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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A spur-of-the-moment decision saw 20-year-old Mac Rogers change the trajectory of his life when he came across an ad for the YouFor2032 Olympic Testing Sessions and decided to give it a try.
After tests that included the beep test, sprints, pull-ups, and detailed physical measurements such as height, wingspan, and body composition, the combined data revealed that Mac had the potential to excel in as many as five sports.
He was told he could succeed in beach volleyball, pole vault, boxing, canoe sprint, or rowing.
After trying pole vaulting and deciding it wasn’t for him, he jumped into a rowing boat and discovered his true passion. Now, the sport has his full commitment, and the 2032 Olympics are within his sights.
Once Mac Rogers committed to rowing, there was no turning back. After choosing the sport, he was invited to give it a try and was granted three months to see if it was the right fit.
That trial period led to a 12-month probation, where Mac proved his dedication and determination, setting the stage for his future in the sport.
He said training was ramped up in the 12-month period and he is training two times a day, nearly every day. But all the training is necessary because the sport is extremely demanding.
“It requires your entire body and soul,” laughed Mac.
“We always raced over 2000 meters, which is like a special kind of distance because it's a sprint, but you can't sprint for 2000 meters!
“It's a pretty painful mix between energy systems, to be honest. It’s endurance but also strength.”
Before he got into the program, the former Proserpine State High School student said he trained hard without knowing what his future would look like.
“In my eyes, I was sort of building a baseline so that once I knew what I actually wanted to do, I would be prepared to go all in, which is pretty much what has happened,” he said.
“It has worked out, even though I didn't have those six years of private school rowing, I had built enough of a baseline fitness in that time that it wasn’t that much of a jump.
In that short time, Mac has already competed at the national level, placing 12th in the under-21s at the Australian Rowing Championships, and picking up a win at the Queensland State Championships in the quadruple scull.
“Not exactly the result I would have liked, but it went pretty well,” he shared.
“I’m definitely shooting for a lot higher up in that ranking next year.”
Now, Mac is currently waiting to find out if he has secured a spot with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), and he is expected to find out within the next few weeks.
Above all, Mac feels extremely lucky to be in the sport, he said he wouldn’t be in rowing if Queensland weren’t going to host the Olympics.
“I feel really fortunate to have been born into these circumstances,” he said.
“I'm only in it because of this talent ID program that came around, and they told me that I had potential in rowing.
“If that hadn't happened, I don't think I would have found it approachable enough, because everyone else has been doing it for six years before me.”
Mac is also an ambassador for the YouFor2032 program and says they have just launched an app, so people can test themselves at home.
He encourages any young local athletes to give it a go.
“It allows you to test yourself at home and if you're good, then they'll invite you to the testing days,” he said.
“That's really big, and it could be a big thing for people in Whitsundays too, which is exciting.”
Whitsunday Local Mac Rogers has been selected for the YouFor2032 program and has a spot in the Olympic Rowing Team in his sights. Photo supplied
After being in rowing for such a short time, Mac feels honoured to be in the sport
20 year old Mac Rogers has committed himself to rowing
Mac on the water
Photos supplied
At the Metropole Hotel Proserpine, they believe in more than just great service, they believe in the community. At the driving force behind the retail and corporate liquor sales division is Bruce Spannagle.
With over 20 years of experience in the liquor industry, Bruce brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping local businesses and customers alike. Whether you're a café, restaurant, event organiser, or small business, Bruce and the Metropole team are there to make sure your alcohol needs are covered, quickly, efficiently, and with a friendly, can-do attitude.
More Than Just Sales - It's About Service
Bruce Spannagle's leadership isn't just about numbers, it's about people. "At the end of the day," Bruce says, "we're here to support the community that supports us. Whether it's a single bottle or a full commercial order, we treat every customer with the same respect and dedication."
Bruce describes his job as demanding but he likes the challenge.
“Anyone can do an order, but there's only certain times you can buy stuff cheap,” he said.
“We always make sure we keep our prices down!"
So, whether you're running a business, planning an event, or just dropping in to grab your favourites, the Metropole Hotel Proserpine is your one-stop shop for all things liquor, with Bruce and the team ready to help every step of the way.
Supporting Local Business, One Delivery at a Time
At Metropole Hotel the corporate sales division is built on the philosophy that no job is too small. They understand that every business is unique, and by tailoring their service they can suit everyone’s individual requirements.
With fast delivery times, competitive pricing, and a deep understanding of the local market, they're here to help your business thrive.
From restocking shelves to planning large events, Bruce ensures every order is handled with care and delivered on time every time.
Three Convenient Locations to Serve the Community
The Metropole Hotel Proserpine doesn’t just pride itself on supporting local businesses, they are also part of the daily lives of people in Proserpine and the surrounding region.
• Two locations at the Proserpine Hotel, offering a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, and friendly service.
• One at Fresh Fields Shopping Centre, perfect for those on-the-go or grabbing their weekend favourites.
At every outlet, the team is committed to providing helpful advice, local knowledge, and that warm country hospitality our community is known for.
Proserpine State High School student Allegra Bradley has returned to Australia after her life-changing Anzac Tour of Europe walking in the footsteps of our Anzacs.
The trip was made possible because Allegra was named one of the eight Premier’s Anzac Prize recipients from across Queensland for 2025.
As part of the application process, Allegra had to submit a video research project about a local service person.
“I met with local historians and ex-service men who were very kind to share with me their stories,” Allegra said.
“I was inspired by their stories of resilience, courage and bravery, which are valuable lessons we the younger generation can take forward into the future.”
Allegra and her fellow recipients had the incredible opportunity in January to partake in a three-day Young Historians Workshop delivered by the State Library of Queensland.
Here they explored the rich tapestry of stories of Australia’s service personnel while also visiting important Australian war memorial sites in Brisbane city.
A highlight for Allegra, however, was the exclusive white glove experience at the State Library where students were allowed a behind-the-scenes look at research material to deepen their understanding of their service person they had chosen to explore in their application.
Donning white gloves to preserve the records, they viewed and handled precious World War I artefacts and first-hand accounts such as journals, trench art and letters from the time.
This experience provided Allegra with more of an in-depth understanding of the Anzac legacy. She shared her research with students from Proserpine State School before her trip to inspire them about the Anzac spirit.
On April 11, the Anzac Tour began and included visits to war memorial sites, former battlefields, museums and many world-renowned historical landmarks throughout England, France and Belgium, with their attendance at the dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux the most memorable.
Allegra said her favourite memory from the tour was Anzac Day Dawn Service.
“The dawn service was unlike any I’ve been to, and following that, we were immersed into the community of Le Hamel, which allowed us to gain the perspective of the impact and appreciation the people of France have with Australia,” she said.
Research wasn’t Allegra’s only focus in the lead up to the tour. The Premier’s Prize recipients spearheaded fundraising initiatives across the state that raised more than $20,000 for Australian charity Mates4Mates that supports the mental health of veterans and their families.
Applications for this year’s Premier’s Anzac Prize are now open. For more information about the prestigious annual program or to apply, visit https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/budgets-funding-grants/scholarships/premiers-anzac-prize/this-years-program.
Allegra enjoyed The White Gloves Event
Students honouring the ANZAC's overseas
Photos supplied
Television presenter Greg Grainger has been in Bowen and Collinsville filming for an episode of “Travel Oz”. The show is expected to be aired on Channel 7TWO at 8.30am on Saturday, May 17.
It will also be aired on international TV.
The crew were hosted by Bowen Tourism and Business with co-sponsors – Rose Bay Beach Caravan Park, the Collinsville Community Association, Meraki Whitsundays, and the North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said Greg really enjoyed his time in the region and was very impressed with the beautiful beaches and the great hospitality he received.
“Programs like this would not be possible without our co-sponsors and we appreciate their support,” she said.
Greg is a Logie award winner and is known for travel and adventure documentaries and wildlife programs.
While in Bowen, he went snorkelling and sailing, visited the Summergarden Theatre, local farms, Birds Seafood and the Collinsville May Day celebration.
He stayed in a glamping tent at Rose Bay Beach Caravan Park and catering was provided by Meraki Whitsundays.
He really enjoyed his bushwalk to Mother Beddock and learning about the history of the region.
Of course, he also visited the Big Mango and enjoyed a delicious mango sorbet.
“Programs like this offer great exposure for Bowen and entire Whitsundays region and we are looking forward to seeing the end result,” Leanne said.
Contributed with thanks to Bowen Tourism & Business
Travel Oz at the Big Mango
Travel Oz on a walk through Bowen
Photos supplied
What a week at ATE25! Tourism Whitsundays was proud to represent our region on the global stage in Brisbane. Alongside 10 passionate operators, we formed Team Whitsundays, showcasing the very best of our destination to the world.
Across four busy days, we held 84 appointments with international buyers from over 30 countries. Each meeting was an opportunity to highlight the unique experiences and natural beauty that make The Whitsundays so special.
Beyond the tradeshow floor, the famil program gave us the chance to welcome international buyers and media to experience the region first-hand. From scenic flights to sailing adventures to island visits and beachfront dining, we offered a taste of everything The Whitsundays has to offer.
The strength of our region really shone through thanks to the amazing products and experiences from our Whitsundays operators. Their passion and professionalism made it clear why The Whitsundays is one of the most exciting destinations for international travellers.
Contributed with thanks to Tourism Whitsundays
Australian Tourism Exchange 2025 (ATE25) in Brisbane
Tourism Whitsundays at ATE25 in Brisbane
Photos supplied
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This past week I had the privilege of joining fellow Mayors Greg Williamson (Mackay) and Kelly Vea Vea (Isaac) in Brisbane, as part of a united Greater Whitsunday delegation led by GW3.
Over two days, we proudly showcased the strength and opportunity of our region to key state decision-makers – culminating in the Greater Possibilities Showcase at Queensland Parliament House, attended by more than 90 ministers, Director-Generals and invited guests.
The flavours of our region made the journey with us – from locally farmed prawns in Isaac and award-winning sauces from Sarina Sugar Shed, to a handcrafted agave spirit proudly distilled in the Whitsundays. Together with our local MPs Amanda Camm, Nigel Dalton and Glen Kelly, we shared why the Greater Whitsunday is one of the few regions globally capable of supporting multiple billion-dollar industries.
The Showcase also highlighted key opportunities requiring government support – including infrastructure investment at Abbot Point and Mackay SDAs, realignment of aquaculture and agriculture policy, improved digital connectivity across 15 regional projects, housing investment and the Road Royalty Package proposal to strengthen our freight routes.
In addition to the Showcase, I met with four Ministers and the Treasurer to advocate for the Whitsunday region. We discussed a range of priorities, including seeking funding for major projects and the essential infrastructure needed to support our growth. As the Whitsunday Region continues to experience rapid expansion, particularly with the highest rate of internal migration in Australia, it is imperative that we secure investment in infrastructure to keep pace with this growth.
A significant point of discussion was the responsibility of local councils to fund the considerable infrastructure required to support this development. The scale of investment needed is substantial, and without strong government collaboration, it’s challenging for local councils to bear the full financial burden. Ensuring state and federal support for this infrastructure will be critical to maintaining the region’s momentum and ensuring sustainable growth.
We discussed unlocking new housing stock, which is a critical need, and the possibility of adding another secondary school to meet the demands of a growing population. Another key topic was the collaboration on road network planning and the much-needed investment, especially in major and rural roads that are essential to supporting both residential and industrial growth across the region.
This visit wasn’t just about promoting our region – it was about securing the partnerships and support we need to unlock even greater possibilities.
Social bowls enthusiasts made the most of mixed weather conditions last week, with several solid performances on the green and the long-anticipated return of Barefoot Bowls.
On Wednesday, ten players took part in social games, with Trevor Parsons and Philip Brown claiming a convincing 28–11 win over Alen Sanderson and Barry Zillmann. Meanwhile, the trio of Aurora, Bruce Uhe, and Heather Brown secured a 24–15 victory over Arthur Griffith, John Anderson, and Sandy Daffara.
Friday night saw the successful launch of the club’s first Barefoot Bowls evening for the year, following previous cancellations due to rain. The turnout was strong, and organisers extended their thanks to everyone who helped bring the night together.
Saturday’s social bowls doubled as a chance for selectors to assess players keen to represent the club in upcoming pennants competitions. While rain disrupted some of the games, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those hoping to make the team.
Unfortunately, Sunday’s bowls had to be called off after a good dose of rain soaked Proserpine.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club
All five Sea Eagles AFL teams braved the wet and windy conditions for the home crowd on the weekend with some great results. Lots of supporters were out and about also making the most of having footy back at The Nest, enjoying the new rendition of the Sea Eagles Club song multiple times with wins throughout the day.
Sea Eagles Senior Men clashed with Mackay City Hawks using the wind to their advantage in the first quarter, able to hold that lead for the remainder of the game running out winners 57 - 32.
Sea Eagles Senior Women were victorious in the rematch with Moranbah, running hard in the second quarter to put goals on the board eventually taking the win 32 - 8.
Moranbah came out firing against Sea Eagles Under 17s and although Sea Eagles were able to improve on last week's performance and stay in reach, the final term saw Moranbah pull away to post a 37 point win.
Sea Eagles Under 15s were eager to take on Moranbah again after a close match last week, however Moranbah took off in the first quarter and Sea Eagles were unable to make it back with 23 - 49 the final score.
Under 13s Sea Eagles went out early in the ever changing conditions to beat Moranbah Bulldogs for the second week running, in what ended as a close match 20 - 16 after Bulldogs used the wind in the final term to make it interesting.
This coming week four teams head to Mackay with U13s and U15s headed Mackay Magpies and Senior Men and Women at Eastern Swans.
Saturday 10th May
8:00am U13 Sea Eagles vs Mackay Magpies (Magpies)
9:15am U15 Sea Eagles vs Mackay Magpies (Magpies)
1:50pm Senior Women vs Eastern Swans (Rogers Oval)
3:20pm Sea Eagles Senior Men vs Eastern Swans (Rogers Oval)
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles
May
8 Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival 8th – 11th | Exhibition Opening Night 6:30pm
9 Mamma Mia, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm
10 Art in the Park, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9:00am - varied class start times. Bookings required for class participation, $25pp. Exhibition free.
10 Car Boot Sale, Airlie Beach Bowls Club, 9:00am-3:00pm
11 Mother’s Day
11 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am
11 Handmade & Homecrafted Markets, Ken McPherson Park / P.E.C
11 Mother’s Day Morning Tea, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9:30am, $35pp, Bookings Required
12 Spellbound, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7:00pm
13 Sailability, Downstairs at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Volunteers 8:00am-2:00pm & Sailors/Carers 9:00am-1:00pm, Bookings Required
13 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm
14 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp.
14 The Whitsundays 2025 Whale Season Information Night, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6.30pm
16 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Club Whitsunday, 9:30am-11:00am, $25pp Bookings Required, Group Bookings Welcome.
17 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival, Bowen Soundshell Santa Barbara Parade, 10:00am-2:00pm
17 Whitsunday Brahmans Family Field Day, Les Stagg Oval in Proserpine, 3:00pm-7:00pm
18 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am
18 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, various location, 8:00am-11:00am, Registration Required to Participate
20 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm
25 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am
26 National Sorry Day
27 National Reconciliation Week, May 27th – June 3rd
27 Sailability, Downstairs at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Volunteers 8:00am-2:00pm & Sailors/Carers 9:00am-1:00pm, Bookings Required
27 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm
28 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp.
31 Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club SHOW & Shine, LOCATION, 8:00am-11:30am
Friday 9th
Saturday 10th May
Sunday 11th May (MOTHER’S DAY)
Thursday 15th May
A significant fire broke out at a Hostel in Bowen last Wednesday morning 30th April, and sadly a fatality has been confirmed.
At approximately 3:30am a large-scale response was initiated by emergency services after police were alerted to a building fully engulfed in flames on Gordon Street, following reports from concerned locals.
Fire crews from the local station were swiftly deployed, with three teams arriving on scene around 3:40am.
The fire, located near the intersection of Brisbane Street and Herbert Street, was confirmed as a structural fire. Emergency personnel initiated both external and internal firefighting operations in an effort to control the blaze.
By 4:45am, the fire had been largely extinguished, though crews remained on site to suppress any remaining hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.
Authorities confirmed that no other structures in the vicinity were impacted.
While initial reports indicated that all occupants were evacuated safely, at 8:04pm Wednesday 30 April, the Queensland Police Service announced that a fatality occurred.
Further searches of the property located a body and forensic examination is underway to identify the deceased.
Anyone who may have witnessed anything, or has dashcam or CCTV from the area, is urged to contact investigators.
Police investigations are still ongoing at the time of print. (Wednesday 7th May)
Local author and writers’ mentor Richard Evans is set to captivate readers with his latest political thriller, 'Horrible People', the first in the Jack Hudson MP series. Drawing on his experience as a former federal politician and national industry leader, Evans brings a unique and authentic perspective to political storytelling.
Evans believes apathy towards politics often breeds scepticism and discontent. 'Horrible People' explores this idea through a compelling narrative filled with page-turning plots and memorable characters, offering a glimpse into the murky waters of political life.
The book launched in Mackay at the Dudley Denny City Library, coinciding with Evans’ creative writing course on federal election day — is a fitting blend of literature and civic engagement that reflects his approach to storytelling.
When asked if 'Horrible People' is a memoir, Evans grinned and said, "You may say that, but I could never confirm such a proposition." He added, "While the novel draws from my lived political experiences and the fascinating individuals I’ve encountered, it is a work of fiction designed to entertain and provoke thought."
Regarded as a master of the political thriller genre in Australia, Evans has penned nine novels that captivate and challenge readers. His work doesn't just thrill — it reflects on the political landscape with insight and wit.
'Horrible People' is now available. Ask for a copy at your local bookstore, library, or preferred online retailer.
Take a gripping journey into the dark arts of politics and discover how fiction can reflect the truth.
'Horrible People' by Richard Evans is available now. Photo supplied
Following a successful 2024 event, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is thrilled to announce its 2025 From the Heart Keynote speaker—Dr Anita Heiss. An award-winning author of 25 books, Dr Heiss is a proud Wiradyuri woman, Indigenous Literacy Foundation Ambassador, and Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland.
Her novels include Manhattan Dreaming, Tiddas, and Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms, with Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray winning the 2022 NSW Premier’s Literary Prize for Indigenous Writing.
Festival Chair Karen Jacobsen expressed excitement, saying, "It's rare for regional Queenslanders to have the opportunity to meet renowned national and international writers. This is an important event for the Whitsundays and a golden opportunity for readers and writers to visit the heart of the Great Barrier Reef at one of the most ideal times of year.”
Running from September 12–14, 2025, the festival will also feature the prestigious Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, recognising outstanding unpublished manuscripts and short stories. Supported by the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature at James Cook University, the Best Unpublished Manuscript prize includes $2500.
Writers of all levels, across Australia, are encouraged to submit entries by July 14, 2025. Submission details and entry guidelines are available on the festival’s website.
“This event will bring together creative minds in the picturesque setting of the Whitsundays. What better place to immerse yourself in the brilliance of Australian literature?” remarked Karen. “I strongly advise securing your place at the festival and booking accommodation early to fully enjoy the wonders of the Whitsundays while indulging in the myriad of events the festival has to offer.”
Visit www.whitsundayswriters.com for more information, early bird tickets, and updates on speakers and events.
Dr Anita Heiss will be a Keynote Speaker at this years Whitsunday Writers Festival. Photo supplied
The countdown has begun! Gilmour Space Technologies is gearing up for its next big launch from Bowen, with a launch window set to open 'no earlier than' May 15.
The maiden flight of Eris will be the first Australian-designed and built rocked aiming for orbit.
Gilmour Space has received airspace management approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority - CASA.
Gilmour Space made history in March last year when its Bowen spaceport was granted the first orbital launch facility licence in Australia, and when it secured the country's first Australian Launch Permit for Eris TestFlight 1 in November.
Now, with airspace arrangements finalised and mandatory notice given to the Australian Space Agency, the company is preparing for liftoff.
Co-founder and CEO of Gilmour Space Adam Gilmour said this will be the first attempt of an Australian rocket to reach orbit from Australian soil.
With the ‘No Earlier Than’ date fast approaching he also highlighted some points of note before the launch.
• It’s important to understand that delays or 'scrubs' are a normal part of rocket launches, often caused by weather or technical issues, and can last from hours to weeks. "Safety is always the top priority. We'll only launch when we're ready, and when conditions are appropriate," he said.
• The first launch is always the toughest, reaching orbit is complex, and setbacks are common. Each moment of flight provides crucial data to improve future rocket performance.
• Launching Australian-made rockets from home soil boosts high-tech jobs, security, economic growth, and our technological independence.
The family business behind a proposal for an Australian-first, immersive dinosaur experience and mini-golf course on the main street of Airlie Beach, has come forward to address a growing number of community concerns around the look and theme of the project.
A representative for ‘Jurassic Falls Pty Ltd’, said contrary to some opinions expressed on local social media sites, this was not about bringing “tacky, fake fibreglass dinosaurs” to town.
“Our Australian-themed dinosaurs are hyper-realistic animatronic models incorporating the latest in AI technology – the first of their kind in Australia,” the spokesperson said.
“With their simulation of full-range, smooth, dynamic movement, they will look, feel and move like the real thing, offering ‘next level’ interaction with patrons and real ‘wow factor’,” they said.
With much of the current community commentary based on images of the proposed entrance structure shared from the online Development Application, the proponent’s spokesperson was keen to correct any public perception that this was exactly what would be built.
“Those images are simply an ‘architectural visualisation collage’ and not an accurate rendering of the finished product,” they explained.
“The actual finish will be as hyper-realistic as the dinosaurs themselves, including high quality rock that’s indistinguishable from fresh rock carved from the ground, and a real waterfall feature, alluding to both place (the adjacent Airlie Creek) and purpose (the ‘Jurassic Falls’ venue name).
“Overall, our vision for the project is to maintain the pre-existing character of the site by preserving the native trees.
“In doing this we not only minimise the impact on the street façade but also ‘set the scene’, using elements of an existing ‘forest’ to create a ‘natural habitat’ for our dinosaurs, transporting visitors to a day gone by when these magnificent creatures roamed the earth – and yes, even in Airlie Beach!”
Addressing criticisms that dinosaurs were not an appropriate attraction for the town at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the proponent’s representative said Jurassic Falls’ intention was to add to the diversity of the region rather than compete with it.
“There are already other reef-themed proposals for Airlie Beach, as well as plenty of on-water tours through which tourists can experience the actual Whitsundays’ marine life – so why would we compete with existing local businesses or government for this space?” they said.
“In contrast, dinosaurs are one of the most highly engaging and mesmerising creatures to have walked the earth, piquing the interest of children in particular, world-wide.
“What we are proposing would give local and visiting families a very different, non-weather-dependent activity, hopefully also resulting in increased length of visitor stays and exponential economic benefit to Airlie Beach.”
Noting that a petition has now been launched against the project, potentially denying the experience to both visiting and local kids, a spokesperson for Wynne Planning and Development Pty Ltd, the company which has lodged the application, said it was important people judged it based on facts.
“Statements have been made in the online petition and comments that are incorrect, including around building heights,” the Wynne Planning and Development representative said.
“The proposed roof heights are 8.5-metres street-facing (with a 4-metre setback from the street boundary and minimalist stone entry at single storey height), and 8.9-metres to the rear (with a 5-metre setback to the mini-golf roof) – not 15 metres as originally stated in the petition and noting that the proposed roof was only incorporated to create an all-weather accessible facility.
“Those who are opposing this application should be aware that there are a number of other fully compliant options available to the landowner of this site that would be far more disruptive and less aesthetically pleasing for the Main Street.
“Under the Planning Scheme, the landowner has the right to remove the trees and erect an 8.5-metre-high building directly on the boundary, stepping back 3 metres to create a podium level and continuing to construct up to 14 metres.
“This would not only comply with regulations but requires no public consultation, therefore the current proposal is actually one of the least intrusive options in terms of building bulk and removal of vegetation.”
Regarding the remaining issues cited such as registered construction values and resulting infrastructure payments, the Wynne Planning and Development representative said the application did not include any statements or calculations about construction costs.
“The public statements referring to the payment of $150,000 have been taken from the application form, which seeks a declaration on whether ‘Qleave’ has been paid,” they said.
“This payment is required for construction costs over $150,000 and is to be declared at the time of lodging applications for Operational or Building Works, not Material Change of Use.
“The application has not sought to be exempt from paying the required infrastructure charges as calculated under the regulation and has therefore been assessed for compliancy on all counts.”
As for whether the attraction would be better off somewhere else, the Jurassic Falls spokesperson said while there might well be other locations around the Whitsundays where this type of experience would be welcomed “we don’t own those locations – we own this one”.
“And for us, this is about the kids – we are a family-run business with the wellbeing of other families and the Whitsunday community at heart,” they said.
Jurassic Falls is designed to be a fully engaging Australian dinosaur experience from the minute guests walk through the gate, where a 4.5-metre-high T-Rex leans down for a pat on the head.
High grass and plants provide glimpses of the 11 other dinosaurs ahead, leaving patrons curious about what’s around the next corner as they make their way along what at first appears to be a dirt path, but is in fact, a mini-golf course.
Visitors can choose to play mini-golf or simply wander the course encountering dinosaurs like the 6-metre high, 16-metre long Australotitan, quietly ‘eating’ leaves from the canopy, swinging its head from tree to tree and lowering it close enough for people to touch.
Incorporating an educational element, each dinosaur has its own digital display coupled with an interactive App, providing questions for the young palaeontologist to answer and a daily prize for the best listener.
Once they’ve had their fill of dinosaurs, children can play in the Jurassic-age aquarium-themed games arcade at the rear, complete with the latest in virtual projector technology to create an immersive underwater simulation.
Additional ‘after sunset’ experiences are also planned, including glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs, disco nights and other themed events.
Members of the community who want Jurassic Falls to go ahead are invited to write to Whitsunday Regional Council, with whom the Development Application is lodged, and voice their approval.
“If those who support this stay silent, it’s a case of the ‘squeaky wheel’ winning by default,” the Jurassic Falls spokesperson said.
“We have 18 summers at best with our kids so let’s make at least one of those an experience to remember in Airlie Beach.”
Public submissions can be made to the assessment manager by emailing info@wrc.qld.gov.au or dropping a hard copy into a Council Customer Service Centre.
Submissions close on May 14, 2025, and must include the application number 20241233 as well as the name, residential or business address and signature of the person making the submission.
Photo credits: iStock.com/Voren1 and iStock.com/Warpaintcobra
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