By Sebastian Conidi Front Page Since 2015, cane farmer Caroline Lee and her family have been spreading festive cheer with their much-loved hay-bale displays at the corner of Telford Road and Gregory Cannon Valley Road. What began with a simple snowman has grown into a yearly tradition eagerly anticipated by the community. This Christmas, the family has unveiled a colourful new display featuring characters from the beloved TV show Bluey alongside Santa. Created by Caroline, her husband Michael and in-laws Laurie and Carmel, the display draws cars daily and brings smiles to all ages, spreading Christmas spirit across the Whitsundays. Local Farmers Build Popular Bluey Display for Christmas Since 2015, cane farmer Caroline Lee, with the support of her family, has been putting up fun hay-bale displays on the corner of Telford Rd and Gregory Cannon Valley Rd during the festive season to ignite Christmas joy. Initially beginning with a snowman, and followed by Santa's train the, ritual has continued every year thanks to its great popularity. "People would always ask: what are you doing next year?" said Caroline. This year sees an exciting new display of characters from the popular Australian kids show 'Bluey' along with Santa. "Bluey is just so popular, he's everywhere," shared Caroline when asked where the inspiration came from. The driving force behind the project involves a group effort with Caroline supported by her husband Michael and his parents Laurie and Carmel. "It's between 4 of us, it's not just 1!" she joked. "I'd be lost without them!" The family work together to craft the beautiful displays that have cars pulling over and people piling out, eager to capture special festive photos. The display has gone through various iterations over the years including a locust, a tinnie and a doctor and nurse during Covid. Displays also come up at different times of the year such as an Easter Bunny for Easter and Anzacs for Anzac Day. "It puts a smile on the kids faces!" expressed Caroline. "Everyday you look down there and there's cars pulling in all the time!" The Bluey display has clearly spread lots of happiness and will continue to do so through the festive season. A big thanks to Caroline and her family.
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Hello everyone, There are almost no words that can do justice to this week’s events, however, I feel it is my responsibility to contribute to the narrative in some small way. The massacre at Bondi has struck at the heart of our nation, making even the most patriotic among us feel disgust and horror at how this event symbolises the way our country is changing. How acts of hate are changing this country. In my opinion, however, what the terrorists did not realise when they chose to take 15 innocent lives on Sunday, is the power of humanity, the power of unity and the power of good, which far outweighs all hate. This belief, regardless of which God you worship, which church you attend, or which religion you adhere to, is shared by the vast majority people. In the aftermath of the atrocity, leaders from many faiths have come together, united in grief, united in prayer. You see, people find solace in uniting with love following moments of horror. So this devastating event, which has seen an outpouring of grief with the whole world watching, will, in my opinion, only make us stronger and show us the way forward as a country, together. This is illustrated poignantly by the fact that a Muslim fruit shop owner, who had gone out to meet a friend for coffee on Sunday, became the hero, risking his life to disarm a depraved man full of hate. As we head into Christmas, let’s keep those who were lost in this tragic event close to our hearts. But let’s also fight this act of hate with love, love for each other, love for life and love for God, whichever God that may be for you. Rach Quote of the Week: "We are all human beings first"
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The Whitsunday Regional Council has officially announced the adoption of the Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct Masterplan. The 95-hectare site, located in the Proserpine to Airlie corridor, is set to become the Whitsundays’ regional sporting hub. The precinct will give local clubs room to grow, provide more opportunities for children to participate in sport, and create a venue capable of hosting major carnivals and events. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the first stage is expected to deliver a combination of new fields, courts, shared amenities, and essential access upgrades including improvements to the Shute Harbour Road intersection to ensure safe and efficient entry to the precinct. “The long-term vision includes athletics, BMX, equestrian, indoor sport and even land set aside for a future school. With Brisbane 2032 getting closer every day, we’ve got an incredible opportunity to set up the Whitsundays as a training base and who knows, maybe even grow a few Olympians of our own,” he shared. Stage 1 is backed by a $15 million Federal Growing Regions grant, and it was developed by the community. “More than 40 local clubs rolled up their sleeves and helped shape what this precinct needs to be now and into the future,” said Mayor Collins. “Their ideas, feedback and passion are all over this plan, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time people put in.” With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games approaching, this major project represents an exciting initiative that aims to attract athletes, sporting events and industry to the region. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the region is growing quickly and we need this sporting space. “This plan opens the door for the Whitsundays to welcome athletes, events and new opportunities right here in our backyard. “It is about creating places where young people can dream big, where clubs can thrive and where the whole community benefits for generations to come.” The sports precinct is expected to create new opportunities across the Whitsundays, supporting a wide range of sports and strengthening the region’s athletic community while attracting visitors and investment. “This will be a generational project for the Whitsundays, creating new opportunities for sport, jobs and community life,” added Mayor Collins. “Big projects like this don’t happen overnight, but for the first time, we’ve got a clear, shared roadmap. Council will keep pushing hard for funding to bring each stage to life. “This precinct is about more than sport, it’s about giving our young people space to dream big, giving clubs room to thrive, and building something that will serve generations of Whitsunday families.”
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Ensuring No One Spends Christmas By Themselves Now in its third year, Paula Jean and Jan Clifford are busy organising their Community Christmas Lunch at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club on December 25th. Having found great success in the past, the lunch aims to bring people together during Christmas so that no one has to spend the festive season in isolation. “I just felt it was really sad that there were so many people who spent Christmas by themselves,” said Paula, prompting decisive community action to ensure people could find company if they were feeling isolated during the holidays. Drawing on her own experiences of being away from family at Christmas, Paula wanted to make sure others could feel included. Returning to the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, the event promises to continue fostering community spirit. Food and toys are donated so that everyone can enjoy a good meal and receive a present at Christmas. “The support from the community is amazing,” added Paula. “Food is my language of love, I’ll feed anyone!" She urges that anyone who would like to join is most welcome. She also encourages those who can to send in donations to help ensure the event can properly cater for everyone in need. “It’s the most beautiful feeling to do this.” For anyone who would like to join or get involved, you can email Paula at pjsfooddiary@outlook.com or visit the Facebook event page entitled “PJ and Jan’s Community Christmas Lunch.” Best of luck to Paula and Jan in organising an amazing occasion! WHEN: 25 December, Christmas Day, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm WHERE: Airlie Beach Bowls Club Sign Up: Facebook page or email pjsfooddiary@outlook.com
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Council regularly receives requests for improved lighting throughout the region and Council is always keen to improve public safety where possible.
Obviously, we cover a massive area, so it is up to Council and Councillors to identify areas with the most urgent need and prioritise these locations.
This year Council has been trialling the installation of 30 temporary solar-powered lights in Hansen, Lions, Case, and Barker Parks in Bowen to improve lighting in the busy Grays Bay area.
The benefits of this lighting project include increased visibility along pathways, making it safer for pedestrians to navigate these areas, especially during early mornings and at night.
The improved lighting also makes these parks more suitable for hosting community events in the evenings, encouraging more frequent use of these public spaces by residents and visitors.
Community Consultation was open to residents and visitors via an online survey on our Your Say community engagement platform for six weeks, as we sought feedback from the community about the temporary lights, their placement and if they have improved use and safety for park users.
We recognise the importance of engaging with our community in a meaningful and genuine way about decisions which affect you.
The survey had great feedback with 87 submissions received. The majority were in favour of the improved lighting, so Council has now engaged a lighting consultant to incorporate feedback, including refining the placements of lighting to minimise nuisance, ensure solar access and meet needs of users.
I thank the community for having their say during the trial as their feedback has assisted Council to determine the most suitable and cost-effective options for a permanent light design and placement.
The good news is that $900,000 has been identified in our three-year capital budget for delivery of the Grays Bay lighting project once the design phase has been completed. The use of solar power aligns with sustainable energy practices, reducing the carbon footprint associated with lighting the parks.
This initiative demonstrates a commitment by Council to not only improve public safety, but also embrace sustainable energy practices, reducing the carbon footprint associated with lighting the parks.
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Tourism Whitsundays and Cruise Whitsundays are heading to Brisbane in early September to meet with 49 buyers from India and South East Asia at Experience Queensland - India and South East Asia. This event, run by Tourism and Events Queensland, is focusing on this emerging market and building relationships with travel buyers and wholesalers from these locations.
"Going back to pre-Covid times, India was quickly gaining momentum as a source market for The Whitsundays and this business-to-business networking and meeting day is a step to restarting that market," said Cait.
The international travellers have been slower to return than expected and there's an element of retraining involved in terms of how to get to The Whitsundays from the other side of the world, however we're seeing our international visitor numbers grow each and every quarter which is fantastic,
Earlier this month, we attended Queensland is Calling - North America where Ben Summers met with travel agents across America to educate them on The Whitsundays.
These trade shows, whether they are in America, UK, China or Australia all focus on the same key points:
1. Where The Whitsundays are
2. How do travel agents get their clients here
3. Why The Whitsundays is different to other reef or beach destinations
Contributed by Cait Fleming, Industry Development & Trade Manager, Tourism Whitsundays
Tourism Whitsunday’s at Down Under Summit
The team at Tourism Whitsundays bid their valued Brand Executive, Alyssa, a fond farewell as she ended her time with Tourism Whitsundays.
They celebrated her significant contributions and future endeavours with an unforgettable sunset tour aboard Lady Enid Sailing.
The evening sky painted a stunning array of colours, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxation and indulgence. Lady Enid, a well-maintained vessel, provided comfort and style with top-notch service from the crew.
The tour's highlight was the front-row seat to the wonders of our incredible Whitsunday nature, including whale sightings and unmatched views. Witnessing these spectacular creatures breaching and playing in the distance inspired everyone. As the sun descended, the scenery became even more magical, with hues of orange and pink reflecting off the tranquil waters, creating a breathtaking view that will stay with the Tourism Whitsunday team forever.
Sipping on refreshing Aperol spritzes while enjoying a selection of delicious light snacks complemented the relaxed vibe on board—the combination of great company, fantastic service, and the enchanting Whitsunday waters made for a remarkable evening.
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays
Lady Enid vessel on the Whitsunday waters
Rosanagh Gallivan, Laura Knipe, Jade Yvonne, Alyssa Turner and Jess McDiarmid
Photos supplied
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is excited to unveil a bold new vision for the Whitsundays, developed with input from over 130 members of the local business community. This visionary project outlines an economic blueprint set to guide the region’s growth over the next two to three decades.
According to Chamber President Allan Milostic, “Our region is on the verge of significant change. With a united vision crafted by and for the business community, we can effectively advocate, shape policy, and drive meaningful progress.”
The research, completed late last year, offers a glimpse into the Whitsundays' future. Bowen is set to lead in agriculture, aquaculture, and heavy marine industries, while Collinsville will advance in mining technology and heritage tourism. Proserpine will become a vibrant hub, seamlessly connecting with Cannonvale and Airlie Beach, while Cannonvale will evolve into a well-planned residential area. Airlie Beach is expected to emerge as a premier Southern Hemisphere tourist destination with expanded attractions, including a convention centre and a vibrant arts precinct.
Research uncovered diverse perspectives and challenges within the business community.
Each district within the Whitsundays has unique needs and visions, making it challenging to forge a unified future. Chamber has identified four immediate priorities for success: enhanced political leadership, strategic economic development, infrastructure investment, and education and workforce evolution.
Milostic emphasized that this journey is just beginning, with regular updates and insights to be released as the vision unfolds. The Vision for the Whitsundays remains an independent, apolitical initiative aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the region.
Contributed with thanks to Julia Evans Chamber Liaison of Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
One of the most common financial steps people go through involves buying a new family home which is of a better standard than their last one. This is a natural progression as people settle into careers, have more disposable income and build families.
Often people decide to keep the previous property as an investment and use the rental income to assist with repaying the larger debt and building wealth. There is a trap with this scenario that can lead to a poor taxation outcome, and effectively make repaying the debt take significantly longer due to the limited assistance from the tax man.
The issue is whether the interest on a loan is tax deductible or not. If you are earning between $45,000 and $135,000 and are paying 32% as your marginal tax rate, roughly a third of your interest is covered by the tax man if your debt is tax deductible. If you are borrowing at, say 6% for both your non-tax-deductible home loan and your tax-deductible rental property loan, you are effectively only paying 4% on the rental property loan after tax. The more of your debt that is allowed to be claimed as tax deductible the better. In this scenario it’s important you separate the debts so you can easily identify the interest and what you are paying off each debt. Ideally you want to pay off the non-tax-deductible debt first before moving on to the tax-deductible debt.
Contrary to what many people think, the key to whether a loan’s interest is tax deductible or not is not which property is used to secure the loan. The key is what the money was used to purchase when the loan was drawn down and not which property the bank takes a mortgage over. Generally, the family home doesn’t produce income and therefore loans used to purchase Principal Places of Residence are not tax deductible even if you used equity in the old home to borrow. Loans for rental properties or shares generally are tax deductible and therefore minimising the loan required to buy the new family home and consequently increasing the investment loan makes sense. Often selling the old home, maximising the cash deposit on the new home and using the equity to borrow to buy a new investment makes more sense. As always the devil is in the detail and it needs careful analysis of sale and purchase costs and each person’s tax situation to make the right decision.
There are several strategies that can be used to decrease non-deductible debt and replace it with deductible debt and investments, and a range of flexible lending products to assist. As always seeking the advice of a knowledgeable Financial Adviser, Accountant and Mortgage Broker is advisable.
For a free consultation with local people who understand the complexities of these or any other financial matter, contact Eclipse Financial Planning at Cannonvale on 49467359 today or visit www.eclipsefp.com.au
This month’s Ask An Expert with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry asks:
How do I manage staff that bring their personal issues to work?
Chamber member, Judy Porter from Shiift, responded.
We are kidding ourselves if we still believe people “park their emotions at the door”. Post Covid sees a very different workforce which requires flexibility, compassion, and ‘humancy’ more than ever.
Every team-member in the workplace is affected daily by external and internal variables. Good leaders who know their team-members well enough will know which variable may be negatively impacting them.
Having strong workplace relationships means you can step into this space respectfully and start the conversation that is needed. Take your team-member aside to a confidential space so they can safely share current challenges. Stay curious, non-judgemental and listen respectfully.
Supporting your team-members through daily challenges builds trust and respect and creates a very strong, committed, happy and productive workplace culture. Having difficult discussions is of great benefit to all – leaders can strengthen workplace relationships, and team-member feel valued.
Beware of compassion fatigue which is the result of sitting in someone else’s problems with empathy and being overwhelmed because you cannot fix the problem for them. We need to engage empathic concern – the capacity to understand someone’s situation and step into an action-oriented outcome for them.
However, we all have our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to communication. If you don’t feel confident having these conversations the minimal duty of care is to point your team-member in the right direction of support by providing contact numbers for Lifeline, Beyond Blue or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have one.
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The Whitsundays are about to be the centre of Australia’s foodservice industry as suppliers from across the country descend upon our stunning region for the Whitsunday Foodservice Trade Show.
This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, with over 75 suppliers and more than 150 industry professionals showcasing an impressive array of products tailored for Whitsunday Foodservice’s diverse customer base. Whether you’re running a pub, café, restaurant, or even a food van, this is your chance to explore the latest and greatest in foodservice offerings.
Patrick Morrissey, General Manager of Whitsunday Foodservice, is excited about the opportunities this Trade Show brings. “This is a fantastic platform for suppliers to introduce both new and beloved products to our customers. It’s not just about selling—it's about sparking conversations, inspiring ideas, and helping our customers find exactly what they need to elevate their businesses,” he said.
The Trade Show promises something for everyone, with suppliers catering to a wide range of sectors including hospitality, healthcare, education, and more.
“Our customers come from all walks of life—pubs, takeaways, schools, aged care facilities, and beyond. We’re proud to be a one-stop shop, and this event highlights the incredible variety we offer,” Patrick added.
Beyond the business of foodservice, the event is poised to make a significant economic impact on the local community. With an expected influx of over $500,000, the Trade Show is set to benefit the Whitsundays in more ways than one.
“We’ve got 150 suppliers staying in town for the week, engaging with our local businesses and teams. It’s a much-needed boost outside the typical tourist season, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting the local economy,” Patrick emphasised.
While the event is business-focused, it’s also going to be a day of fun and excitement. Attendees can look forward to cash giveaways, amazing prizes, and a major prize draw at 12:30pm. To win, make sure to register via the Whitsunday Foodservice website and be present at the event.
The prizes this year are nothing short of spectacular. Imagine a luxurious reef sleep for two with Cruise Whitsundays, a lavish two-night stay on Hayman Island, or the grand prize—a trip for two to the prestigious Tuttofood International Food Exhibition in Milan, Italy!
“This Trade Show is a rare gem in North Queensland and especially in the Whitsundays. It’s a unique opportunity for our customers to engage with top suppliers and experience the best our industry has to offer. It’s going to be a fantastic day filled with great food, valuable connections, and happy customers,” said Patrick.
Don’t miss out on North Queensland’s biggest foodservice event!
• WHAT: Whitsunday Foodservice 2nd Trade Show
• WHERE: Whitsunday Foodservice - 25 Galbraith Park Drive, Cannonvale
• WHEN: Saturday 24th August, 9am-1:30pm
• OPEN TO: Registered account customers and prospective customers via www.whitsundayfoodservice.com.au
Whitsunday Foodservice last Trade Show, Photo supplied
One of the Festival’s marquee events is the Big Book Club High Tea, featuring acclaimed authors Sally Hepworth and Kirsty Manning, and hosted by Karina Kilmore.
SALLY HEPWORTH, a New York Times bestselling author with nine novels and over a million copies sold worldwide, is beloved by readers everywhere.
KIRSTY MANNING, known for her internationally acclaimed historical novels, has captivated audiences across continents, with her works translated into multiple languages and adapted for various media.
Journalist and author, KARINA KILMORE will be hosting the event. She is the Chair of the Australian Crime Writers Association who have recently shortlisted Sally’s Darling Girls for the 2024 Best Crime Fiction.
Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed her excitement “We are thrilled to welcome Sally and Kirsty to our Festival’s Big Book Club High Tea. They are two talented authors, and their infectious camaraderie promises an afternoon filled with laughter and insight into their journey to literary success.”
For the event, Sally and Kirsty have selected the books they will discuss, sharing their inspiration, writing journey, and key themes explored in The Soulmate and Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth, and The Paris Mystery and The Hidden Book by Kirsty Manning.
WHAT: Big Book Club High Tea
WHEN: 3:15pm-4:45pm Saturday 7 September
WHERE: My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach
REGISTRATION: Standard $109 and Concession $89 includes My Rainbow Bakery’s famous High Tea of house-made savoury treats, sweets, and scones with English Breakfast Tea. Select coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Tickets available from www.whitsundayswriters.com
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Living in North Queensland before the internet and after the internet are two vastly different experiences; not dissimilarly to before and after a pandemic. In fact, many of the committee members who have worked to create the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival are new residents, passionate about creating a greater arts presence.
To our delight, there is a palpable excitement in the community for the arrival of our award-winning authors, and the opportunity to highlight and feature what we have discovered is a significant number of local authors living in the Whitsundays. We are fortunate to be able to build on previous festivals, and thank the committees and volunteers of those events from seven years ago.
The written word has the potential to transform lives. Reading can entertain us, educate us, give us an alternate point of view to consider, and it can deeply connect us with each other. This is my wish for our lovingly and consciously designed event; that we might as a community have our minds opened and share three memorable days of thoughtful experiences that enrich our lives.
Whether you are a reader, writer, audio book listener or someone who wishes you made more time to pick up the books on your shelf, we welcome you to join us for the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival. We know we live in the most beautiful location in the world, and presenting a three-day cultural event of this kind is a perfect match. On behalf of the 2024 committee, thank you.
Contributed with thanks to Karen Jacobsen
Karen Jacobsen, President of the Whitsundays Writers Festival
The Love Letter to Queensland event – 6:30pm-9pm Thursday 5 September, Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach – will feature a stimulating lineup of notable speakers, each presenting their own love letters to Queensland, offering a diverse array of perspectives and experiences.
Guest speakers include:
• MARCO RENAI awarded 2024 Queenslander of the Year for his impactful work with at-risk young men.
• ELIZABETH HACKETT known for her significant contributions to the tourism industry and the Whitsunday Skyway project.
• DR CHRIS SARRA CEO of the Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation, leading initiatives for youth engagement within Queensland.
• DR MELISSA ASHLEY celebrated academic and award-winning author of historical fiction novels.
• ANDREW WILLCOX MP Federal Member for Dawson will announce and read the winning Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition entries who will receive shopping vouchers for Adult and Under 12 Divisions.
• KAREN JACOBSEN Whitsunday Writers Festival President, international speaker, concert artist and songwriter, author, and the voice behind over a billion GPS and smartphone devices.
The Love Letter to Queensland event and writing competition is being coordinated by the Whitsundays Writers Festival and proudly supported by James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing and the Whitsunday Regional Council through their Community Assistance Grant program.
WHAT: Love Letter to Queensland event
WHEN: 6:30pm-9:00pm Thursday 6 September 2024
WHERE: Coral Sea Resort ballroom, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Standard $49 and Concession $39 including light supper and two drink vouchers followed by a cash bar from www.whitsundayswriters.com
The Festival is deeply grateful for the following for their support:
Major Festival Partners – Beach Book Boutique, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Blue Peace Enterprises, Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing, Proserpine Wind Farm, and KB Design.
Friends of the Festival – Airlie Beach Music Centre, Amanda Camm MP, Coastal Food Design, Cruise Whitsundays, Just Tuk’n Around, Kapow Interactive, McDonald’s Restaurants, Melinda Louise Media, Plants Whitsundays, Queensland Writers Centre, Ray White Whitsunday, Tassal, The Prickly Pineapple, TP Styling and Events, and Wilmar Sugar & Renewables.
Accommodation Partners – Airlie Apartments, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Heart Hotel and Gallery, Mantra Club Croc, Pinnacles Airlie Beach, Shingley Beach Resort, Toscana Village Resort, and The Boathouse Apartments.
Tickets are available online from www.whitsundayswriters.com or hello@whitsundayswriters.com
FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am Festival opening
9:20am-10:30am The Art and Joy of Storytelling with Chris Sarra, Joy Damousi, Garry Disher, and Graeme Simsion.
11:00am-12:00pm Cops and Robbers: Writing and reading crime fiction and thrillers with Anne Buist, Garry Disher, Karina Kilmore, Jack Roney, Lindsay Simpson and facilitator Harry Colfer.
12:23pm-1:15pm Meet our Featured Local Authors at Beach Book Boutique
1:30pm-2:30pm Responsible writing? Stories about people, relationships, the world and possible ramifications with Anne Buist, Sally Hepworth, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Karina Kilmore.
2:35pm-3:30pm Spotlight On: Writing craft, from first draft to final manuscript, facilitated by Monique van Tulder.
4:00pm-5:00pm From Quills to Code: Is artificial intelligence revolutionising or ruining the future of creative writing? with Melissa Ashley, Joy Damousi, Graeme Simsion, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
5:00pm-6:30pm Poetry Karaoke, step up the mic and share your verses.
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9am Welcome
9:10am-9:40am From the Heart: The inaugural Annual Festival Address by Shankari Chandran.
9:40am-10:00am Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Announcements and readings with Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.
10:30am-11:30am Adaptation: From page to stage to screen with Nick Earls, Sally Hepworth, Graeme Simsion, Christos Tsiolkas, and facilitator Lindsay Simpson.
11:30am-12:30pm Spotlight On: Research and Bringing Authenticity to Fiction with Melissa Ashley, Nick Earls, Kristy Manning, and facilitator Jack Roney.
1:30pm-2:30pm Hour of Power, Meet and greet book signing session with program speakers and Featured Local Authors
Venue: My Rainbow Bakery
3:15pm-4:45pm Big Book Club High Tea featuring Sally Hepworth and Kirsty Manning, hosted by Karina Kilmore.
Venue: Whispers Bar at Mirage Whitsunday
5:00pm-6:30pm Saturday Sundowner event.
SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
9:00am-10:00am Concurrent sessions:
• Ask Me About: Having the courage to share your story, with Festival Vice President Melinda Louise Hutchings and Rachael Smith.
• Ask Me About: Writing for personal and professional development, with Festival President Karen Jacobsen and Monique van Tulder.
• Memoir workshop with Lindsay Simpson.
10:30am-11:30am Concurrent sessions:
• New Release Showcase, hosted by Richard Evans with our Featured Local Authors and guests.
• Ask Me About: Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing with Jack Roney and Julia Evans.
• Memoir workshop (continued) with Lindsay Simpson.
Venue: Whitsunday Marine Club
12:30pm-2:30pm Local Author Long Lunch showcasing the writing journey of some of our Featured Local Authors.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival provided several opportunities for young writers to nurture their creative writing talents and present their works in competition.
The Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition sought 300-word entries in Adult, Under 18 and Under 12 divisions with winners taking home shopping vouchers for $500, $250 and $200 across the respective categories. Winners and high commended entries will be announced by Andrew Willcox MP, at the Love Letter to Queensland special event on Thursday 5 September.
One of the categories of the Festival’s Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards is the Best Short Story for Under 18 division celebrating original short stories of creative fiction.
Four young Whitsunday writers have been shortlisted for the award and are in the running to win $1000 for first prize and $500 for the runner up.
In his submission, Riley Cousen from Mackay State High School said that he likes writing about crime and has been writing for a little while now. The synopsis for his story, The Dirty Dealer is I climbed to the top of the building... I steadied my gun... I fired...
Framed, by Proserpine State High School student Myka Kelly, is a story about a secret agent for a dangerous company who is sent on a mission to watch a teenager. Along the way she is confronted by her past. Myka has been writing for as long as she can remember, and she really loves writing narratives about crime.
My Mother’s Betrayal, by Mila Kronk, is a story about when a girl, bored of her reality, unknowingly is shown a snippet of the future, she tries to ignore the strange occurrences she notices afterwards. In her submission, Mila shared that she wanted to challenge herself and try to create her own plot. She found it was difficult – Mila didn't know how it was going to end, and because of this she rewrote the same story so many times, each time getting closer to the result.
Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, for ever since she can remember, has loved the thrill of picking up a pen and paper and being able to transport herself and others into an entirely different world. At the early age of seven, Alessa published her first ever short story in an anthology after participating in a workshop. From then on, she has shown a deep passion about writing and hopes to inspire others through storytelling and art and continue my journey in writing. Her submission, Unspoken Words, where grieving the loss of her sister, Avery finds comfort and forgiveness in her sister's ghost.
The awards sought submissions from around Australia of up to 3,000 words of unpublished creative fiction stories. The winner will be announced Saturday 7 September.
This year, Festival launched the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering $10,000 in cash prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary and design landscape.
The Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the Whitsunday’s Heart Reef.
Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the awards program, “We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to nurturing creativity.”
The Heart Awards comprise four distinct categories:
• The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript,
• The Published Book Cover Design Award
• Best Short Story Award (adult and under 18 years old divisions)
• Poetry Prize.
Gloria Burley was the driving force in the establishment of the Whitsunday Writers Festival, which ran 2010-17. She penned two books titled A Rolling Stone Gathers No Husbands, chronicled many of her travels, and Blood & Guts that sums up her exploits as a nurse in regional Australia. Gloria passed away from cancer in 2018.
“What better way to recognise the Gloria’s legacy than initiate a creative writing award named in her honour,” said Karen.
Both long and shortlists of finalists have been announced ahead of the festival. Winners will be announced 9am-10am Saturday 7 September at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
WHAT: Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards announcement
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
REGISTRATION: Session only tickets start from $21 from www.whitsundayswriters.com
As economic pressures mount, regional festivals like the Whitsundays Writers Festival face the challenge of maintaining quality while cutting costs. Complaints about the lack of government and community support are growing in regional towns, but there’s a simple solution: buy a ticket. Even if you can’t attend, your purchase can help pay it forward, allowing someone else to experience the event.
Supporting arts and culture doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s as easy as buying a ticket. This small act can make a significant difference, ensuring that festivals like ours and others continue to enrich the cultural fabric of our community. Culture matters, and by supporting it, we show that we matter too.
So, take that step today—purchase a ticket, encourage your friends, and be part of the positive change. Together, we can ensure that arts and culture events and festivals thrive for years to come.
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