Suns Deal Drives Regional Growth Council has locked in a major win for the region, confirming the extension of its successful partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS Football Club (GCFC) through to 2028. The announcement follows news of a half-billion-dollar investment in the Mackay region by Certainty Wealth, which includes the proposed development of 1,100 residential lots. Certainty Wealth Managing Director Damien Gwynne said the company’s decision to invest in Mackay was directly influenced by council’s partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS, highlighting the role the collaboration has played in strengthening the region’s profile and appeal. “In 2024 we were brought up by the Gold Coast SUNS on a business delegation to explore Mackay as a potential investment opportunity,” Mr Gwynne said. “We will invest more than half a billion dollars in the region over the next seven years – retirement villages, childcare, commercial centres – and that’s all because of that one business delegation,” he said. Within 13 months of the delegation, Certainty Wealth are 25 per cent of the way through constructing stage one of the Riverbend estate at Mirani near Platypus Beach. They have also settled on land at Sarina, which will be a master-planned community with more than 1000 dwellings called The Crossing. Mr Gwynne said The Crossing would change the face of Sarina. “It will include residential lots, townhouses, retirement village, childcare centre, retail centres, plus a whole bunch of community infrastructure that will assist the existing residents of Sarina,” he said. Mayor Greg Williamson said the new agreement reinforced council’s commitment to delivering economic, social and sporting benefits for the Mackay region. “Since 2019, the partnership has positioned Mackay as a premier destination for elite women’s sport, with annual AFLW matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena attracting thousands of spectators and showcasing the region on a national stage,” Mayor Williamson said. “AFL participation in Mackay has grown by 15 per cent during this period, with female participation increasing by 20 per cent, highlighting the positive impact of the collaboration on grassroots sport,” he said. The renewed three-year agreement will see council continue as Official Partner of the Gold Coast SUNS and Official Gold Coast SUNS AFLW Destination Partner. Key deliverables of the extended partnership include: • Hosting one AFLW match annually at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. • National brand exposure through apparel branding and signage at AFLW and AFL matches. • The creation of Discover Mackay Week, showcasing the region through SUNS platforms and match-day activations. • Economic development opportunities via corporate networking events and boardroom lunches with SUNS partners. • Community engagement through AFLW player appearances, academy camps and grassroots football programs. • Consumer promotions such as the “Live the Dream” initiative, giving Mackay girls the chance to experience life as an AFLW player. • Leadership development sessions run by GCFC executives and high-performance staff. Gold Coast SUNS Deputy CEO Simon Fitzgibbon welcomed the extension which will see the relationship between the organisations span beyond a decade. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Mackay Regional Council. The council has been an influential supporter of our club, in particular our AFLW program, for almost a decade,” Fitzgibbon said.
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Australia went to bed wounded, and woke up confronting a truth we should never have had to face. What unfolded at Bondi was not just an act of violence. It was an act of terror. It was an attack on innocent people, on a community gathered in peace, and on the values that bind us together as Australians. My first thoughts are with the victims, those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and the families whose worlds have been shattered forever. No words can ease that pain. I also extend my deepest respect and gratitude to the police officers, paramedics, doctors, nurses, lifeguards, and everyday Australians who ran towards danger without hesitation. Among the horror, there was extraordinary courage. Ahmed al Ahmed, a local fruit shop owner, did not run from danger. He ran toward it. With no thought for his own safety, he tackled an armed attacker from behind, wrestled the weapon from his hands, and helped stop further bloodshed. In doing so, it has been reported by media that Ahmed was shot twice and required surgery, yet his actions likely saved countless lives. His bravery reminds us of something fundamental about Australia: that decency, courage, and moral clarity still rise in our darkest moments. Australia is grieving. Australia is angry. And Australia has every right to be. This attack occurred as members of the Jewish community gathered to celebrate Chanukah by the Sea. What should have been a moment of light, faith, and joy was transformed into horror. We stand with Australia’s Jewish community today and always. Antisemitism has no place in this country. It never has, and it never will. But we must also confront an uncomfortable truth. This tragedy was not unimaginable. For many Australians of Jewish faith, it was feared. Since 7 October 2023, antisemitism has surged across Australia. We have seen hateful protests, intimidation outside synagogues, Jewish schools requiring security to function, and vile slogans shouted openly in our streets. Before the shameful scenes on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in October 2023, many Australians would have said such hatred could never take root here. That complacency was a mistake. The warnings were there. They were repeated. They were ignored. Leaders of the Jewish community sounded the alarm. International allies sounded the alarm. Even foreign heads of government warned that failing to confront antisemitism early would only embolden it. Yet the Albanese Government responded with hesitation, equivocation, and silence when moral clarity was required. Hatred does not disappear when it is tolerated. It grows. Australia is a successful multicultural nation because we share a social contract. We welcome people from all backgrounds, faiths, and cultures, but we ask something in return. We ask that people respect our laws, our freedoms, and one another. We ask that grievances from overseas are not imported and weaponised on Australian streets. We ask that loyalty lies with Australia, not with extremist ideologies or foreign conflicts. The vast majority of migrants honour that contract. They work hard, integrate, contribute, and enrich our country. They are valued members of Team Australia. But it is no longer honest to pretend that our immigration system is immune from failure. Under Labor, immigration has surged to levels that are unsustainable. More than 1.2 million people arrived in Labor’s first term alone, with two million expected by the end of the second. Housing is stretched. Hospitals are under strain. Schools are full. Infrastructure is lagging. These pressures affect Australians of every background. A sustainable immigration program is not defined by volume, but by the values and social cohesion it preserves. A successful immigration program does not just count numbers. It enforces standards. It ensures that those who come here accept equality between men and women, freedom of belief, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. It does not turn a blind eye to extremism, radicalisation, or imported hatred out of fear of political backlash. What we have seen in recent times is a failure to uphold those standards. We have seen people who reject Australian values, glorify violence, and openly express hatred toward Jewish Australians. That should never have been allowed to take root here. Raising these concerns does not make someone racist or anti-migrant. It makes them honest. Australians are generous people. But generosity without boundaries is not compassion, it is negligence. A government that refuses to police its immigration system properly, or confront antisemitism decisively, is not being inclusive. It is failing in its most basic duty, which is to keep Australians safe. This attack has forever changed our nation. We cannot undo what has been done, but we can decide what happens next. We must strengthen laws against hate crimes. We must enforce existing laws without fear or favour. We must ensure migration settings serve Australia’s interests, not ideology. And we must say, clearly and without apology, that antisemitism, terrorism, and extremist hatred will be met with the full force of the law. Australia deserves leadership that is honest, courageous, and prepared to act early, not issue statements after lives are lost. Today we mourn. Tomorrow we must act. For the victims. For their families. For our Jewish community. And for the future of a nation that should never have allowed this to happen on its shores.
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Mackay Regional Council has raised concerns after the recently upgraded skate park in Bucasia was vandalised only weeks after the revamp was completed. The popular community space, praised by residents for its fresh new look, has already been targeted by graffiti — a setback council describes as both frustrating and disheartening for the wider community. Mayor Greg Williamson says the impact of this type of vandalism isn't insignificant. "There's the cost to ratepayers for crews to have to go back and fix up this defacing of public assets, but it also means they're being pulled from other jobs and projects," Mayor Williamson said. "The fact that they are having to go and fix up something that should never have needed to be fixed up in the first place is infuriating. "Aussie culture is that we we don't dob people in, but this has to stop. If you see it, please report it." Reports can be made through the Snap, Send, Solve app or call 1300 MACKAY.
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Queensland Government Extends Support for Greater Whitsunday Regional workforce collaboration Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement of continued funding for the Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee (RJC), securing the program through to 2027. This extension confirms GW3 as the host organisation for the Regional Jobs Committee program until 2027 and reinforces the vital role the committee plays in aligning local industry needs, training pathways, and regional workforce development. The program is designed by locals, for locals, providing a coordinated approach to identifying unique skilling challenges and strengthening connections between industry, government, training providers and community organisations. The Greater Whitsunday RJC forms part of a statewide network of 12 Regional Jobs Committees operating from Cairns to the Gold Coast. Together, these committees deliver region-specific skilling and workforce solutions that respond directly to local needs and support long-term economic growth. Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer, Ms Kylie Porter, said the commitment demonstrates the importance of proactive workforce planning as local industries continue to evolve. “We are delighted the Queensland Government is continuing to invest in regional workforce development through the RJC program. “This extension ensures we can keep driving a coordinated, industry-led approach to skills, training, and workforce attraction across Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday. Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee Chair, Ms Carissa Mansfield, said sustained funding provides important certainty for industry and partners. “Workforce remains one of the biggest challenges facing our region. The continuation of the RJC program means we can keep bringing local voices together to address barriers to training, participation, and business growth.” Member for Mackay, Mr Nigel Dalton, said the Queensland Government is committed to supporting strong regional jobs and skills development. “The Greater Whitsunday RJC is delivering real impact by strengthening local training pathways and helping businesses connect with the support they need. Extending this program through to 2027 ensures continued investment in regional jobs, industry alignment, and sustainable economic growth.” “This funding reflects our commitment to ensuring local people have access to local opportunities, and that regional communities are supported to thrive.” The Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
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This year, the Mayor's Charity Ball introduces a brand-new ticket option: the After Dark Experience! For just $150, you can join the celebration from 8pm, enjoying a sparkling drink on arrival, gourmet canapés, an open bar, live music, and even a surprise performance. With free transport and a fireworks finale, it’s the perfect way to experience all the excitement without the formal dinner. This year's event supports RACQ CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. To join the fun, head to https://bit.ly/MayorsCharityBall for more info or to purchase tickets!
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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
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