Earlier this week Crown Princess made its inaugural call to the Port of Airlie, marking a significant milestone for both Cruise Whitsundays and the Port of Airlie Terminal.
The ship received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Cruise Whitsundays team, with even the beloved Cruise Whitsundays mascot, Cruiser the Turtle, making a special appearance to greet both crew members and guests as they arrived at the port.
Ren Van Rooyen, Hotel General Manager aboard the Crown Princess, shared his excitement about the ship’s new destination:
“We have been met with an incredibly warm welcome from the Whitsundays community, and we are delighted to continue visiting this stunning region. Sharing its beauty with our guests is truly special, and we look forward to many more visits to this remarkable destination.”

Cruise Whitsundays Sales and Marketing Manager, Liza Muller, also added how this is a momentous occasion especially for the tourism industry:
“Cruise ships play a vital role in driving economic growth in the Whitsunday region, contributing an estimated $30 million to $40 million annually to the local economy. This marks a significant recovery and growth post-pandemic, with benefits felt across the region's entire tourism and hospitality sector.
“The Whitsundays is renowned as a warm and inviting region, and it’s essential that new cruise ships and their guests experience that same hospitality. We’re hopeful that this positive trend in visitation will continue to flourish in the coming years.”
The growing presence of ships like the Crown Princess in the Port of Airlie is a key factor in making the Whitsundays more accessible to tourists. As the region relies heavily on tourism, welcoming more ships into the port opens the door to increased visitation, bringing economic benefits and enhancing the area's appeal to travelers from around the world.

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The Crown Princess team alongside Cruise Whitsundays staff as they arrive at the Port of Airlie. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot.
The Crown Princess Cruise Ship which arrived into Port of Airlie. Photo supplied.

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Hi Everyone!
It’s been a busy week here at the office! As many of you know, we officially launched our brand-new Hinchinbrook paper on Tuesday. I'd like to start by giving a huge congratulations to the Hinchinbrook Life team for their fantastic efforts in bringing this paper to life.
In other news, I've been busy doing a lot of dog-sitting lately, and one of the wonderful dogs I've been looking after this week is Finn, one of our office dogs.
Which leads me to an exciting new addition to Whitsunday Life—Find Finn! Each month, Finn will be hiding somewhere within the pages, and it's up to you to track him down. You can find all the details on how to play on page 26.
On the topic of dogs, Ruby, our Production Representative, has recently got a new puppy called Koa. Koa is a mix of Border Collie and Kelpie, and he’s now joining Finn in office dog responsibilities. The whole team is very happy to have him around...well, almost everyone. Finn, however, has had to come to terms with a new concept: sharing.
Additionally, Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Breast and Prostate Cancer Charity Event at the Proserpine Golf Club. It was truly uplifting to see so many people come together, dressed up, in support of such a vital cause.
As November comes to a close, I'm excited for the upcoming Christmas season, which I'll be celebrating with my wonderful housemates. That said, I can't help but miss my family and friends back in the UK.
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Ruth
“We're all traveling through time together, every day of our lives. All we can do is do our best to relish this remarkable ride.” Richard Curtis, About Time (one of my favourite movies).

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Who doesn’t adore a nice little street library? If you haven’t heard of this heartwarming community concept, street libraries stand as beautiful homes for books, to invite neighbours and members of the community to share the joys of reading with one another! A popular phenomenon during COVID-19 isolation periods, street libraries began popping up around local streets and parks to keep people connected and reading - a wonderful habit with a world of benefits. Locals are able to leave a book they may no longer need in the library for others to take, and pick up a new one to love. Many often return books they have found from one library to another, creating a perfect cycle of new reading material for others to read.

Street libraries can be found outside businesses, along footpaths and in people’s front yards, and recently, one sprouted outside the Proserpine Massage Clinic inside the Dieke Arcade! A fantastic community initiative started by Shelley Macpherson, locals are invited to pop down, have a browse and donate any unwanted novels to the quaint little set up for others to enjoy.

You too can become a street librarian by visiting Street Library Australia’s website, https://streetlibrary.org.au. Learn more about this initiative and purchase a ‘build it yourself kit’ or even ‘ready-made sheds’ to plant in your front garden!

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On Monday, November 25, Mayor Ry Collins, joined by several WRC Councillors, officially launched the Zonta Club Book Collection at Bowen Library. The unveiling took place before an enthusiastic crowd of community members, marking the addition of this valuable resource to the library.
Mayor Collins was excited to launch the Zonta Collection.  He praised the efforts of Zonta members for their contribution to the community.
The Zonta Club of Bowen has generously donated a diverse and thoughtfully curated collection of fiction and non-fiction books, catering to a wide range of interests and experiences.
The Zonta Club of Bowen Collection of books was donated by Zonta club members and through a Whitsunday Regional Council Grant.
Hortense Ingram, the Zonta-Library Project Coordinator liaised with Tania to select the books, which reflect the Zonta theme of building a better world for women and girls.  The Collection aims to fill the needs of the Bowen community and appeal to a broad audience, including men and teenagers.
Hortense shared that the Zonta Collection highlights Australian award-winning authors, cultural themes, historical fiction, memoirs of inspiring women, survivor stories, health, wellbeing, relationships, self-help, leadership, and young adult topics.
The launch coincides with the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. In support, the Zonta Club of Bowen released an updated "Safety Tips for Women and Girls" brochure to empower and protect women in the community.

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Example of some of the books in the collection. Photo supplied.

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In recent years, residents of Tropic Road in Cannonvale have raised concerns about plans to develop a large storage facility at the location.
One vocal opponent of the proposal is Robin Weaver, who lives adjacent to the proposed site. Robin has been actively involved in the campaign against the development, working closely with the Whitsunday Regional Council to argue against the project. His primary concern was the impact that the 550-unit storage facility would have on a block of land that is zoned for residential use.
The five-acre site, which was previously designated for medium- to low-density housing, was sold three years ago but has remained on the market ever since.
Robin has been a key figure in this effort, receiving strong support from Councillor Clay Bauman, who has also spoken out against the project. In a recent phone call, Robin was told the good news that the planning court had decided to reject the application for rezoning the land, marking a major victory for those opposed to the facility.
“They have basically won the case,” Weaver said, expressing his gratitude to the council for their steadfast support throughout the legal process.
“I take my hat off to council for fighting this issue,” he added.
This decision comes at a time when the Whitsunday Regional Council is facing increasingly difficult decisions about balancing the needs of the rapidly growing Greater Airlie Beach area with the concerns of long-standing residents.
The Tropic Road storage facility was one such issue, with the council ultimately siding with the community’s preference to maintain residential zoning in the area.
Meanwhile, Council has approved a development application for a local developer to build a storage facility at Carlo Drive, a location that is considered by many to be a more suitable site for such a project. The Carlo Drive location is seen as a better fit for the community, addressing storage needs without disrupting the residential character of the area.

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Robin Weaver’s interpretation of what the facility would have looked like. Photo supplied.

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You may have noticed some fascinating new structures emerging over Maureen Cove. Five larval pools have been deployed here until Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, as part of a collaborative reef restoration project led by Red Cat Adventures, Ocean Rafting, ZigZag, Reef Catchments, AIMS, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
Each year, following the full moon in November or December (timing depends on the full moon, water temperature, and tides), the outer Great Barrier Reef comes alive with a spectacular event. Coral species engage in synchronized spawning, releasing bundles of coral eggs and sperm into the water—a phenomenon often described as a reverse "snow storm." This natural occurrence plays a crucial role in coral reproduction, supporting the ongoing health and survival of the reef.
In contrast, the inner reefs surrounding the islands and mainland typically experience their spawning events after the October full moon.
Coral IVF and this approach to reef restoration has been promising. Coral spawn is collected, incubated in floating larval pools for 5-7 days and then deployed onto target reefs.
Studies indicate that this improves the chance of coral spawn surviving to adulthood from approximately 1 in 1 million to 1 in 10,000.
It is important to take care of our fantastic reef in the Whitsundays, and coral restoration is one step forward to achieving that.

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Coral Spawning Larval pools in Maureen Cove.

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November 17th marked the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a day to honour those lost in road accidents and reflect on the far-reaching impact of road trauma. In the Whitsundays, the recent tragic deaths of three locals in October has prompted a call for greater road safety awareness.
Rebecca Woods, a local advocate for road safety, is urging residents to ask themselves: “What are you doing for road safety?”
A recent survey in the region revealed that 94% of respondents believe road safety has worsened over the past year. Distracted driving and speeding were identified as key factors contributing to accidents, alongside poor road conditions.
Woods emphasises that while road infrastructure is a concern, driver behavior—particularly distractions and speeding - also plays a critical role in safety.
“I want drivers to reflect on their choices - are you speeding or distracted? Are you doing your part to make our roads safer?” Woods said.
Woods has launched a survey to gather local feedback, aiming for 500 responses to better understand the community’s concerns.
The survey is available via the link:
Together, the community can make the Whitsundays safer by prioritising road safety.

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Road Safety Survey

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The recent bogging of an excavator in Shute Harbour has raised questions for local environmental group Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) who are concerned any new development would cause damage to the environment and create safety issues for mariners.  
“First proposed back in the mid 1980’s, the long history of this location’s unsuitability to support a marina has become more obvious as the years pass by,” says WCC President Tony Fontes.
“This entire bay in its natural state plays a critical ecological function that supports tourism, fisheries and recreation for the region.
“Shute Harbour and its mangroves are critical fisheries habitat. And that the seagrass beds, still recovering from recent cyclones, are important feeding areas for endangered dugongs and turtles”.
Community group Save our Foreshore Inc (SOF) has also had long running concerns about this proposal.
SOF President Suzette Pelt, a long-term tourism operator, says “SOF lodged a massive public response opposed to the application which is not so much about a marina but more a real estate play hiding behind a marina.
“If it’s about a place to park a boat, we believe Bowen’s already approved marina is a safer, better place to develop a marina”.
SOF says the complete loss of public foreshores and access to waterways for people who have historically used the area for fishing, boating, businesses and general enjoyment of views to the islands and surrounding Conway National Park, is unacceptable.
“We are not even sure that the inner island resorts have thought about the high likelihood of increased murky water quality on their already declining fringing coral reefs. We know from diving operators that during other local coastal constructions, water quality declined significantly, impacting their operations”.
“The fact that Humpback whales and calves rest in the channel entrance to Shute and their importance both to the environment and tourism was not specifically raised in regard to increased boat traffic and boat strike and anyone who has been around Whitsunday waters and Shute knows they’re there.
“These are serious issues”, Tony Fontes adds. More recently, community groups monitoring Council’s decision making, were alarmed by the lack of due diligence towards community risks with respect to Council’s role in this proposal.
“Instead of taking the recommendations by the 2 local councillors with respect to road safety and infrastructure risks – like those occurring following the Hinchinbrook marina disaster - 5 Whitsunday Regional Councillors voted down the pragmatic recommendation that Council invite the marina developers to update on the development’s status and changes mentioned in their application, before approving another extension to infrastructure requirements.” Suzette Pelt adds.
“After the multi-million-dollar over-run in costs associated with the re-development of the Council’s Shute Harbour jetty the engineer’s report stated, “this was one of the most difficult projects due to the depth of the Shute harbour muds.”
“It would seem prudent that council take every precaution to protect ratepayers from the enormous costs involved when a project, such as proposed, fails either from weather or economic conditions.”
Meanwhile, Whitsunday Regional Council’s Director Regional Strategy and Planning Neil McGaffin said as part of the development approval process all environmental matters, on land and on water, were researched, investigated, assessed, and approved by both the Federal and State governments.
“There were no changes to the existing approval that Council voted to extend. The decision was a procedural decision to grant an additional two years to undertake the works,” he said.

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Previous dredging works that took place at Shute Harbour. Photo supplied

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This month’s article showcases our diverse businesses community in partnership with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

This month we meet Ellen and daughter Bek Kerr of One Agency Team Kerr.

In January 2025, Ellen and Bek will celebrate 2 years in business, having established their small boutique real estate agency specialising in residential sales in January 2023.

Having worked in real estate in the region for the last 18 years, ‘Team Kerr’ looked for an opportunity to bring a personal touch, a professional caring service to both their sellers and buyers. They believed that having their own business provided the chance to change the rules in providing good old fashioned personal service.

Additionally, Team Kerr offers two exciting points of difference. Firstly a $500 referral fee to their clients, and a free marketing package for their sellers which means no upfront costs.

Ellen offers the following advice to other business owners:

1.           Choose a profession that you are in love with.
2.           Treat your staff well, they are your biggest asset!
3.           Support your local community.

As an active Chamber member, Ellen believes networking is key to being an integral part of any community. Attending Chamber events and keeping up to date with what is going on in town is critical for a real estate agent who liaises with many clients both locally and interstate.

Bek and Ellen Kerr of One Agency Team Kerr. Photo credit: R Jean Photography, Core Life Magazine

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Whitsunday Regional Council is rolling out a collaborative Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection Program this wet season (November - April 2025) to protect our waterways, marine ecosystems, and stormwater network. Sediment on roads can be hazardous and clog stormwater pipes, increasing flood impacts. By working with builders and developers, we’re ensuring best practices to reduce sediment loss, keep roads safer and safeguard our reef environments. Learn more about erosion and sediment control at https://bit.ly/Whitsundaywaterways.

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Advocacy is crucial for regional councils like ours, especially when faced with urgent infrastructure demands created by rapid population growth and thriving tourism, mining and agriculture sectors.

During my first 7 months as Mayor, I have put a strong emphasis on proactive engagement with state and federal governments in a bid to secure necessary funding and support for key projects.

Which is why I have been on the road the last 10 days pushing the flesh at the halls of power in Brisbane and Canberra meeting with a range of Federal and State politicians including Opposition leader Peter Dutton, local MP’s Andrew Willcox, Amanda Camm, Dale Last, Michelle Landry, Senator Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones, Senator Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud, Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain, Minister for Tourism and Environment Andrew Powell and Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett.

In these final sitting weeks of the year, itis important to be on the front foot and engaging in discussions with both levels of government to highlight the key priorities for our Whitsunday region like upgraded roads, trunk infrastructure, energy solutions, workforce skills development, and attracting investment to unlock our full potential.

Other discussions included shoring up funding flood-proofing at Hamilton Plains and the Shute Harbour boat ramp upgrade, as well as advocacy for major projects like the Airlie Skyway initiative and infrastructure planning for the Whitsunday Coast Airport, Airlie Beach Precinct Masterplan and Bowen Foreshore Masterplan.

By prioritizing advocacy, my aim is to ensure that the Whitsunday region receives the attention and resources needed to accommodate our expanding population and booming tourism industry.
There’s no doubt about it — with our pillars of tourism, mining, and agriculture our diverse Whitsunday region is an economic powerhouse for the nation. Yet, time and time again, we find ourselves fighting for our fair share of resources and investment which is why last week, I personally took that that fight to Canberra and Brisbane.

Our Whitsundays has a strong foundation to build upon, and with a collaborative approach, we can ensure a thriving future for our people and industries alike.

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Ten years ago, Twenty16 Communications was founded, with CEO Laz Reynolds at the helm. As the driving force behind the company, Reynolds established the business to provide expert information on sales and service for top-quality marine electronics brands. Since its inception, the company has become a trusted name in the industry, offering specialised knowledge and reliable support to its customers.
Laz decided to set up the company, relying on his significant expertise in electronics and communications. After building connections within the industry, Laz was invited in 2013 to become a Service Dealer for Raymarine in the Whitsundays and establish a dealership. He officially launched the company in 2014.
Laz explained that the company’s strength lies in its specialised approach to electronics, setting it apart from others. Trained in the communications field, he noted that while the industry has become more broad and less focused, the company remains committed to its core strengths. As the field evolves, the company continues to prioritise the specific elements that made it unique.
After an incredible 10 years with the business, Laz has made the decision to pass the reins to Thomas Seymour, a skilled professional who began his journey as an apprentice and has since worked alongside Laz for the past 6 years. With his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the company, Thomas is more than ready to lead the business into its next chapter.
“The business had got to a stage where I felt someone else could take it to another level, and that person was Tom,” Laz enthused.
Tom expressed his enthusiasm for taking over the business and his commitment to upholding the company's renowned high standards of service. Both he and Laz emphasised that, although ownership is changing, the quality of service will remain unchanged.
Tom shared the story of his personal journey to his current position, beginning with his early years in construction, where he worked in his parents' business from the age of 14. His experience later expanded when Twenty16 serviced his parents' vessel, an experience that went so smoothly it inspired him to pursue a trade in the field.
Over the six years Tom has worked at the business, he has earned a high level of trust with Laz and the clients, which ultimately led to Laz's decision that Tom was more than capable of taking on the business.
At Twenty16 their number one priority is customer satisfaction.
“The core focus of the business is ensuring that the client’s products work,” Laz explained.
“There aren’t many industries where you can take immediate action and instantly see if it’s right or wrong. Problems don’t linger here.”
Currently, there are four employees at the company. However, when Tom takes over, he plans to hire an apprentice to join the team.
With the change in ownership, Twenty16 is excited to continue offering the highest quality marine communication services.

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Laz and Thomas exchange a handshake as the business gets handed over.

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Coral Sea Marina’s Lookout Lounge will soon be flooded with a magical atmosphere overflowing with female empowerment and marine education this December as the Women in Boating on The Reef event makes waves across the region!

An event run and organised by women, for women, ladies are invited to enjoy an evening of mingling with like-minded people, learn from experienced boaters and environmentalists and indulge in the stunning views of the marina. With an ocean of tips, tricks and knowledge to immerse yourself in, attendees will be treated to plenty of industry-based stories from women with a passion for marine life, and a love for the Great Barrier Reef whilst learning more on topics including Whales of the Whitsundays, Project Manta, Waste to Wonder, and Reef Restoration.

Women in Boating On The Reef will be held next Thursday, 5 December from 5:30pm to 7pm and those interested in attending are invited to RSVP through emailing marketing@csmr.com.au.

What: Women in Boating On The Reef.
When: Thursday 5 December, 5:30pm – 7pm.
Where: Coral Sea Marina’s Lookout Lounge (above Whitsunday Jet Skis).
More Information: Contact marketing@csmr.com.au.

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Next month, Proserpine Youth Space will celebrate 25 years of supporting, guiding, and empowering young people in the community.
Since its opening, Youth Space has provided a safe environment for young people aged 10-21, offering a range of programs focused on mental health, resilience, and building social connections.
To mark this significant milestone, Proserpine Youth Space will host a Superhero-themed 25th anniversary celebration on December 6th from 3-6pm at their Youth Centre, located at 65 Marathon Street, Proserpine.
Special guests Amanda Camm MP and Mayor Ry Collins will be in attendance to help commemorate the occasion.
The event promises a fun-filled afternoon for families, with activities including face painting, Boogie Bounce, a giant slide, raffles, a sausage sizzle, and plenty of cake.
Everyone is encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero and join in the celebration. The event is free and open to all, offering a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate this important milestone.

For further information contact: 0438 885 451 coordinator@proserpineyouthspace.org.au
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Proserpine Youth Space is turning 25

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Almost three decades have passed since Ocean Rafting brought a splash of gold to the turquoise Whitsundays waters. Ocean Rafting has surpassed 28 wonderful years of family-run and locally loved business, and is ready to keep serving the Whitsunday Tourism Industry for another.
Ocean Rafting marked its 28th anniversary in style at the Tourism Awards in October, securing a gold medal in the ‘Major Tour & Transport’ category and silver in ‘Adventure Tourism.’ The team was also honoured as Whitsunday’s favourite tourism experience in the consumer-voted ‘People’s Choice Award Experience.’ These impressive wins led to their induction into the Hall of Fame, recognising three consecutive years of gold in the “Major Tour & Transport” category and three years as the “People’s Choice Award Experience.”
Ocean Rafting is proudly owned by Peter and Jan Claxton, who took over the business in 2001 when it featured just two vessels, "Jammin'" and "Wild Thing." After some renovations, both boats are still part of the fleet today. Under Peter and Jan's leadership, Ocean Rafting has blossomed into a thriving enterprise.
What sets Ocean Rafting apart is its rich family heritage, with three generations actively involved in the business. Nathan Fleming, who has spent 13 years at Ocean Rafting, also shares a deep-rooted connection with the family behind it. His journey began in Hervey Bay, where he first met Jan and Peter—Jan approached him at his job, promoting the business alongside her two children, who now serve as operations managers. Nathan describes Jan and Peter as family, fully embracing their family-oriented approach. The close-knit atmosphere is further strengthened by Jan’s mother, who serves as the head accountant, and her sister, also an accountant, reinforcing the strong familial bonds that define Ocean Rafting.
“At Ocean Rafting, we are lucky to have become a three-generational business over the last twenty-eight years,” said Jan.
“Being family-owned and operated allows us to be agile and efficient when making on-the-go decisions. This translates to our team feeling empowered and responsible for their choices, ideas, and actions. Some of the Rafting team have been with us for a long time, and now their youngsters have joined us, completing the Rafting family recipe.”
Since the business was acquired in 2001, it has expanded from two boats to eight, along with adding planes for scenic flights over the Whitsundays. These breathtaking flights, showcasing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday’s iconic Heart Reef, were introduced by Ocean Rafting seven years ago.
The concept of combining planes with ocean rafting was inspired by Peter, who transitioned from aviation to boating. This innovative approach has led to the creation of the Fly Raft package, which has quickly become one of Ocean Rafting’s best-sellers. This unique offering seamlessly integrates the thrill of flight with the adventure of rafting, providing an unforgettable experience for their customers.
Three generations of family and almost three decades as one of the Whitsundays’ most loved on-water experiences, Ocean Rafting state that their mission is still to treat every day as if it was the one and only day their guests will experience Ocean Rafting and the Whitsundays; and this has attributed to the company’s long-term success and thriving growth over the years.

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