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Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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No matter where you live in the Whitsundays, you should feel like your Council is delivering for your community. That's something my fellow Councillors and I are committed to, whether it's a major infrastructure project or smaller improvements that make everyday life a little better.
From Bowen to Collinsville, Proserpine to Airlie Beach, and our smaller rural communities, every town has its own character, its own priorities and its own story. Our job as a Council is to make sure we're delivering for all of them.
I was delighted to see the new Dingo Beach Swimming Enclosure completed after being rebuilt following Tropical Cyclone Kirrily. It's more than just a swimming enclosure to the Dingo Beach residents as it's a much-loved community asset that'sbeen bringing families together for generations.
What's even more special is that the original enclosure was built by local residents back in the 1960s using tea tree branches and netting. That community spirit is still alive today, with more than 600 people providing feedback that helped shape the design of the new enclosure through consultation.
The swimming enclosure is just one of several projects currently underway across the Gloucester community. The Gloucester Avenue road upgrade is progressing well, delivering safer access and improved drainage, while construction of the new Gloucester Trail will soon provide a beautiful walking connection between Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay.
These projects might seem small when compared with some of our major regional investments, but they're every bit as important. They improve everyday life, make our communities more connected and help showcase some of the most beautiful parts of the Whitsundays.
Whether we're delivering housing-enabling infrastructure in Cannonvale, Proserpine and Bowen, building new community hubs in Cannonvale and Collinsville, or investing in communities like Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay, our commitment is the same—to ensure every corner of the Whitsunday Region shares in the benefits of Council investment.
Because strong communities aren't measured by their size. They're measured by the pride people have in the place they call home, and that's something worth investing in.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry is inviting businesses from across the region to step out of the workplace and into the inaugural Chamber Games 2026.
Taking place from 3:00pm–5:00pm on Thursday 27th August at Club Whitsunday, the Chamber Games is a new community event celebrating teamwork, participation, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.
Open to businesses, community groups, and individuals, the Games will see teams of four rotate through a series of fun, accessible challenges inspired by local sporting clubs. No specialist skills or sporting experience are needed – just a willingness to have a go.
The event follows the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference, but attendance at the Conference is not required. Whether you're joining us after the Conference or simply coming along for the Games, everyone is welcome.
Teams will compete for the Gold Medal Team and the inaugural Chamber Games Perpetual Trophy, along with Silver and Bronze medals and the Best Dressed Team Award.
Whitsundays Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Chamber Games was created to encourage businesses to celebrate the importance of teamwork in a fun and inclusive way.
"Strong businesses are built on strong teams. The Chamber Games is an opportunity to bring colleagues together, support our local sporting community and enjoy an afternoon that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's about participation, encouragement and having fun together."
Don't have a team of four? No problem. If you're keen to take part but need teammates, get in touch with the Chamber and we'll do our best to connect you with others looking to join a team.
With team entry just $20 for a team of four, it's an affordable way to celebrate your workplace, build team spirit and enjoy an afternoon of fun.
So gather your colleagues, choose a team name, wear your colours, bring your cheer squad, and get ready to take on the challenge.
Registrations are now open. We'd love to see businesses from across the Whitsundays represented on the field when the inaugural Chamber Games gets underway on 27th August.
Event Details
What: Chamber Games 2026
When: 3pm-5pm Thursday 27th August
Where: Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach
Register: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/2026-chamber-games/
The mayor meeting his new coworker on the council, GJ. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins.
Between the check-in counters, security and departure gates at Whitsunday Coast Airport, there is one team member whose job is to bring a little more ease to passengers before they fly.
Meet GJ, Whitsunday Coast Airport's four-legged therapy dog. Since joining the airport earlier this year, the chocolate Labrador has been swapping boarding passes for belly rubs, helping bring a sense of calm to travellers before they take to the skies.
Trained and assessed through Therapy Dogs Australia, GJ is right at home in the busy airport environment. Whether it's a wagging tail, a gentle nudge of the nose or sitting quietly beside someone, he's always happy to brighten a passenger's day and help ease any pre-flight nerves.
GJ's airport journey began after his family reached out to Whitsunday Coast Airport following his qualification as a therapy dog.
The partnership complements the airport's focus this year on creating a smooth and stress-free travel experience, alongside initiatives like its free curbside assistance program.
GJ's role is also set to extend beyond the terminal, with the four-legged ambassador soon joining Whitsunday Regional Council's Book Magic program, helping children build confidence and a love of reading through the calming presence of a canine companion.
GJ was unable to comment on this story as he is enjoying some much-deserved annual leave this August and will return, tail wagging, come September.
At Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, we’ve streamlined the process by offering our free Home Loan Health Check service to anyone, even if they don’t bank with us. Here’s what’s involved and how you can benefit.
What’s involved in a home loan health check? The process starts with a review of your current interest rate, loan structure, home value, repayment options and remaining loan term.
We’ll also ask you about your goals and aspirations and any short or long-term plans you have for your lifestyle. We'll then explore options available to you. Every borrower has different needs, so a loan suitable for one person won't always suit another.
Why do I need it? Keeping the same home loan for a long time can mean missing out on more favourable loan options and interest rates. Plus, as your circumstances change, you may benefit from new features, repayments, or interest rates, better aligning your home loan to your life plans. You may even unlock equity in your home to finance a renovation, dream trip, or purchase another property.
Get a lower interest rate. Lower loan-to-value ratios (LVR) can sometimes secure a lower interest rate. When a home loan has been in place for a while, the LVR may have improved due to increased property value and decreased outstanding loan balance.
Access more suitable features. Older home loan products may lack features suiting your current financial situation. For example, an offset account can substantially reduce interest charges.
How often should you review your home loan? Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine recommends checking your home loan annually.
Other signs it’s time for a review include:
Realise your goals sooner with a home loan health check
Neglecting to review your home loan regularly can mean missing out on big opportunities, like accessing equity in your property or making significant savings on your interest repayments. If you have goals, a free home loan health check with Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine could unlock opportunities and get you there faster.
Make a time to see the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine Branch Manager Amanda and the team.
Located: Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale
Call (07) 4948 3599
Email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
WSPN July 2026 Brekky. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Whitsundays Suicide Prevention Network Breakfast continues to grow each month, with this month's gathering featuring generous community donations and a heartfelt motivational poem.
Held on the last Friday of every month outside Shirtfront Solutions, the breakfast brings tradies, business owners and community members together over sausages, eggs and a chat, creating a welcoming space to connect and support one another.
“It's really great to see the support from the community,” said WSPN CEO Matt Stokes.
“These are real opportunities that if you've got a friend that's struggling you can say, hey, why don't you come along?”
This past month saw an outpouring of support for the Whitsundays Suicide Prevention Network, with Justin Butler from the Whitsundays Game Fishing Club and Michael Kimpton from the Airlie Beach Triathlon Club presenting significant donations to the cause.
“By joining any sort of club, you're bringing in other people that you have other conversations with, particularly when things aren't going so well,” Justin said.
After the donations, attendees heard from Mike Fry from Lives Lived Well, who spoke about the link between addiction and suicide, drawing on their experience as an alcohol and other drug counsellor across the Whitsundays and Isaac region.
"There's a lot of connection between addictions and suicide, they share a lot of parallel journeys," Mike said.
Encouraging people to have a plan for difficult moments, Mike shared the "3Ds" strategy of delay, distract and decide. He explained that taking time to pause, find a positive distraction and lean on support networks can help people through a crisis.
The presentation concluded with a heartfelt poem about hope and resilience, leaving the crowd with a powerful reminder of the importance of connection and checking in on those around us.
Reeflections Artists with their teachers and Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
Young artists from across the Whitsundays are getting their time to shine, with a reef-inspired student exhibition opening at the Heart Hotel during this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival.
Featuring 11 artworks created by 10 Year 8 to 12 finalists from Proserpine State High School and St Catherine's College, the exhibition has more than doubled in size since showcasing just four artworks in its inaugural year.
Having judged the competition, Mayor Ry Collins attended the exhibition to present the awards and congratulate the young artists.
“We've got some great kids that do sport and sporting success…. but I think what we're seeing is we've got a real cultural undercurrent,” Mayor Ry Collins said.
“It's great to see that we've also got a really strong arts presence as well.”
Three students were recognised for their standout pieces, with Year 12 Proserpine State High School student Natalie Cooper taking first place for Guardians of the Reef.
Charlize Hunter, also from Proserpine State High School, claimed second for Woodsia, while St Catherine's Catholic College Year 11 student Sabine Butler placed third with False Idol, a reflection on climate change's impact on the Whitsundays.
The finalist artworks will remain on display at Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays throughout August, giving the young artists the opportunity to have their work exhibited in a professional gallery setting.
"I think a lot of kids are just not sure about their ability,” said Visuals Art Teacher St Cats College in Proserpine, Caz Hanks.
“Giving them the push and encouragement that their work is actually amazing and worthy of being in a gallery is a great experience."
Chris Sturrie and the Grand Master of Kennedy Lodge, Jamie Collins. Photo supplied: Chris Sturrie.
Bowen Meals on Wheels has received another generous boost from one of its longest-standing supporters, with Kennedy Masonic Lodge making a significant donation to help the service continue supporting local residents.
The lodge has contributed thousands of dollars to Bowen Meals on Wheels over the years, most recently presenting the organisation's treasurer with another substantial donation.
The contribution comes at an important time for the service, with operating costs continuing to rise while demand has nearly doubled over the past 18 months. Despite increasing expenses for essentials such as insurance, groceries and gas, Bowen Meals on Wheels has maintained both the affordability of its meals and the high standard of service it provides.
The organisation says it has been fortunate to receive ongoing support from businesses, community groups and local organisations, allowing it to continue operating at a time when many Meals on Wheels services across Australia are struggling with reduced government funding and financial pressures.
While financial support has helped keep the service running, volunteers remain in short supply. Bowen Meals on Wheels has made several appeals this year for more delivery volunteers and is still looking for people who can spare around two hours on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings.
The organisation is encouraging anyone able to help, either as a driver or delivery assistant, to get in touch. It also hopes friends and family of existing clients might consider volunteering to help support some of Bowen's most vulnerable residents.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP invited locals for a barbecue at Peter Faust Dam last Sunday to mark the removal of the southern section from Alinta Energy’s Wind Farm proposal, which locals protested due to its proximity to Proserpine.
To acknowledge the milestone, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP joined residents at Peter Faust Dam on Sunday for a community barbecue, bringing together those who had spent months campaigning against the proposal in the Kelsey Creek area.
"The community's collective voice demonstrated the positive outcome of this project not proceeding at Kelsey Creek," Ms Camm said.
"It was an opportunity to thank the community and Wind Farm Action Group for their respectful, consistent and united voice. It was through these efforts that supported my advocacy as the local member.”
Wind Farm Action Group member Alysha Lee said the gathering was a chance to celebrate a small win while recognising there was still more work to do.
“It was great to get together and go over what we’ve been fighting for the last 10 months, while being able to celebrate the small victory so far,” said Alysha.
"We still have the northern area to think about, but we feel like we have their support as we continue trying to help the community, which is great.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP at the community barbecue held at Peter Faust Dam on Sunday.
Bruce Highway panel with Mayor of Burdekin, Dalle Cort, Mayor of Gympie Glen Hartwig, Mayor Ry Collins and Deputy Director General Department of Transport & Main Roads, Andrew Mahon. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
Coastal leaders from across Queensland converged on the Whitsundays this week, as mayors, councillors and senior council officers gathered to tackle the biggest challenges facing the state's coastal communities.
Hosted over two days at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Coastal Leaders Forum focused on key issues coastal towns face.
“This event is an opportunity for them to understand what the priorities, concerns and issues are facing their sector,” said Mayor of Gladstone, LGAQ President and president of Australian Local Government Association (AGLA) Matt Burnett.
Beyond the individual issues discussed, the forum provided a platform for coastal councils to share experiences, identify common challenges and strengthen their collective voice when advocating to state and federal governments.
“I think obviously the other underlying thing with it is that we all advocate for our own regions respectively, but where we can find those points of commonality to really work together,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“It definitely really empowers that advocacy,”
Disaster funding emerged as one of the forum's biggest talking points, following the Federal Government's proposed overhaul of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Under the proposed changes, the Commonwealth would move to an equal partnership model with states and territories, reducing its average contribution from historical levels of 64–75 per cent to 50 per cent.
“Communities like ours can't be worse off under the proposed arrangements," said Mayor Collins.
“We really need the Federal Government to dump the dud deal they've put on the table and recognise the importance of our communities by providing assurance that we can recover from disasters when they occur.
“We'll keep pushing away at that.”
With councils and communities able to provide feedback on the proposed changes until August 19th, both Mayor Collins and LGAQ President Matt Burnett said the forum was an important opportunity for coastal councils to unite behind a common position.
Delegates also turned their attention to several other priorities facing Queensland's coastal communities, including upgrades to the Bruce Highway, tourism infrastructure and recreational boating facilities.
The forum gave local leaders a face-to-face opportunity to meet directly with senior Department of Transport and Main Roads officials, including Deputy Director-General Andrew Mahon, to discuss the future of the Bruce Highway, an issue Burdekin Mayor Dalle Cort described as "a conversation we've been having for 30 years."
"The Bruce Highway is the next one that's on the agenda and something that I've advocated strongly for," Mayor Collins said.
Discussions also highlighted the planned Shute Bay recreational boating facility, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months. The project will deliver around 200 additional trailer parking spaces and four new boat ramps, helping ease congestion at the popular boating precinct.
Big showing for opening night. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Whitsundays' thriving arts community was celebrated last Friday night as the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition officially opened, showcasing the work of 66 artists and recognising the year's standout creatives.
In its third year, the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition showcased 85 finalist works from 66 artists through painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media.
“The Great Barrier Reef Festival isn't just about the fireworks, it's not just about the rides,” said Mayor Ry Collins in a speech opening up the event.
“The music, the entertainment, it's actually about creativity, culture, and the incredible natural environment that inspires us every day here in the Whitsundays.”
"Creating art takes talent, dedication, and a willingness to put a piece of yourself on display, to put your heart into something, and that really is worth celebrating."
Responding to this year's theme, Beyond Beauty, artists looked beneath the surface, exploring personal stories, environmental issues and the hidden beauty of the Great Barrier Reef through a range of creative interpretations.
Selecting the finalist was this year's curated panel of acclaimed artist and educator Glenda Vickers, Whitsundays Regional Councillor Jan Clifford OAM and Visual Arts Teacher at St Catherine's Catholic College Caz Hanks.
Once the finalist had been selected, artist, educator and researcher based out of Mackay, Glenda Hobdell assessed the finalist to decide who would be taking home the final prizes.
Michelle Brayshaw claimed the exhibition's highest honour, taking out the Whitsunday Regional Council Best in Show Award for her piece Beauty is Skin Deep. The $3,000 prize will see the artwork added to the Whitsunday Regional Council Art Collection.
Other major winners included Lyn Laver-Ahmat, whose Retreating Tide 2 received the 2D Award, Stacey Nicholas for her Reef Ballet in the 3D category, and Andrea Fabian, whose photograph The Homemaker won the Photography Award.
Local and emerging artists were given a spotlight throughout the evening, with Lola Hornstra collecting the inaugural Next Generation Artist Award for Everything Has Changed, consisting of artists aged between 16 and 18, while Trudy Hastings won the Local Artist Award with her piece Tidal Form #1.
Katherine Murray's Where Beauty Deepens was awarded the Reef Theme Award for best interpreting this year's Beyond Beauty theme, and the TARTS Textile Artists were recognised with the Community Creativity Award for their collaborative work Tarts Tree.
Beyond the award winners, the exhibition also features three collaborative community works by Eco Barge Clean Seas, the TARTS Textile Artists and the Whitsunday Conservation Council, each exploring environmental themes connected to the Great Barrier Reef.
Sue Bayley-Hurren, Rebecca Woods, Lisa Sampson and Tara Tissington. Photo supplied
As Homelessness Week shines a spotlight on Australia's growing housing crisis, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre prepared 100 hygiene packs to help restore dignity to people experiencing homelessness across the region.
The annual initiative, now in its 4th year, looks to help people sleeping rough or facing housing insecurity, while also raising awareness on the challenges many people in the community continue to face.
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer Rebecca Woods, who has led the organisation for the past 13 years, said the project restores a sense of dignity to people facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
"Everyone deserves access to basic hygiene products,” Rebecca said.
“While a hygiene pack won't solve homelessness, it can make a real difference to someone's wellbeing and dignity.
“It's a simple way for our community to say: 'We see you, and you matter.’”
Each pack includes practical everyday essentials, of a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, a 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash, a razor, hand sanitiser, waterless body wipes, band-aids and toothpicks.
Throughout Homelessness Week, the packs will be distributed by the Whitsunday Housing Company and Proserpine Community Centre, while the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre is also encouraging locals to donate travel-sized toiletries through the Cannonvale Food Bank to help replenish supplies for those in need.
Thousands of fish were photographed crowded together in the tunnel net sock during one of the trials conducted in Bowen in 2025. Photo credit: John Haenke
By Chelsea Ravizza
Growing community opposition has emerged over the Queensland Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) trials of tunnel nets in the Whitsundays, with residents, tourism operators and recreational fishers voicing concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the proposed alternative to gill net fishing.
In May, more than 120 members of the Whitsundays community attended an information evening about the DPI’s trials of tunnel nets of up to 1.6 kilometres long, as part of research into alternative commercial fishing methods following the phase-out of inshore gillnets, with trials conducted in North Airlie, Double Bay, Shute Harbour, Bowen, Edgecumbe Bay and Sinclair Bay.
During the meeting, organisers from the Inshore Flats Project said trial data showed the nets captured more than 30,000 fish across 17 trial deployments and raised concerns about the potential impact on fish stocks, juvenile fish habitats, dugong protection areas and popular recreational and tourism sites. Coincidingly, the Inshore Flats Project also used the meeting to launch an online petition, available via www.change.org/p/stop-a-new-tunnel-net-fishery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-world-heritage-area, opposing the introduction of a tunnel net fishery, which has since attracted more than 10,500 signatures.
“A new tunnel net fishery means deploying huge nets up to 1.6 km long, which lack capture selectivity, onto our beaches, bays and foreshores, to harvest high volumes of lower-value seafood. These sites include fish nursery and protected species habitats in a World Heritage Area,” said a spokesperson of the Inshore Flats Project.
“This risks depleting local fish stocks, damaging coastal ecosystems, and harming local businesses that depend on recreational fishing and tourism. Accordingly, we have asked the QLD Government to permanently cease all tunnel net trials and divert the allocated public funds toward supporting the seafood industry in better ways.”
Concerns raised at the meeting also prompted questions about the level of community consultation surrounding the trials, with opponents arguing the large nets could affect popular recreational fishing areas and tourism activities, including boating, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Among those in attendance was local resident Sammantha Wood, who said she had been unaware of the proposal until the presentation and believed many others were in the same position.
“I genuinely hadn’t heard about the proposal before attending the presentation, and many people I spoke to afterwards hadn’t either,” said Ms Wood.
“Regardless of where people stand on the issue, I believe the community deserves to know what’s being proposed so they can educate themselves, ask questions and be involved in the conversation before any long-term decisions are made.”
A Department of Primary Industries spokesperson said the trials form part of research into alternative low-impact fishing methods following the removal of gillnets, with the department highlighting the research would help build the evidence base to inform future fisheries management decisions.
“The Queensland Government is committed to working with industry to identify sustainable, practical and evidence-based solutions that support the long-term future of Queensland’s inshore fishing industry as it transitions away from large mesh gillnets,” said a spokesperson for DPI.
“The Department of Primary Industries is working with commercial fishers, researchers and other stakeholders to assess a range of alternative fishing gears that could support a sustainable and commercially viable fishing industry. The purpose of the trials is to collect scientific and operational information to inform future fisheries management decisions.”
Ms Wood said the strong turnout at the information evening showed there was significant community interest in the proposal, with many attendees wanting more information about the potential impacts on the region.
“While people have different opinions, there seems to be a common feeling that the community wants to be informed and have a voice, and the majority of people I’ve spoken to feel that this is not the right area for them.”
Ms Wood said her concerns centred on protecting the region’s marine environment and ensuring any future decisions were supported by scientific evidence and meaningful community consultation.
“We [the Whitsundays region] rely heavily on healthy marine ecosystems, recreational fishing and tourism, and I think it’s important that any decisions are based on robust science, transparency and genuine community consultation,” she said.
“If there’s any risk of significant impacts on sensitive inshore habitats or species, I believe those risks should be carefully assessed before permanent changes are made.”
Tourism Whitsundays Public Relations and Social Media Manager Rosanagh Gallivan said the organisation had not been formally consulted on the trials but was actively monitoring the issue after concerns were raised by tourism operators and intended to write to Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell to outline those concerns.
“The Whitsundays is the leading destination on the Great Barrier Reef, and our pristine marine environment is at the heart of the visitor experience - it's vital that any decisions affecting it are carefully considered,” Ms Gallivan said.
“Tourism operators have raised concerns with us about the proposed tunnel net trials, and while Tourism Whitsundays has not been formally consulted, we are actively monitoring the issue and will be raising those concerns with the State Government to ensure the tourism industry's perspective is heard.”
Several members of the Inshore Flats Project from across the Mackay and Hinchinbrook regions have also voiced concerns about the tunnel net trials, with charter guides and recreational fishers expressing fears about the potential impact on the region's marine environment and tourism industry.
North Queensland flats charter guide Clint Isaac said he could not understand why the proposal was being considered.
“It blows my mind that the Queensland Government is even considering the introduction of 1.6 kilometre-long nets into the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area,” Mr Isaac said.
Retired North Queensland flats charter guide John Haenke, who witnessed one of last year's tunnel net trials at Bowen, said the experience reinforced his concerns about the proposed fishing method.
“What I saw at Bowen was completely unsustainable – trapped turtles and rays, plus thousands of stressed fish jammed together in a small mesh chamber, including dead and injured fish,” Mr Haenke said.
DPI said the FishLIGHT program would continue evaluating a range of alternative fishing methods and technologies to better understand their operational performance, environmental outcomes and suitability for Queensland fisheries, with data collected through the trials continuing to be analysed ahead of the statewide phase-out of inshore gillnets in June 2027.
“No decisions have been made about any future fisheries management arrangements,” said a spokesperson for DPI.
"Any future consideration of changes would be informed by the available scientific evidence and be subject to the appropriate regulatory processes and stakeholder consultation.”
Photo source: Shutterstock
For many people, the word decluttering brings to mind overflowing rubbish bags, hours of sorting and the guilt of parting with sentimental possessions. But creating a more organised home doesn't have to mean throwing everything away. In fact, the most successful decluttering is often about making thoughtful decisions rather than drastic ones.
Professional organisers agree that clutter isn't necessarily about owning too much, it's about having more than your space can comfortably support. The goal is to make your home work for you, not to achieve a picture-perfect interior.
A good place to start is by tackling one small area at a time. Rather than attempting the entire house in one weekend, focus on a single drawer, cupboard or shelf. Small wins create momentum and make the process feel far less overwhelming.
One of the simplest questions to ask yourself is: Do I use this? If an item serves a purpose, brings you joy or is genuinely needed, it deserves its place in your home. If it hasn't been used in years but you're not ready to let it go, consider storing it neatly in a labelled container. Often, after several months, you'll realise you haven't missed it and can make a more confident decision.
It's also worth separating sentimental items from everyday clutter. Family photographs, children's artwork and treasured keepsakes tell the story of your life and deserve careful consideration. Instead of keeping every item, choose a few favourites to display or store safely, or photograph special pieces to preserve the memories without taking up valuable space.
Organisation is just as important as decluttering. Simple storage solutions such as baskets, drawer dividers and labelled containers make it easier to find what you need and encourage everyone in the household to put things back where they belong. The old saying, "A place for everything, and everything in its place," remains one of the best organising principles.
Another helpful habit is adopting the "one in, one out" rule. When you buy something new – whether it's clothing, kitchenware or toys – consider donating or recycling a similar item you no longer use. This helps prevent clutter from quietly building up again.
If you're planning to sell your home, thoughtful decluttering can also make a significant difference. Clear benchtops, tidy wardrobes and uncluttered living spaces help buyers focus on the home's features rather than its contents. The aim isn't to strip away personality but to create a welcoming space where others can imagine themselves living.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that decluttering isn't about perfection. It's about creating a home that feels calmer, functions better and reflects the way you live today. By taking small, manageable steps and keeping what truly adds value to your life, you'll enjoy a home that feels lighter, more organised and easier to maintain, without throwing everything away.
It was a tale of two cities when auction time arrived. And yes, it seemed to be the best of times for one and the worst of times for the other.
One was Sydney, the other Mackay.
The Sydney story was told loud and clear by high-profile real estate identity and auctioneer Tom Panos. For him, it was the worst of times.
Panos has a big presence on social media and is well-known by every real estate agent in Australia as a trainer with strong opinions who has a good understanding of the sector and who tells it how it is.
Apart from travelling around Australia and the world speaking at real estate events and training the silly sods who are trying to succeed in this topsy turvy business, Panos is a prolific auctioneer who can do up to 10 auctions on a given Saturday.
We know that since the Federal Budget was handed down in May with changes such as a ban on negative gearing on everything other than new builds, a massive increase in capital gains tax and a ban on borrowing to buy real estate through self-managed super funds, that real estate markets throughout the country have suffered.
The big impacts have been in Sydney and Melbourne, where prices have dropped significantly, and in Brisbane where sales have stalled and prices are now dropping.
Auction clearance rates have dropped to below 50 per cent in most areas and some weekend in Brisbane, for instance, the clearance rate has been around 25 per cent. That means 75 per cent of the auctioned properties have either been withdrawn before the auction or failed to sell.
Panos was the auctioneer for six properties in Sydney last weekend and, well, it did not go well.
Not only did all six properties fail to sell, not only were there zero bidders on all six properties but not one person registered to bid at any of the six auctions.
Panos took his tale of the worst of times to social media and on to the mainstream media. I saw him on Channel 9 and on Sky TV telling the world that he had not one registered bidder on any property and that it was the first time in his career that this had happened.
Panos, rightly, blamed the Federal Government’s decision to ban negative gearing and the other changes on the disastrous result.
Two days after Panos went through his worst day of auctions, up in little old Mackay Gardian real estate had it’s Monday night in-house July auctions, held at the auction room at our new office in Gordon St.
The room was packed. There was a buzz and energy in the room as buyers filed in one after the other.
There were five auctions and more than 20 registered bidders, with some of the registered bidders ready to bid on several properties.
Our auctioneer, Gordon Macdonald, had a completely different experience to Tom Panos in Sydney. The bids were flowing strong and fast as buyers fought it out on the auction floor.
Four of the properties sold under the hammer on the night and the fifth one is under negotiation and expected to sell quick smart.
I’m not going to say that it is the best of times in Mackay but our auction night did show a few things. Firstly, that anyone who say auctions don’t work in Mackay needs to have a re-think.
Secondly, it showed that Mackay is still going well. Yes, we can’t avoid being dragged into what has happened nationally but we are not experiencing what is happening in the big cities. Negative gearing was never a big thing here, our rental returns are strong and investors are looking for the sort of good yield that Mackay offers.
Just quietly, a seller does need an agency with a strategy and a point of difference but with the right approach the results are flowing. Go Mackay!
Ian McDonald, Director and Commercial Agent at Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate
With a background in chartered accounting and large-scale property development, Ian McDonald has brought extensive industry experience to Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division.
Before joining the Mackay agency, Ian worked with developers across South-East Queensland, overseeing financing and development delivery for projects spanning Canberra, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Magnetic Island. His experience also included managing financial functions for residential developments, shopping centres, leasing and property management operations across Queensland.
Ian later returned to Mackay to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer for one of the region’s largest civil contracting and property development businesses before transitioning into commercial real estate.
Now serving as Director and Commercial Agent at Blacks Real Estate after becoming a director in 2024, Ian works alongside the agency’s commercial team to sell and lease retail, industrial and commercial properties throughout the Mackay region.
Known for combining strong financial knowledge with practical industry experience, Ian’s background provides clients with insight into both the commercial property market and broader development landscape.
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