A total of 61 volunteers collected an incredible 250.5 kg of waste from Airlie Beach over the morning.

‍

As Mayor, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the strength, resilience, and contributions of women across the Whitsundays.

From business owners to community leaders, volunteers to frontline workers, women are at the heart of what makes our region thrive. However, while we have made great strides toward gender equality, there is still work to be done.

Saturday, March 8 marks International Women’s Day 2025, a day to celebrate the achievements of women while acknowledging that progress towards gender equality must move faster.

This year’s theme, "Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality," highlights the urgency of breaking down systemic barriers and biases that still exist.

At the current rate, full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158—five generations from now. That’s simply too long. We need to step forward in solidarity and #AccelerateAction to create real, lasting change.

I am proud that within Council and within our Whitsundays community, we’ve made great strides. Two of our past four Whitsunday Regional Council Mayors have been women, and many senior positions in Council are held by talented female leaders.

This is proof that when given the opportunity, women excel. But equality isn’t just about leadership—it’s about ensuring every woman in our region has the safety, economic security, and opportunities she deserves.

One of the most effective ways to advance gender equality is to identify what works and do more of it, faster. Whether that’s increasing support for women in business, advocating for safer communities, or addressing the gender pay gap, acting now will shape a stronger future for all

Change happens when communities, businesses, and governments work together. In the Whitsundays, we are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we also know there is more to do.

Together, let’s #AccelerateAction to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.

To all the women in our region: we see you, we support you, and we stand with you.

‍

Compared to many other parts of the world, the waters of the Whitsundays are quite benign. The many islands and their mountain peaks provide prominent landmarks to guide vessels safely around the numerous hazards that potentially exist. However, for a variety of reasons such as bad weather, carelessness and outdated charts in the past, there have been victims over that last two centuries.

Previous editions of this paper have related the stories of the “Heroine”, SS “Llewellyn”, “Valetta” and the Whaler tragedy. This week’s story describes the fortunes, or should we say the misfortunes, of the “Veleiro”, a Portuguese Barque under the command of Captain Lorenzo Fullaondo, which left Port Douglas on January 20, 1880, bound for Melbourne and carrying a cargo of cedar.

Eleven days into her journey, as she sailed in the Whitsunday area, she encountered what the ship’s notes described as “boisterous weather”. Endeavouring to reach Pioneer Point for shelter, she struck Pioneer Rock and held fast, though taking water badly.

The decision was made to abandon ship and the captain and his eleven crew took to two boats and headed for Bowen. Upon their safe arrival, enquiries into the incident were difficult – none of the crew spoke English and no one in Bowen spoke Portuguese!

The ship remained fast on Pioneer Rock but subsequent to a report from Captain Lake of the “Katoomba” that she had disappeared, the government cutter from Bowen was despatched to the scene only to find that the “Veleiro” was still on the rock. Perhaps it was the hazy weather that had misled Captain Lake.

The vessel had, however, been stripped of everything moveable. It was evident to the crew of the cutter that the “Veleiro” was so firmly wedged that she was destined to stay there until she fell apart.

On March 8, prominent Bowen merchant and importer, Donald Millar, sent three men to the scene in his boat “The Frenchman”, and they camped on Pioneer Point until the salvage was to be completed. During the next few days, the men boarded the wreck several times but on March 11, in a severe rip around the rock, the punt in which the men approached the wreck capsized and one of the men, Harry Martin, was drowned. His body was never found. Martin had been one of a party which carried out one of the earliest surveys of the Proserpine River in 1879.

It is unclear as to whether the cargo of cedar was recovered but the “Port Denison Times” (July 30 1881) reported that a man had been sent to the wreck to burn it. It is most likely, therefore, that the cedar was recovered. Burning of a wreck was usual practice as this facilitated removal of metal fittings and also removed the hulk to avoid investigation by passing vessels.

Survey charts of Port Molle from HMS “Alert” following her visit two months earlier in May 1881 had shown the wreck still on Pioneer Rock but it seems it must have been shifted in its entirety in one way or another. No doubt the strong currents would have carried it away quite rapidly. Divers who have investigated the area around Pioneer Rock say that there are no recognisable remains.

And so, another vessel was despatched to a watery grave – somewhere!

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information sourced from Ray Blackwood’s article “Coastline Calling” August 1990.

‍

Map showing Pioneer Point

‍

Locally owned and operated, Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is seeking passionate individuals to join its paid Board of Directors. This is your chance to contribute to a unique "profit-with-a-purpose" model, where local profits directly benefit the community.

"Like our sponsored organisations, our Board is driven by people who are passionate about our community and who value the knowledge, passion and dedication it takes to run the many community organisations," explains Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.

The Bendigo Community Bank ‘profit-with-a-purpose’ model is unique and sees a percentage of the profits generated by the Bank branch invested back into the community.

Since its 2012 inception, backed by $800,000 from local shareholders, the branch has supported many Whitsundays community groups and given back over $200,000 to the local community.

"We thank our shareholders and past and present directors for their dedication over the last 12 years and we look forward to being part of the community for many more to come," says Mr Henry.

Board members play a crucial role in strategic planning and community investment.

Are you interested in influencing sponsorship decisions, making a tangible local impact, developing your leadership skills, or simply sharing your expertise?

If so, the Board encourages your nomination.

The bank seeks diverse individuals with skills in strategy, finance, legal, community engagement, and marketing to strengthen its team. This is an opportunity to contribute to a successful, locally owned branch, part of a network of 322 community banks nationwide.

For a confidential conversation about Board member role, responsibilities, and expectations please contact the Chair of the Board, Mark Henry, via email chair@whitsundaycel.com.au by Monday, March 31, 2025.

‍

Barefoot Medicine is more than just a doctor’s surgery. It is a place where exceptional care meets compassion. At the heart of its success are the dedicated nurse practitioners whose expertise and commitment make every patient feel valued and cared for.

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced Registered Nurse with specialised skills, expertise, and the authority to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions across all ages. With additional university-level training at the master's degree level, NPs are equipped with the highest level of clinical independence in the healthcare system.

The title "Nurse Practitioner" was officially introduced in 2000 and is exclusively used by those endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Currently, only about 3,000 individuals in Australia hold this prestigious status.

National practice standards ensure that Nurse Practitioners deliver exceptional, patient-centered care while also playing a pivotal role in clinical research, education, leadership, and the advancement of healthcare services.

Nurse Practitioners offer a wide range of services, including the ability to provide patient rebates through Medicare, prescribe medications, access PBS medicines, refer patients to hospitals and specialists, and order diagnostic tests like x-rays. They are an integral part of the healthcare team, collaborating closely with a range of professionals, from GPs to physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and more.

At Barefoot Medicine, we're proud to have two exceptional Nurse Practitioners ready to serve the Whitsunday community. While not GPs, they offer comprehensive healthcare services, assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients just like a GP, and are always here to help you with your health needs.

One of Barefoot’s dedicated Nurse Practitioners, Brett Johnson, shared insights into his role.

“While Nurse Practitioners don’t enjoy the same clinical scope of practice of general practitioners, we are able to prescribe most drugs under the PBS, we can order x-rays and ultrasounds and can refer to medical specialists.”

Barefoot’s other Nurse Practitioner, Rachel Jakeman explained how being a nurse practitioner allows them to offer a different approach to what a GP may provide.

"As nurses, we tend to assess people a bit differently, taking a more holistic approach and looking at the full picture. That unique nursing perspective, combined with our skill set, can be a real asset."

“While it is a new role, and people aren’t used to seeing nurse practitioners, individuals don’t always know what we can do or our skillset.

"If there's ever a situation where I feel unsure or believe something is outside of my scope of practice, I would handle it like a GP would. I would refer the patient to the appropriate specialist, for instance, if I thought my GP colleagues could provide insight, I would consult with them. However, if I felt a specialist's expertise was needed, I would make the necessary referral."

With the ongoing shortage of GPs in Australia, Nurse Practitioners are increasingly recognised as an excellent alternative. While they differ from GPs, Nurse Practitioners are highly skilled and fully capable of addressing your medical needs with expertise and care.

‍

Rachel Jakeman and Brett Johnson, the two Nurse Practitioners at Barefoot Medicine in Cannonvale. Photo credit: R Jean Photography

‍

By Ruth Puddefoot

Australia is famous for its rich and diverse wildlife, and the Whitsundays are no exception, home to several rare and endangered species.

Hopping into the picture, the Proserpine Rock Wallaby is one of the Whitsundays’ most intriguing native animals, found exclusively in the region’s rainforests and on Hayman Island.

The Proserpine Rock Wallaby is larger than similar species, but it is still an extremely small animal, with the larger of males only growing to 60 centimetres in length and weighing 9 kilograms.

The Proserpine Rock Wallabies live in elevated rocky outcrops found scattered throughout the deciduous rainforest. Experts have found that often the wallabies perfer foothills near open woodland and during dry season they move closer to the forest edge to graze on grass.

The Proserpine Rock Wallaby is a shy, nocturnal creature that quickly retreats into rocky shelters when disturbed. Its light brown or grey fur provides excellent camouflage, making it difficult to spot.

Proserpine rock-wallabies are primary consumers that opportunistically feed on plants. On Hayman Island, they have previously competed for food with feral goats, which have been successfully eradicated.

Sadly, habitat loss, fragmentation, and introduced species like dogs, cats and toxic weeds are all major threats to its survival.

Conservation efforts for the Proserpine Rock Wallaby include restricting development in key habitats and installing road reflectors to reduce collisions. However, feral dogs remain a major threat, as pet ownership persists. Despite ongoing measures, the species' future remains uncertain as the Whitsundays continue to grow and prosper.

If you're fortunate enough to live near Proserpine rock-wallaby habitat, you can support species recovery by replacing toxic plants with native ones in your garden, preventing domestic animals from escaping your yard, staying wildlife-conscious while driving by adhering to speed limits, and protecting populations on private land through Nature Conservation Agreements and Nature Refuges.

Fast Fact: The Proserpine Rock-wallaby is social and lives in groups of around 20 or more.

‍

Say hello to Sarge, the lovable pup who’s ready to win your heart! Recently rescued after being abandoned with his brother, Sarge is a sweet and well-adjusted boy with a personality that will melt anyone’s heart. He’s an absolute dream of a puppy, with the perfect balance of playfulness and calm.

Sarge is an extremely quick learner, already mastering commands like "sit," "stay," and "drop." His eagerness to please makes him a breeze to train!

While Sarge loves to follow you around, he is also a bit of a lazy boy who enjoys snuggling up on the couch for a cosy nap.

Not only does Sarge listen well, but he doesn’t jump or try to escape. He’s content with his own spot to relax, and he’s even unfazed by his current neighbours’ free-roaming chickens!

Sarge is the ultimate companion — loyal, loving, and always eager to please. If you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate pup to add to your family, Sarge might be the perfect match for you!

Ready to meet this adorable boy? Sarge can’t wait to find his forever home!

Adopt Sarge today and let him bring endless love and joy into your life.

Rehoming fee: $400
Breed: Great Dane X
Sex: Male
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 6ft

‍

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than with a rich, indulgent Irish stout pudding? We've got the ultimate recipe to make your celebration even more delicious!

Ingredients

• 6 ounces unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup Guinness Stout
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 large eggs
• pinch kosher salt
• 6 ounces dark chocolate chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter 5-7 ramekins (I used ½ cup ramekins and got 7 pudding cakes; if using larger ramekins, you'll have fewer). Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet.
2. In a small saucepan, combine butter and molasses. Melt the butter over low heat, stirring until fully melted.
3. Bring the Guinness to a boil over medium heat and simmer until reduced to ⅓ cup, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Add the chocolate, sugar, vanilla, and salt to the melted butter, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually mix in the chocolate mixture and stir until fully combined. Then, add the reduced Guinness and mix.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins and place them on the middle rack of the oven.
7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to crack, while the center remains soft and shiny.
8. Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce.
9. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little fleur de sel on top if desired.

Happy St Patricks Day!

Recipe credit: whatagirleats.com/

‍

In the tranquil landscapes of the Whitsundays, one photographer is making waves with her vibrant approach to photography. Specialising in family portraits, intimate weddings, and couples’ shoots, her work emphasizes the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, offering clients more than just photographs but memorable moments they can treasure forever.

Lucy's journey into photography began when her time as a model inspired what began as a hobby in 2014, blossoming into a full-fledged career upon her relocation to the Whitsundays. Lucy honed her skills through hands-on experience and mentorship, proving that passion and drive can go a long way.

Her highlights are the importance of client-centred shoots as she aims to provide not just a service but a shared experience. She describes her style as bright and colourful, echoing the landscapes of the Whitsundays, and always works with clients to select locations that reflect their personalities and preferences. Whether it’s a sunset beach shoot or a couple’s surprise proposal, Lucy ensures that every session captures authentic, meaningful moments.

Lucy remains deeply humble and motivated by her passion for photography. Her most rewarding project to date was capturing the majestic beauty of whales in the wild, an experience that cemented her desire to pursue wildlife and underwater photography. In the near future, Lucy hopes to expand her portfolio into these areas.

Lucy encourages everyone to reach out to her through her website: storiesinlight.com.au, or social media platforms for a fun, relaxed photoshoot experience. With an eye for detail and a love for capturing nature’s beauty, Lucy is carving out a distinctive niche in the world of photography, one beautiful shot at a time.

‍