The Mackay Triathlon community came together to honour the memory of Sonya Brazil in a remarkable display of athleticism and camaraderie at the Sonya Brazil Memorial Women's Only Triathlon.

Since 2000 the race has been named in Ms Brazil's honour after she died unexpectedly in 1999 whilst on her quest to stay fit and active.

The event, held under overcast skies, saw participants from all walks of life take on the challenge, with a special nod to those tackling a triathlon for the very first time.

Race Director Stephanie Allen expressed gratitude to all the participants, emphasising the importance of safety on the wet roads and commending everyone for their diligence in staying safe throughout the event. The absence of recorded incidents spoke volumes about the dedication and responsibility shown by all involved.

A heartfelt thank you was extended to the Brazil family for their continued support and generosity, with Karyn Brazil and her family providing a delightful spread of fruit and sandwiches for athletes, volunteers, and spectators in the recovery area—a gesture that was warmly appreciated by all.

The competition itself was fierce, with impressive performances and personal bests abound. Kelly Chappell claimed the top spot with an impressive time of 29:43, coming within seconds of the course record set in 2016. Isabell Cahill secured second place with a time of 30:19, while Ella Chappell clinched third place, improving upon her previous time from 2023.

Acknowledgement was also extended to the dedicated volunteers who ensured the smooth running of the event, as well as to Deanne Woods, the Permits Officer, whose efforts were instrumental in securing the necessary permits for the race.

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for an exciting celebration of the event's 25th anniversary in 2025—a milestone that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

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Caption: Angela, sister of the late Sonya Brazil, presented the winner’s trophy to Kelly Chappell, with Isabell Cahill and Ella Chappel in second and third places respectively. Photo supplied

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Passionate Indigenous owner, Robbie Congoo, is proud to release his self-funded 3.5-minute animated film about the creation of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

For the past year, the project has been underway, and the completed animation is now showing as a ‘Ngaro Dreaming Story’ video on Cruise Whitsundays tours.

Robbie hopes the film not only opens eyes to Indigenous culture and history, but also encourages people to protect the local environment.  

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Caption: Liza Muller, Sales and Marketing Manager for Cruise Whitsundays, Renee Branton-Brown General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays, Robbie Congoo and his wife Tara, Julia and Peter Farrell, Master Reef Guides from Reef Safari standing in front of the animated video. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Raising The Representation

With Beautiful Animation

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A recently released Traditional Owner-created animation video is the brainchild of Robbie Congoo from Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, a local entity which organises the performance of traditional smoking ceremonies and ‘Welcome to Country’ events across the region.

For several years, Robbie has been living in Townsville but driving down to the Whitsundays to work with school children, facilitate events and generally spread Indigenous education and awareness.

After many years travelling back and forth, Robbie, his wife Tara and their children decided to move to the Whitsundays and make it their home.

Robbie now works closely alongside many local tourism operators and through regular conversations with them, he realised there was a high demand for more Indigenous education for tourists visiting the area.

“We work with a lot of tourism operators and Master Reef Guides – teach them out culture such as our hunting methods and sacred sites,” explained Robbie.

“During these conversations they were asking about how they could share this knowledge in an appropriate way with their guests – how do we tell them about it?

“I thought this was an opportunity to create something really meaningful that would share our culture but also support businesses in the area.”

Robbie met up with his father and the pair came up with the idea of creating an animation.

From here, Robbie engaged with a Sydney-based animation company and worked closely alongside them to create the film.

“The animation talks about when the floods came through 10,000 years ago, using stories handed down of that event happening,” explained Robbie.

“It talks about how our creator spirit, the Rainbow Serpent, created the islands and the Great Barrier Reef to protect us from the floods.

“It then explains how it is now our obligation to look after and maintain the area.”

The animated film is now showing on the Resort Connection Ferries for Cruise Whitsundays, and Robbie is also in talks with other local operators, hoping the film can be spread more widely.  

Liza Muller, Sales and Marketing Manager from Cruise Whitsundays said they are honoured to share the animation with guests.

“We are so excited to be working with Robbie and helping to open up the Indigenous Tourism space,” she shared.

“This is a wonderful platform for Indigenous Owners to share their stories and educate guests, it’s such a great fit for us and the animation has been well received by everyone.”

Master Reef Guide and owner of Reef Safari, a company that offers scuba diving adventures alongside Cruise Whitsundays, Julia Farrell said the crew are all very excited and embrace the sharing of the new video and cultural story.

“International and domestic visitors are very interested in this knowledge and to have this created by Robbie in such a professional and artistic way and to be able to share it directly to our visitors reassures all the crew that the right story is being told by the right source,” she explained.

“We hope our work as marine tourism operators and Master Reef Guides on monitoring and managing the local reef, through our partnership with GBRMPA, along with the reef education we share with visitors and staff honours our traditional owners promise to protect the reef for future generations.

“We look forward to more collaboration with our local traditional owners to continue this legacy along with the sharing of their very rich and wonderful culture with all our visitors.”

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Caption: Robbie Congoo and his wife Tara standing in front of the recently released animated video. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.

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Hi Everyone,

One of my favourite parts of the job is meeting people who are so passionate about their mission in life that their energy is inspiring to be around.

Their story is so engaging and meaningful that you can’t help but feel passionate right there alongside them.

This happened to me earlier this week when I met Robbie Congoo, a proud Indigenous man who has just released an animated short film about local cultural history.

I remember coming to Australia as a backpacker 20 years ago, eager to find out more information about the mysterious yet fascinating Indigenous culture.

But to my surprise, everyone I spoke to seemed reluctant to discuss this unique part of their heritage.

People were either not sure what to say, scared they might say the wrong thing or simply hesitant to answer questions that linked back to a traumatic past.

At the time it saddened me to see how this lack of conversation was pushing such an ancient culture into fringes, especially when I visited New Zealand where their Indigenous people are celebrated.  

Fortunately, over the last 20 years a lot has changed, and it is people like Robbie who are positively helping to shift attitudes within their local communities.

This week, I found out how much non-Indigenous tourism operators are eager to share Indigenous culture but simply need the tools to do so in a respectful and accurate way.

Some feel they do not know how to do this with confidence, and Robbie (largely in his own time, with his own money) is making it his mission to give tourism operators those tools.

By educating and raising awareness of Indigenous culture within the tourism industry, people from all over the world are now witnessing a positive and informed response when they enquire about our fascinating heritage.

Thank you, Robbie.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to learn, to observe, to grow, to love . . . and then we return home.”

(Aboriginal Proverb)

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Upon hearing of the devastating effects of the flooding in North Queensland, following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, local business owners Jen and Beth Walters of Cartridge Universe Whitsunday, decided to rally the community together to provide necessary supplies to small communities.

“We became aware of the state of Rossville and surrounds when our friend, Dave Charlton, put the call out for any donations to travel up with him on 22nd December 2023,” Beth explained.

In December, Jen and Beth were able to collect donations from Silly Sollys and Whitsundays Pharmacy, which Dave drove to the isolated communities of Rossville, Wujal, Bloomfield and surrounding towns.

From there, the couple turned to social media, to put the callout for their plan to send more donations to the small communities.

“So many kind people and some businesses of the Whitsundays have very kindly donated bedding, towels, clothes, medical supplies, toys, books, furniture, televisions, cleaning products, fishing gear, fold out tables and chairs, and we were blown away with one lovely lady who didn’t want to be named arranged five new bar fridges from Airlie Beach Betta, Furniture, Bedding and Electrical Appliances!”

After being postponed due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, the truck finally left Cartridge World, where the donations had been stored, last Tuesday, February 21.

“We wanted to thank everyone who donated goods or their time and NQ Car & Truck Rentals in Mackay for helping us with the transport, without you all it would not have been possible.”

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The truck, driven by Dave and Drew last week, delivered donations to North Queensland. Photo supplied

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An Independent Inquiry has been launched to investigate the fatal helicopter crash of an Australian Defence Force helicopter, which killed four Defence personnel.

The ADF helicopter, the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter was undertaking training exercises in the Whitsundays as part as Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, when it experienced catastrophic failure and crashed into waters near Lindeman Island, in July 2023.

The four Defence personnel onboard, Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs perished in the accident.

The four ADF men were of the Sixth Aviation Regiment, based in Sydney, and were not recovered from the water with the wreckage for a number of days following the crash, due to rough water conditions.

The Inquiry is being led by an Assistant Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), former Justice the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, who will be supported by two other Assistant IGADFs, Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi, AM, CSC, (retd) and Colonel Jens Streit.

The Inquiry will investigate the cause of the incident and make recommendations to avoid or limit the risk of such an event occurring again.

The Inquiry will also investigate whether actions or inactions of personnel of the Australian Defence Force or other personnel were contributing factors into the crash.

The first public hearing was held earlier this week on Tuesday.

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1: Wreckage was pulled out of the water in the days following the crash. Photo supplied

2: Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs, the four personnel lost in the crash. Image supplied

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Early voting officially opens on Monday March 4, for voters wishing to escape the hectic polling booths on Saturday March 16.

Here are the locations to vote early in the region:

Cannonvale

Shop 15 of Whitsunday Shopping Centre

Proserpine

Proserpine Whitsunday Freemason Lodge

Collinsville

Collinsville Community Centre

Bowen

Bowen PCYC

All sites are open Monday March 4 to Friday March 15 (excluding weekends) from 9am to 5pm

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The upcoming Country Fest Queensland, a North Queensland country music festival due to be held in Bloomsbury later this month announced this week that headlining act, John Fogerty will no longer be playing at the festival.

Event organisers released a statement saying John Fogerty will “no longer be attending Country Fest QLD.”

“We are working hard on a revised line up and will have more information coming soon,” the official statement on the events Facebook explained.

However, the Credence Clearwater Rival star John Fogerty released an opposing statement.

“I was ready to celebrate with you all for my one and only show this year in Australia, when Country Fest Queensland blindsided me yesterday by cancelling my appearance,” John explained.

“It was posted that I would not be appearing due to unforeseen circumstances.

“Well, I can tell you, my friends, I was not the reason for the ‘unforeseen circumstances’,” John continued.

“I was ready to come down there and excited to celebrate getting my songs back with you all.”

A fan commented on Country Fest’s Facebook page speculating that the event organisers could not afford to have the star attend while others are still committed to the event without John.

“Was going to the event no matter who was playing,” one comment explained.

“Rain, John or shine, I’ll be there!” said another.  

The event still boasts other big names such as The Wolfe Brothers, Morgan Evans and Lee Kernaghan.

Country Fest QLD explains that for ticket holders wishing for a refund due to the non-appearance of John Fogerty, that Oztix will contact all ticket holder via email for refund options.

Country Fest QLD is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31, at Bloomsbury.

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John Fogerty has been removed from the line up of 2024 Country Fest QLD. Photo supplied

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A joint venture between Proserpine State High School and Whitsunday Shire Family Day Care (WFDC) has seen the creation of a new ‘The Whitsundays: Our Home, Your Adventures’ novel.

The idea came from the team of WFDC, as a way to celebrate the region, the community’s identity, and incorporate iconic landmarks in a children’s book.

“Our goal was to capture the unique charm of the region and involve the children in the process,” explained Amanda Brett, Coordinator with Whitsunday Shire Family Day Care.

“Collaborative efforts among Educators, children and students aimed to showcase not just physical landmarks but also the essence of the community. The grant facilitated the production of a high-quality book, serving as a keepsake for families and a source of community pride.”

Spanning over 18 months, from the initial concept to the point of publication and distribution, WFDC are now eager to spread the news of the project.

“The children at Whitsunday Shire Family Day Care are mostly under five and loved the project,” Kylie Smith, Coordinator with WFDC explained.

“They had a wonderful time learning about local animals and doing fun crafts with their Educators. Even though they didn't fully grasp the final product concept, their excitement peaked when they saw the book.

“Finding the animals they created in the book made them really excited. The project went from a learning experience to amazement for the children when they discovered their creations in the colourful pages.”

Year 12 student Alice Attwood worked closely with the students of WFDC.

“I think the book is a great idea and opportunity for the community to collaborate for kids to see different art textures and mediums. It will be great to show the book to our own children one day.”

Don McDermid, Principal of Proserpine State High School, is excited with the project.

“It has been such an incredible opportunity for our school,” he said. 

“Our students showed such excitement and enthusiasm through their work and appreciated the chance to demonstrate their artistic skill, interest in child care and ultimately their love of our Whitsunday Region,” he explained.

“It been an absolute privilege to work with Amanda and Kylie on the book release.”

The books are available for purchase for $20 each from the WFDC office, at 18B Chapman Street, Proserpine.

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Back: Teacher Bhrett Bell, students Isabella Grenci, Sienna Thomson, Amelia Brain, Arthina Straker, Lilly Tarver, Emily Vique, former Teacher Tia Attwood, student Sophie Whish, Whitsunday Shire Family Daycare staff Kylie Smith and Amanda Brett.

Front: Students Alice Attwood, Millie Groom, Lexi Di Benedetto, Ella Williams, and Flynn Squires.

Absent: Students Ellizay Brett, Gabby Beach, Demi Vardanega, Alessa Penglase, Preis Boileau, Courtney Beard, Anaiyah James-Hankin, Jahla Thompson, Belamy Poles, Dominick James-Johnson, Zanthia Brimble-Jacobi, Olivia Whibley, Giselle Tronc, Jordan Welsh, and Natalie Cooper. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Foodbank in Proserpine is welcoming a grant from the 2024 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.

The generous grant of $4,500 has already been allocated for the purchase of a new freezer for the not-for-profit venture, to allow community members to access frozen grocery items.

Chairman of the Board for Whitsunday Foodbank, Jeff Boyle, welcomes the gift.

“Our previous freezer has just died, and being able to replace it so quickly is great,” he explained.

“Our previous freezer was a classic chest freezer, which a lot of our customers overlooked.

“The new one is an upright, two-door freezer with glass panels, so that customers can see exactly what is in the freezer without having to rummage through a big chest freezer.

“It means they can see when we have steaks, or a chook, or meatballs in there without too much hassle.”

Expecting the delivery of the new freezer in the next few weeks, Jeff is eager to stock it full for the Foodbank customers.

“We see between 30 to 40 local residents shop at the Foodbank each week, and being able to better our offering is great.”

The items at the Foodbank are at greatly reduced prices, compared to main chain grocery stores, and are available for pension and healthcare card holders.

“And any families in need,” Jeff explained.

“The cost of the items covers the bare essentials of the shop, that being rent and electricity.

“This isn’t about profit but helping the community.”

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The official opening of the Whitsunday Foodbank Proserpine, with Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, and Chairman Jeff Boyle. Photo supplied

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Since she was three years old, Roze has passionately pursued her dream of becoming a fashion model and she finally realised this dream when she appeared on a billboard during New York Fashion Week recently.

Answering a callout by former locals Belle Le Chic, Roze’s mum Katrina put Roze forward as a model to showcase Belle Le Chic’s new collection, the Goddess Collection.

In the two-day shoot, Roze was sure that photographer, Alexis Turner, knew her good side, and posed perfectly, the hope of appearing on a New York Times Square Billboard present on her mind.

“We knew that some of the models would appear on the New York Times Square Billboard, and then we were sent the picture, and it was amazing,” explained Katrina.

“Roze squealed, she was so excited.”

Roze’s commitment to her modelling career started when she stumbled across modelling videos, and just a year later, Katrina enrolled her in Brooke Lee Modelling lessons to help her perfect her craft and expand her skills.

“She is obsessed with the entire process. She knows her poses, her angles. Roze loves playing with makeup and practicing her runway walk,” Katrina explained.

Along with the Times Square Billboard, the Belle Le Chic dress she was modelling was named after her, a gorgeous gown which now is proudly displayed in their family home.

“We’re all so proud of Roze. It all comes from her, and we’re happy she is doing something she loves.”

Living on a property, Katrina explained that Roze lives the best of both worlds.

“She does her modelling, with the makeup and the hair, but at home, she’s a bit of a tomboy. She rides her motorbike, catches crabs, and works with her brothers. She loves it all.”

Progressing her modelling career, Roze will make appearances at the Cairns Fashion Week runway, and the Mackay Wedding Expo, sure to model gowns beautifully and with perfect confidence.

  1. Roze modelling the Belle Le Chic Roze Gown. Photographer: Alexis Turner Photography

   2. Roze on the New York Times Square Bill Board. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Regional Council has set a new precedent, overruling Botanica Estate’s governing body and body corporation recommendation, by approving an owner’s application for their property to be a short term accommodation listing.

Botanica Estate is a gated, residential community, with 48 residential lots.

Managed by Whitsunday Body Corp Management and the Botanica Body Corporate Committee (BCC), the committee opposed the application, on the grounds of personal safety, residential amenity and precedent.

“While a body corporate cannot enforce the council’s requirements, it can complain to council about the lack of compliance with the planning approval,” BCC’s official opposing statement detailed, in a letter submitted to Council.

“As Whitsunday Regional Council has local planning laws that are specific in terms of short-term occupancy rights, the Botanica Estate Body Corporate seeks to prohibit short-term letting through engaging the council to enforce its own planning laws.

Councillors Clay Bauman and Jan Clifford opposed this application.

“I believe that people have the right to enjoyment of their property, particularly in a gated community,” Cr Clifford explained.

“If we approve this, this will become another residential estate that is full of short term accommodation dwellings,” Cr Bauman said.

While Major Julie Hall explained her opinion on not supporting the application, citing that the Council’s proposed Local Law will need to further investigate such matters in the next Council term, however, in this case, it is not worth fighting when the Lot owners take Council to court.

“This will cost ratepayers money, fighting this in court,” Mayor Hall explained.

“Our current policy and planning do not allow us to select areas for these applications, so I suggest that the new Council look into establishing a short-term accommodation precinct, to better manage and decide applications.”

Two of the 48 lots in the Botanica Estate are already approved short term accommodation dwellings.

This application was approved by Council at their Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, with a four against two vote.

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Three Proserpine youth have spoken their heart out, at the annual Proserpine Lions Youth of the Year competition.

The Lions Youth of the Year was created to enable and encourage student to take an interest in leadership, providing the opportunity to take an active and constructive role in their community.

The Youth of the Year Final includes one prepared speech, on the topic of their choosing, and two impromptu speeches.

The three youth at the Proserpine Youth of the Year embody community spirit and positive leadership.

Alice Pinni is a Year 12 student from Proserpine State High School, a current school captain and heavily involved in sports, arts, and culture, with aspirations of pursing a career in healthcare and dentistry.

Alice’s prepared speech was on the topic of ‘The Erosion of Empathy in the Digital Age’.

Hurley Diessel is a Year 12 student from Proserpine State High School, with commitments in committees at his school.

His passions include personal fitness and musical theatre and his prepared speech was on the topic of ‘Paying Attention to Attention’.

The third speaker was Mia Vloedmans, a Year 11 student from Proserpine State High School, whose passions include the Senior Leadership team, the Social and Cultural Committee, and Care Group representative.

Mia’s prepared speech was ‘Burden to Blessings’, speaking of her Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis.

“All three speakers were excellent,” explained Jane Bettridge, the Lions Youth of the Year Coordinator.

“These youth are truly inspiring.”

The first of the two impromptu topics were ‘Consider the recent phone ban in schools, and how has the school’s culture changed?’

“All speakers believed that the ban was positive,” Jane explained.

“They all felt that the school culture has positively changed, and more conversations were being had at break times.”
The second topic was ‘Do you agree or disagree with this statement: A sense of humour is essential?’

“They all believe that having a sense of humour is essential,” Jane explained.

In the tight competition, all the students spoke eloquently, and “The judges had their work cut out for them.”

Hurley Diessel was awarded the Public Speaking Award, while Mia Vloedmans was awarded the Overall Winner, and will represent Proserpine, next weekend, March 3, in Collinsville at Zones, going up against the youth winner of Whitsunday, Bowen, Ayr and Collinsville Lions.

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Mia, Alice, Hurley, Member for Whitsunday Ms Amanda Camm. Photo supplied

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Questions Of The Week:

1.

Who do you think is your biggest competitor? What do you admire about them and what qualities do you have that will ultimately make you better for the role?

2.

If you could throw your support behind a particular local community organisation what would it be and how would you support them?

3.

What’s your vision of the Whitsundays in 10 years? Tell us about the infrastructure, services and facilities you think are most important to the region and paint a picture of what you would like to see.

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Tony Price

Division 2 Candidate

 
1.

Clay Bauman delves deeply into council documents and reports. I excel in fostering constructive collaboration among fellow Councillors and Council Staff, earning their support and driving positive outcomes for the Whitsunday Coast. With two previous terms as a councillor and 45 years of local business experience, I bring invaluable communication and negotiation skills, region-wide connections and expertise to the table. 

2.

While I support all community-orientated organisations, my priority is to ensure that the Greater Airlie Beach Masterplan 2022 is fully funded which will help many community organisations in Division 2. As part of this plan, the completion of projects including Cannonvale Lakes Park, Cannonvale Fishing Jetty, and the Cultural & Civic Hub (art gallery, library, customer service and disaster resilience centre) will enable families to engage in low-cost recreation, fostering community bonds and healthy lifestyles amidst our region's natural beauty.

3.

In 10 years, I envision the Whitsundays with an Emergency Hospital and State High School on the Coast, improved road infrastructure, and upscale, medium-density dwellings for families, workers, and visitors. Vital aged care facilities and lifestyle communities will flourish alongside a world-class sporting complex which can host major events while benefiting local clubs and schools. Additionally, a thriving tourism industry with accessible island resorts will enrich the region, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for residents to relish.

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John Finlay

Division 6 Candidate

1.

The qualities and attributes I have to undertake the role are my community values and involvement including economic development, my professional qualifications including Fellow of Certified Practising Accountants Australia and local government qualifications and my professional employment including owning and managing an accounting business in Bowen and the Whitsunday, former roles in Councils being Chief Executive Officer of Whitsunday and Bowen Councils and Director of Corporate and Financial Services. This combined experience will be important in the role as Councillor.

2:

The community spirit in our region is built upon the amazing not for profit community organisations. These organisations include churches, sporting clubs, social welfare and support services, the arts, and others and are all worthy of support depending on their needs. This support can be in the form of assistance with applications for grants, concessions with rates and charges, and working together for the betterment of the community.

3.

The vision for the Whitsunday Region is for the prosperous sustainability of the region in all areas of the community and economic and social development. The maintaining of current infrastructure and facilities and ensuring planning for future infrastructure for the growth of the region. Providing and encouraging economic development including small business, tourism development, major industry developments and supporting the social needs of the communities. Working together with the above will make for a prosperous vision for the region.

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David Paddon

Division 6 Candidate

1.

Defiantly apathy and lack of an economic plan for Bowen. Having now interviewed 100’s of residences they say candidates messaging is nonspecific, does not address “what will it do for me”.

I bring a career’s worth of experience in long-term planning and economic growth/achievements.

 Bowen is falling behind and if this continues, we can expect to see government serves and retail move to the southern end of the WCR. My solution is we need 200 more permanent long-term jobs.

2.

If successful, my focus will be on driving jobs growth and none better would the decades old plans to expand the Marina facilities in Bowen and work with the local sailing clubs and community groups to achieve a level of congruity for this transformative project

3.

 In 10 years from now the Whitsundays will double in population and therefor the WRC faces significant infrastructure projects, power, water, roads, telecommunications, hospitals etc and each of the major community centres will evolve in their own direction e.g. Airlie will continue as the region’s capital for tourism. Proserpine Evolves as the transport hub, with the airport, rail and major Highway, Agriculture will still be a major contributor to the town economy. Bowen Develop more industry, be the major marine repair facility, Mining and agriculture powerhouses.

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Clay Bauman

Division 2 Candidate

1.

My only competitor lives in Proserpine, and while I admire anybody who wishes to serve the community, ‘serve’ must be the key word. As a Cannonvale resident, with my deep understanding of our community's needs, coupled with a proven track record of navigating bureaucracy for real outcomes, my dedication to progress and ability to deliver results are what Division 2 needs. Voting Clay ensures a future where our community's voice is amplified and we move forward together, not backwards.

2.

While Council has a limited budget that mostly comes from ratepayers, there is huge amounts of money available from external grants. I feel if Council assists with preparing grant applications, rather than just dolling out a few dollars, our community organisations would blossom with a sound financial basis. Teaching and helping someone to fish, rather than giving them a fish, is my plan to support all our clubs, charities and groups that benefit so many, thanks mainly to tireless volunteers.

3.

My vision is for a better Council, lower rates and low-rise development. While my plan for the Cannonvale Civic Centre saves ratepayers millions, we must not forget less visible, yet critical infrastructure: roads, aging pipes, stormwater and networks for new residential developments. I'm already onto a sportspark plan, the challenge remains in extending services to the proposed Havengrand site. If 13 years ago Council had heeded professional advice to buy land closer to Cannonvale, we might already have the sportspark.

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Ry Collins

Mayoral Candidate

1.

I've been focused on my own race and what I can bring to the region but would think my biggest competitor is one who brings a wealth of current experience addressing our region's challenges and opportunities as well as deep commitment and roots into our community, qualities I greatly respect. I feel I offer a unique forward looking proposition, a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and proven dedication to advocating for our region which sets me apart. I believe these attributes are crucial for addressing our community's needs.

2.

All our community groups are incredibly important to our region and sense of place. If I were to pick just one, it would be housing. I would support organisations such as Whitsunday Housing Company, to further address the critical housing and accommodation crisis facing our community. By advocating for policy changes, securing funding for affordable housing projects, and facilitating partnerships between government, the private sector, and non-profits, I think we can make an impact in increasing accessible housing and accommodation options for our community.

3.

I envision the Whitsundays as a leading region for the convergence of our traditional and future industries. A strong and growing economy known for embracing sustainability and community liveability where everyone still knows their neighbour. Key infrastructure investments in renewable energy, water security and digital connectivity will support our growth. Enhanced health, education, and transport services will ensure a high quality of life and help keep our kids here. I dream of a vibrant, resilient community where nature and progress coexist harmoniously.

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Richard Evans

Mayoral Candidate

1.

I respect all candidates' commitment to the election process, regardless of experience. Apathy among voters is our biggest competitor. Ratepayers seek change in council attitude and performance. If you want change, vote for it. My experience in politics and managing large organisations equips me to drive meaningful change from day one. There is no luxury of time to settle into the role. My expertise, policy positions, and action plans distinguish me and I’m on the record at www.richard4mayor.com

2.

Our community organisations make an incredibly valuable contribution, like the VMR where I volunteer. Yet, housing availability and affordability demand immediate prioritisation especially for the vulnerable – single parents, elderly, and victims of domestic violence. Proserpine’s Tiny Homes initiative shows promise and worthy of support, as do other pathways such as reviewing town planning regulations, public-private partnerships, and workforce villages. As mayor, I pledge to explore avenues to support Tiny Homes that align with our community's needs and aspirations.

3.

Navigating the complexities of the Whitsundays region requires multifaceted solutions. Restoring trust in local government is paramount. While projects matter, a cultural shift within council towards accountability is vital for effective management of rates and ratepayer satisfaction. I envision a Whitsundays characterised by heightened accountability for our mayor, councillors and council staff, instilling community pride with meaningful community interactions. In 2034 we will have a high performing, accountable, and respected council delivering more than just rates, roads and rubbish.

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Phil Batty

Mayoral Candidate

1.

I am sure each of the candidates have qualities to be admired but as I had never heard of Ry Collins or Richard Evans until the nominations for this election it would be disrespectful for me to judge and comment. I can say that I have the skills, the strength and the ability to take my passion for this entire region into the role of Mayor and truly make a positive impact to the lives of the residents both current and future generations.

2.

Choosing one would be like picking your favourite child. An example of one of the many organisations deserving of support would be the Whitsunday Housing Company who are working hard to alleviate one of the biggest problems right across the region. They seek to provide affordable, safe, secure and accessible long-term housing for people in need and those wishing to gain meaningful work but housing is inhibiting those opportunities. I would support them with expertise, properly funded and budgeted support.

3.

The big picture is a thriving, forward looking, environmentally and financially responsible, culturally aware, affordable, welcoming and still the best place in Australia to live and raise a family. That means starting now on the journey, planning for the schools, hospitals, roads and amenities that contribute to that lifestyle. We need to see an environment which is in better shape than it is today, we need to see agriculture and manufacturing grow to be the envy of Australia for its quality and leading edge practices.

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Peter Hood

Mayoral Candidate

1.

Residents of the Whitsundays; please go to https://www.facebook.com/100078511399893/posts/pfbid037o1k89zAt6DQBJUgKpqdKx6Yuu81frgmWAyYGKFxgncJj8edHmzfC6kZXaqQmCGql/ for my accurate answer. Or go to my Mayoral Facebook Page and see the Post 27.02.2024, “Search & Seek answers on matters for the Candidates.”

2.

As a result of Whitsunday Life’s (WL) publication on matters for me two editions ago, my accounting practice is now providing no-charge assistance to 471 Whitsundays Residents in their dealings with Centrelink and the Tax Office. Up from 117 prior to the WL article coming out. I now have the ammunition I need to “convince” Centrelink to get their Community Assistance Bus rolling to all the isolated communities in The Whitsundays and beyond. Because Centrelink cares; yea right; they do now!

3.

No Candidate can accurately predict anything on matters for WRC and our Communities until the successful Candidate gets to the truth of WRC’s financial position and quickly confirms the extent of WRC’s wastage of Community Resources. Yes, roads, housing and all the other feel-good comments that other candidates might sprout are automatic musts. It is a bit like the Miss World beauty pageant contestants all exclaiming their priorities for “world peace.” Of course!

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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association led initiative ‘New Realities in Agriculture and Aquaculture Project’ has successfully concluded, revolutionising youth engagement in agriculture and aquaculture by offering an immersive virtual reality experience.

The project allowed participants a window in careers in agriculture and aquaculture, utilising virtual reality, with the selected young people reporting newfound enthusiasm and appreciation for the diverse career opportunities in the industry.

"This innovative initiative has effectively bridged the gap between new technology and traditional industries for North Queensland's youth. Through virtual reality, we've provided a practical glimpse into the future of agriculture and aquaculture, sparking genuine interest, and understanding among young participants that we hope to continue to build upon for the future of our rural and regional industries" said Ry Collins, CEO of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.

Supported financially by the Queensland Government’s Growing Workforce Participation Fund (GEPF), a critical component of the Back to Work Initiative, and was instrumental in enabling the ‘New Realties Project’ to bring virtual reality experiences to the youth, helping them gain insights into the vast potential of the agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

The Bowen Gumlu Growers Association looks forward to sharing the case studies, highlighting real life success stories and the positive industry perception change by the project.

“This will continue to shape the future of agriculture and aquaculture in North Queensland.”

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association is a not-for-profit industry association that represents growers, producers, and agribusinesses in North Queensland, with key activities including advocacy, industry development and delivery of projects focused on improving on-farm practices, commercial outcomes of farming businesses and the prosperity of the wider regional Whitsunday community.

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The Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Whitsunday Regional Council are inviting business to a Business Capability Development session aimed at supporting local businesses and industry in positioning for work throughout major project and business supply chains.

This session will include delivery of a Capability Statement Workshop and Tendering: Top Ten Tips presentation.

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WHAT: Business Capability Development Sessions
WHERE: Whitsunday Regional Council Chambers
WHEN: Thursday March 7, from 9am
REGISTER: $50, available through https://bit.ly/3uczICX, with registrations closing March 4

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