Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Fern with her daughter Zali, who she says is the reason she keeps fighting despite recent cancer re-diagnosis. Photo supplied A much-loved Whitsundays mother is once again facing an unthinkable battle after learning her cancer has returned, this time incurable. After nearly two years of remission, Fern Wilson is confronting a devastating diagnosis while continuing to care for her young daughter, Zali. Known for her warmth and resilience, she is now navigating the fight of her life with courage and determination. As she seeks new treatment pathways and holds tight to hope, the Cannonvale community is rallying behind her, organising a morning tea fundraiser to show support and help her continue this difficult journey ahead. Local Mum Refuses to Give Up After Cancer Comes Back A vibrant local single mum is at the centre of the community’s thoughts and prayers this week following news that her cancer has returned after almost two years in remission. Fern Wilson explains that she was first diagnosed with stage 3C ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in 2023, when a 13-centimetre tumour was discovered. At the time, she was given 12 months to live without treatment, so she underwent an intense treatment plan that included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a mastectomy. “It was one of the hardest periods of my life physically, emotionally, and mentally, but I kept fighting because my daughter gave me every reason to stay strong,” she shared. “Recovery was not just physical - it was emotional and spiritual as well. I had to learn how to reconnect with myself after so much loss and change. “My daughter Zali was my greatest strength and staying focused on being present for her helped me through the darkest days. “Support from close friends, family, and my community meant everything. I also focused on healing my nervous system, mindset, and finding peace where I could.” During this time, Fern travelled to Bali, where she began her journey with integrative natural health, working alongside traditional medicine. Returning to the Whitsundays after receiving news she was now cancer-free, Fern has spent the last two years embracing a healthy lifestyle, establishing herself in the local Cannonvale community, and enjoying time with her young daughter. Receiving news earlier this year that the cancer had returned shattered the idyllic life she had worked so hard to create. The tragic turn of events began when Fern started experiencing some bone pain from treatment, and further scans confirmed the worst. This time, however, the cancer is stage 4, metastatic and incurable, with a prognosis of 12 months left to live. “Hearing those words was devastating,” said Fern. “For a moment, everything went dark. The fear, the shock, and the uncertainty were overwhelming, and as a mother, your mind immediately goes to your child and their future.” Fern said her oncologist explained that surgery would not make a difference, and treatment options in Australia were no longer available, being mainly focused on management rather than healing. “I was also faced with difficult conversations around a scary 12 months prognosis, which completely changed everything for me as a mother,” she expressed. Feeling overwhelmed and in total despair, Fern made the brave decision to fly back to Bali, a place where she had found peace and healing during her last battle. Taking her daughter, Zali, with her, Fern has embarked on an integrative healing journey and, for the first time since the devastating news, feels hope. “I chose to return to Bali because I wanted access to integrative and supportive treatments that were not readily available to me in Australia,” she said. “Here, I am receiving therapies focused on supporting my immune system, improving quality of life, and helping my body as a whole. “This includes treatments such as high-dose intravenous Vitamin C, ozone therapy, nutrient IV therapies, and other supportive natural therapies. “Bali has also given me peace, healing, and the chance to be present with my daughter in a calmer environment while I continue fighting. “Cancer changes everything, but it also reminds you what truly matters—time, love, connection, and the people who stand beside you. “My greatest focus is my daughter and making sure she feels safe, loved, and supported no matter what happens.” A morning tea is being held in Fern’s honour, giving the community an opportunity to come together, raise money, and support this inspiring local woman in the battle of her life. Fern says she “does not have enough words to thank everyone” involved in bringing this morning together. “The kindness, generosity, and love from the Whitsundays’ community has been overwhelming. “To everyone donating prizes, attending the morning tea, reaching out, and supporting Zali and me—thank you from the bottom of my heart. “In times like this, community means everything, and knowing we are not alone gives me strength to keep going. “I also want to sincerely thank Zali’s father and his family for supporting me throughout my treatment journey. During some of the hardest moments, their support and care helped me keep going, and I will always be grateful for that. “I want people to know that even in the hardest moments, hope still exists. I am still fighting, and I am deeply grateful for every person helping us through this journey.” What: A Morning For Fern When: Sunday 17th May Time: 9am – 12pm Where: Belle Property Whitsundays
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MRQ Whitsunday Carries Out Calm Rescue On A Beautiful Sunday Afternoon On a beautiful Sunday afternoon reports came in that a hire boat 2nm north of Deloraine Island had suffered a mechanical problem. Although the engine was going, the propeller was not. This spurred MRQ Whitsunday to action. With pre-tasks completed, the team motored off towards Hook Passage, soaking in the scenery as ventured out into the sea. “We had vessel coordinates from a telephone, so we needed to convert them from the Degree Decimal format favoured by the telco giants to our more usual Degrees and Minutes,” shared MRQ Whitsunday. After emerging from Hook Passage, WS11 was directed to where the vessel was believed to be. “Lo and behold, there was a whit vessel on the horizon. This was going to be easy!” The team continued motoring and spotted the target 4nm away – “just where they said they would be.” The team approached the boat cautiously as there were beams on the waves. “I was about to request the crew to get ready with fenders and lines when, looking over the side, they were already set up. Great work team!” The crew set the towing hook and returned to Coral Sea Marina at a gentle 17 knots. The vessel was taken close to their berth. “Thanks again to the crew for making it easy.” The team were able to handle the situation with efficiency and professionalism that allowed them to enjoy the blissful afternoon weather as they conducted their task. Crew: Ray L, Nat R, Bob W Skipper: Bill H
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Everyone who has visited the Great Barrier Reef has a favourite fish. With more than 1,600 species weaving through its coral gardens, the Reef is a living kaleidoscope of colour and motion. But if the question shifts from “favourite” to “most important,” the answer becomes less about beauty and more about function. So which fish matter most to the Reef’s long-term health? While there is no single winner in such a complex ecosystem, one group stands out above the rest: herbivorous fish. These unassuming grazers are the quiet custodians of the Reef, performing a vital role that keeps coral ecosystems alive. On the Great Barrier Reef, there is a constant battle for space. Fast-growing algae are always ready to overtake the slower-growing corals. Without intervention, algae can quickly smother coral, blocking sunlight and preventing new coral larvae from settling. This is where herbivorous fish step in. By feeding on algae, they maintain the delicate balance between coral-dominated and algae-dominated habitats. Among the most important of these are parrotfish, surgeonfish and rabbitfish—species that act as the Reef’s lawnmowers. Parrotfish are perhaps the most well-known. Often called “reef cleaners,” they spend up to 90 per cent of their day grazing on algae that coats coral surfaces. In doing so, they prevent algae from overwhelming living corals and help create space for new coral growth. Their feeding also has another remarkable benefit: sand production. Using their powerful, beak-like teeth, parrotfish scrape algae from coral and rock, ingesting bits of coral skeleton in the process. After digesting the organic material, they excrete the remaining calcium carbonate as fine sand. A single parrotfish can produce up to 90 kilograms of sand each year—quite literally helping to build tropical beaches. Surgeonfish play an equally critical role. Acting as efficient grazers, they feed on turf algae and can make up a significant proportion of the Reef’s herbivore biomass. In some areas, they account for the majority of algae removal, helping prevent ecosystems from tipping into algal dominance. Rabbitfish, though less conspicuous, are just as important. They complement the work of other herbivores by consuming different types of algae, adding resilience to the system. This diversity of feeding behaviours ensures that no single type of algae gains the upper hand. Of course, the Great Barrier Reef is an intricate web of life, and no species exists in isolation. Every organism—from microscopic plankton to apex predators—plays a role in maintaining balance. But without herbivorous fish, that balance would quickly unravel. In many ways, these fish are the unsung heroes of the Reef—quietly working each day to keep one of the world’s greatest natural wonders alive. Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council
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If you’ve been exploring the local property market lately, you may have come across a new and enthusiastic name: Nick Ianni. Recently stepping into the real estate industry as Sales Assistant to Rob Taylor at Taylor’s Property Specialists, Nick is already making an impression with his approachable style and genuine commitment to helping people. Nick brings with him a diverse background spanning sales, customer service, and hands-on rural work. Originally from Forbes in regional New South Wales, he grew up on the land, developing a strong work ethic, reliability, and a deep appreciation for community—qualities that now shape his approach to real estate. Now proudly calling the Whitsundays home, Nick says the move was an easy decision. “The lifestyle, the people, and the coastline—it just felt right straight away,” he shares. Settling into the region has only strengthened his passion for helping both locals and newcomers navigate the property market with confidence. Working closely with experienced agents Rob Taylor and Alex Swan, Nick is learning the ins and outs of the industry while contributing fresh energy to the team. His goal is simple: to make the buying or selling process smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. “I want people to feel supported every step of the way,” Nick says. “Whether they’re ready to make a move or just exploring their options, I’m here to provide clear guidance and a friendly, down-to-earth experience.” With his strong values, enthusiasm, and dedication to personal service, Nick Ianni is a welcome addition to the Whitsundays real estate scene—and certainly one to watch as he builds his career in the region. For enquiries, Nick can be reached on 0472 675 428 or via email at nick@tpsre.com.au.
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Cruise Whitsundays is proud to announce its Gold wins for Tourist Attraction and Unique Accommodation at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held at Daydream Island. These wins also mark Cruise Whitsundays' induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame for Unique Accommodation, following three consecutive Gold victories in this category.
The Tourist Attraction award recognises Cruise Whitsundays' iconic Reefworld Pontoon and the incredible experiences it offers, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The Unique Accommodation award celebrates the exceptional Reefstays experience, which includes Reefsleep and Reefsuites, offering guests the rare opportunity to sleep under the stars or beneath the water, surrounded by the beauty of the reef.
General Manager, Renee Branton-Brown, emphasised the critical role of the team in achieving these awards.
“These awards are not just a recognition of our products but of the people behind them. The passion and dedication of our entire team are what truly make these experiences special for our guests. Whether it’s the welcoming guests on board, ensuring smooth operations, or the staff on the pontoons delivering memorable reef experiences, every individual plays an essential role in our success.
“I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Our team has faced challenges, adapted, and continued to deliver exceptional experiences year after year. These awards, and our induction into the Hall of Fame, are a testament to their hard work and resilience. I feel fortunate to lead such a talented group and look forward to what we’ll continue to achieve together.”
Sales and Marketing Manager, Liza Muller, reflected on the significance of these wins for both the business and the wider tourism industry.
“Winning Gold in these categories and being inducted into the Hall of Fame for Unique Accommodation is an incredible milestone for us, especially as we celebrate 20 years in this remarkable region. It demonstrates the value of what we offer in the Whitsundays and reinforces our commitment to consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences. This recognition solidifies our place as a leader in the region, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Liza continued, “We also want to acknowledge the effort that goes into the submission process. It’s no easy task, and it’s done alongside the demands of daily operations. We congratulate everyone who dedicated their time and effort, and a special congratulations to our fellow award winners. These awards truly highlight the talent and strength of the Whitsundays tourism industry. We’re excited to cheer on all the Whitsunday operators and businesses at the upcoming Queensland Tourism Awards!”
As Cruise Whitsundays celebrates its 20th year of operation in the region, these prestigious awards are a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to delivering world-class experiences at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Whitsunday Tourism Awards was a vibrant and invigorating affair where the movers and shakers of the local tourism industry came together to celebrate their successes.
Held at Daydream Island, the event was Emceed by winner of ‘the best job in the world’ Ben Southall and in attendance on the night were Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox with his wife Raylene, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Mayor Ry Collins and his wife Mel and Candidate for the One Nation Party, Julie Hall.
Photo credit: R Jean Photography
The Great Barrier Reef Festival has reached Hall of Fame level after winning the Gold award for ‘Festivals and Events’ at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards last Saturday.
Festival Chairwoman Margie Murphy said four long-term committee members attended the event but did so on behalf of everyone that help put the festival together.
“We were incredibly proud to accept the awards on behalf of all the volunteers, sponsors, artists, council personnel and community members who all work together to bring this festival to life every year,” she said.
“We are particularly proud to have the festival inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is a great achievement for our small but dedicated committee and a testament to how important the event is to our region.
“It was great to share the moment with many of our sponsors who were also award winners which goes to show the calibre and number of people who work on bringing this beloved event to life every year.”
The Great Barrier Reef Festival’s uniqueness shines as it is the only Great Barrier Reef Festival in the world. It is an important event because it showcases the Whitsunday community and highlights all that our region has to offer, as being at the ‘Heart of the Great Barrier Reef’.
The Great Barrier Reef Festival is a not-for-profit event run by a small volunteer committee who contribute countless hours in the planning of the event annually, providing locals and visitors alike with an exceptional festival that the Whitsunday community can be proud of.
Great Barrier Reef Festival Team win gold!
At the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards Grand View Hotel in Bowen came away with a Bronze prize in the ‘Contribution by a Volunteer or Group’ category, and were also a finalist in the ‘Excellence in Food Tourism’ category.
It’s not the first time Grand View Hotel has been nominated for the prestigious awards, in 2019 they were a Finalist in the ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group’. In 2022 they won Silver in ther same category.
Grand View Hotel Manager Emma Heiniger said the nominations showcase how hard the team work.
“It’s an absolute honour to be nominated for the awards as it showcases and gives recognition to just how hard the team has worked throughout the year to provide amazing customer service and fabulous produce,” said Emma.
“We had three staff members attend Daydream Island, and were very proud to receive the awards that we were nominated for.
“The customer service at Grand View Hotel is always a step above with the staff always being vibrant and inviting.”
Grand View Hotel has an outstanding location, including a grand view of Bowen’s spectacular front beach and iconic jetty.
The food at Grand View Hotel offer a taste of the Whitsundays and they go a step above the average pub meal by using local produce.
The inside décor of the hotel matches the location and gives off a costal meets country aesthetic that is extremely inviting.
Iconic Whitsunday Adventures was honourably recognised for their exceptional levels of customer service and operations at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards evening on Saturday where they were awarded the Gold title for Tour and Transport Operator.
Having celebrated winning the same award in 2023, receiving the outstanding title for the second time last weekend was an honour Nicole and her team are beyond proud of their achievement.
“We had a small contingent of crew join us on the night, which was wonderful to share this win with them,” explained Nicole.
“As a small business, this achievement means so much as it’s a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our team and winning this award for the second year in a row reinforces our commitment to creating unique guest experiences and inspires us to continue building our business.”
A small family business, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures sees Nicole and her dedicated team wear many hats each day to ensure smooth sailing across the board whilst delivering exceptional experiences for their customers to enjoy.
“Our business shines through our commitment to creating exceptional, personalised experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests,” said Nicole.
“We offer a diverse range of adventures, from sailing on the heritage yacht, Lady Enid, to exhilarating jet boat rides on Viper, and relaxing sunset cruises on Sundowner.”
In understanding the tastes of each guest, Nicole and her crew work to ensure each tour is carefully crafted to ensure guests have an enjoyable, and memorable experience during their visit to the Whitsundays, whether they are seeking tranquillity or adrenaline.
“What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and the passion our team brings to their work.
We take pride in going above and beyond to exceed guest expectations, from the quality of service onboard to the knowledge we share about the beautiful Whitsundays and its rich culture.
This dedication coupled with our drive to innovate and improve continuously, is what we believe helped us win this award.”
Along with providing guests with unforgettable experiences, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures operates with a deep commitment to supporting the local community and protecting the natural environment.
“As a business, we priortise sustainable tourism practices and strive to minimize our environmental footprint, whether through our eco-friendly operations or by raising awareness about the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands.”
Nicole believes winning the Gold title for Tour and Transport Operator perfectly captures and recognises the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices herself and her crew have made along the way, with the award standing as a reminder to continue reaching new levels of success each day.
“It reminds us why we push so hard every day, fuelling our motivation to continue pursuing our goals, and growing our business, and this accolade is not only a personal triumph, but a testament to the passion of our entire team as it’s not only a recognition of our success but also a reminder of the importance of engaging our team in everything we do, ensuring they feel valued and part of the journey.”
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The Whitsundays original and most awarded tour operator, Ocean Rafting, continues to shine gold over the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays after taking home several awards at the 2024 Whitsundays Tourism Awards!
Ocean Rafting celebrated its 28th birthday at the gala industry awards on Daydream Island, winning gold in 'Major Tour & Transport' and silver in 'Adventure Tourism.' The team was also recognized as the Whitsundays favourite tourism experience in the consumer-voted 'People’s Choice Award.' With three consecutive golds in 'Major Tour & Transport' and three in 'People’s Choice,' they entered the Hall of Fame.
Peter and Jan Claxton, owners of Ocean Rafting for 28 years, and sons Cole and Kerr Claxton alongside 34 passionate Ocean Rafting staff represented the family owned and operated business at the celebrations.
Kerr, Ocean Rafting's operations manager, explained, "Tourism is an amazing industry; however, it is a seven-day-a-week operation, and a lot of time and effort is required to ensure operation runs as smoothly as possible. This operation would not be what it is today without a fantastic team.
"I'd also like to thank and acknowledge Tourism Whitsundays, and everyone involved for putting on yet another fantastic Tourism Awards event. It allows us operators to get together and celebrate an incredible industry."
Jan Claxton, owner of Ocean Rafting, “Could not be prouder” of the Ocean Rafting Teams efforts at the 2024 awards.
“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,” said Jan.
Good things come in three’s – Ocean Rafting enters the Hall of Fame!
Party Cakes Whitsunday won gold in the ‘Excellence In Food Tourism’ category at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards.
It isn’t the first time Party Cakes Whitsundays has won an award, they were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
Owner Vhari Kelly said to win this year meant a lot to her, especially because she runs a small business.
“I am very proud of what I have achieved as the sole employee and operator of my business,” she said.
Vhari is a qualified pastry chef and defines herself as a perfectionist and she will not supply a customer with a product unless she is happy with it herself.
“I will not deliver a cake to a client that is not 100% quality inside and out,” said Vhari.
“Even if it means starting a whole cake again from scratch to achieve that.
“I will also go above and beyond to make the whole process from ordering to eating of your cake as easy and enjoyable as possible.”
All her hard work is a testament to the value she brings to the Whitsunday food space.
“I would like to thank my many returning customers who come back each year to order their kids birthday cakes. But a lot of thanks also goes to my family who support me and my business, and often assist with deliveries and cake pick-ups when I am unable.”
Party Cakes Whitsunday creates delicious cakes for every occasion, with gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free options. They also offer sweet treat platters featuring sugar cookies, biscuits, indulgent slices, and profiteroles.
Enjoy your next event with a cake from an award-winning bakery.
Owner of Party Cakes Whitsunday Vhari Kelly with her award accompanied by her husband Zak Kelly
“It’s like winning a Grand Final,” shared Paul Tuddenham, manager of Peninsula Airlie Beach, and beyond proud and grateful recipient of the Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2024 Best of Queensland Accommodation title.
Peninsula Airlie Beach proudly welcomes families and tourists to their 5-star establishment to enjoy a memorable visit to the Whitsundays. Paul, Francine and their dedicated staff have been honourably awarded numerous titles over the past 3 ½ years in recognition of their exceptional levels of customer service and the experience they provide their guests.
This includes; ARAMA Resident Manager of the Year (2022), Tourism Whitsunday Customer Service Award (2022), Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award (2022, 2023 and 2024), the Queensland Tourism 2024 Gold List of Australian Accommodation 5 Star Rating, and now the 2024 Best of Queensland Accommodation Award.
“We are really thrilled to win this award, to receive any award is a real achievement,” said Paul.
“All successful service businesses set out to provide excellent customer service,to be the best they can be, and to keep improving to maintain that level of service.
To receive an award is an achievement for all the work that gets done, the time, and money invested in the business, it is a real highlight for us, and something we can proudly display to our owners and guests.”
Paul and Francine believe receiving this award perfectly highlights the work of their staff, explaining they are extremely fortunate to have people like Lex, Dorothy, Martie and her team at Eco Clean, working hard every day to ensure the grounds, administration, and accommodation reflects the highest possible standard.
Delighted and proud winners!
Pinnacles Airlie Beach was celebrated for their commitment to upholding exceptional levels of hospitality and customer service at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards where Therese and the team received the Gold Award for Self Contained Accommodation.
“This year, we achieved the Hall of Fame with three consecutive wins in this category, and we were over the moon to receive the Gold Award,” shared Therese.
The luxury accommodation facility is situated on Golden Orchid Drive, and prides itself on operating with each of their apartments individually owned. Located 300m from the heart of Airlie Beach, the accommodation serves as a popular destination for honeymooners and couples, with many enjoying the magnificent views and touch of romance fostered by the balcony’s jacuzzi.
“We recognise that every one of our guests have different requirements to make their holiday experience the best for them,” she shared.
We are continually trying to evolve and be innovative with the experience we offer our guests, and in the last two years in particular, we have had a huge focus on sustainability.”
Pinnacles Airlie Beach shared a warm thank you to all their staff who endeavour to make each and every guest’s stay with the facility memorable, explaining this award perfectly captures the level of service they work to achieve.
“The awards process although can seem a little daunting, is very rewarding and it continues to make us review and improve our processes,” said Therese.
“The awards night is a whole lot of fun and a great way for industry to get together and celebrate.”
The SeaLink Whitsundays team celebrated outstanding success at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, bringing home a remarkable collection of accolades. Red Cat Adventures was named the region’s top choice for Adventure Tourism, winning Gold in this category and Silver for Major Tour and Transport Operator.
Whitsunday Jetski Tours also shone brightly, earning Silver in the Tour and Transport category and Bronze for Adventure Tourism.
Asher Telford, General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays and co-founder of Red Cat Adventures, expressed his excitement about the wins. “These local awards validate our staff's hard work and dedication, showcasing the quality of our offerings. We’re thrilled to expand our range of experiences in the region,” he said.
In the past year, SeaLink Whitsundays continued to provide unforgettable experiences aboard our custom-designed ‘Thundercats,’ the stunning sailing vessel ‘Tongarra,’ and a fleet of exciting jet skis.
The team has embraced innovation through marketing campaigns, conducted an accessibility audit and upgrade, and introduced new experiences, including an outer reef snorkel adventure aboard the state-of-the-art vessel Wildcat, as well as guided jet ski, snorkelling and beach tours for guests at Intercontinental Hayman Island.
Julie Telford, Business Development Manager, highlighted that the awards reflect the unwavering commitment of their dedicated team.
“This recognition belongs to our incredible staff, who are the backbone of our businesses, our supportive local community, and everyone who has ever experienced our products—these awards are for you,” she remarked.
The SeaLink team excited to start the night
Last Saturday at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards Scamper celebrated a Bronze winner award in the Eco-Tourism category
A small team from Scamper attended the events and were thrilled when they were announced Bronze and heard the room roar.
Owner & Manager at Scamper Sarah Vickery said “Only gold winners get on stage, though the cheer from the crowd when our awards were mentioned felt really special that so many people in the industry were happy and proud of us.”
“To be only our second year in the awards and 5th year on owning our own business we are so proud of what we have achieved so far.
“From being just skippers to business owners, we really appreciate the judges for acknowledging how far we have come, and to know we are on the right path.”
Scamper is a unique business in the Whitsundays that not only offer daily transfers for people that wish to do an overnight camp on the islands, hire camping equipment, and kayaks for transport, but they also offer transfers to South Molle Island for half day walks and mountain biking on the island.
Camping transfers run daily, and you don’t need to have you own equipment or worry about cleaning it, Scamper will take care of all of that for you.
Locals also receive a nice discount.
Go camping with the award winner Scamper today!
Let’s go Camping!
Scamper team receiving their award!
SeaLink Whitsundays has won the Best of Queensland Experience Award at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards!
SeaLink achieved the highest score across the region based on customer reviews and overall guest satisfaction.
In just over 12 months, SeaLink Whitsundays has proudly earned a 100% five-star rating, a testament to their commitment to exceptional customer service and unforgettable experiences.
This achievement places SeaLink at the forefront of Whitsunday businesses, further cementing their reputation for excellence in the region.
Asher Telford, General Manager of SeaLink in the Whitsundays pointed out that SeaLink’s success is built on a foundation of customer-centric service:
"It doesn’t get better than 100%! Winning the same award for Wildcat at the Mackay Tourism Awards just a week ago shows how committed we are to our customers. From the first phone call to the last bus drop-off, it takes everyone to achieve these results. Massive congratulations to the whole team!”
SeaLink Whitsundays attributes its win to a combination of modern vessels, smaller group sizes, unique tour offerings, and an unyielding commitment to guest satisfaction. With a dedicated, knowledgeable crew, the company continues to create memorable and eco-friendly experiences that showcase the natural beauty of the Whitsundays.
Reservations and Sales Coordinator Heather Thatcher said what makes SeaLink stand out is the unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction and our passionate, knowledgeable crew who go above and beyond to provide memorable experiences,”.
As they celebrate this impressive win, SeaLink Whitsundays is looking forward to continuing their growth alongside their other award-winning ventures, Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours. With their sights set on the future, the team remains committed to offering world-class experiences for visitors to the Whitsundays.
Whitsunday Segway Tours was awarded the Gold title for Eco Tourism on Saturday evening at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards, an honour owner Zak Kelly accepted proudly.
“I am super proud to win this award as it had been over five years since the business had won something this important,” shared Zak.
“My wife, Vhari and I work so hard to make the business truly the best it can be in sustainability, service quality and customer service.”
In the past, Whitsunday Segway Tours has been presented with numerous Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Gold Awards, entered the Hall of Fame in 2018 and was awarded the Steve Irwin Award for Eco Tourism in 2019.
“It’s the small things that all add up to make the business as ecofriendly and low carbon as possible – all these impacts are recorded and verified,” explained Zak.
Whitsunday Segway Tours provides a unique and enjoyable experience for a wide range of tourists from various backgrounds and are the sole Segway tour in Australia to operate in a rainforest national park. November will mark a decade since the business was established, with Zak expressing a warm thank you and gratitude to all their customers both past, present and future.
“I most of all thank my prior and future Segway tour guests, my amazing wife Vhari, my business partner, support businesses, Tourism Whitsundays, government departments, local travel agents and the Whitsunday community for their support - I live and breathe Whitsundays and am completely passionate about the area and it’s future.
We can all agree the Whitsundays is an amazing place, and Whitsunday Segway Tours showcases the region in its own unique Eco Tourism sustainable way for locals and visitors alike.”
Zak Kelly from Whitsunday Segway Tours proudly accepting his award for Eco Tourism on Saturday night
The Whitsunday Coast Airport has once again won Gold at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards, for the third time in a row.
The airport won Gold in the ‘Tourism Retail, Hire and Services’ category and with its third consecutive win in a row, it has now been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Several staff members attended the awards and Director of Commercial Business for Whitsunday Regional Council Craig Turner said it was great to have his team there.
“Sharing the win with several staff Saturday night was a highlight, it’s the whole team that works hard so to be able to share the night with them means a lot,” he said.
“To win gold at any time is exciting but to win three in a row and enter Hall of Fame is the cherry on the cake and a testament to the whole team.”
Craig said that by increasing their level of customer service and everchanging to become more accessible is what got Whitsunday Coast Airport the win on Saturday night.
He said the airport is the funnel to drive the economy for the Whitsundays.
Craig also thanked the Whitsunday Regional Council.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank the Councillors and managers of Whitsunday Regional Council who support us in undertaking activities allowing us to grow and reach our full potential,” he said.
“I’d also like to thank the entire airport team including stakeholders and other industry partners that we work closely with throughout the year.”
Whitsunday Coast Airport offer a range of flights and services to destinations all over Australia, flying to, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and the newest addition Adelaide.
They facilitate operations of four commercial airlines - Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Skytrans.
Craig expresses congratulations to all the nominees and winners on the night, and said “together as an industry we can continue to make the Whitsundays shine”.
The Tourism Awards are a great event and Craig also expresses that other businesses should get involved with them if they can.
“It is a valuable process to be able to reflect on the previous year by working on the business as opposed to in it, there is always room for improvement and growth.”
A night of tourism industry celebration was briefly thrown into chaos when billionaire businessman and owner of Coral Sea Marina Resort Paul Darrouzet elected to use his platform to give an award recipient speech to slam Whitsunday Regional Council.
The Whitsunday Tourism Awards took place on Daydream Island last Saturday with 366 tourism representatives present to celebrate their successes and hopefully receive an industry award.
Paul Darrouzet was present on the evening to accept the Bob Porter Award for Outstanding Contribution By an Individual, reflecting his impressive work transforming what was Abell Point Marina into the multi-award winning Coral Sea Marina Resort we see today.
Standing on-stage to give his acceptance speech, Mr Darrouzet instead surprised the audience by embarking on an extensive dialogue that specifically criticised Council and Councillors.
His 15-minute speech caused a stir in the crowd, with some members of the audience feeling compelled to leave the room when he began criticizing neighbouring townships within the region.
Whitsunday Regional Council are a major sponsor of the Whitsundays Tourism Awards and had recently announced an increase of funding toward the organisation, allocating $1 million, which is larger than any previous year.
The contents of Mr Darrouzet’s speech put a significant strain on relations between all parties.
Tourism Whitsundays offered the following statement on the matter:
“During the ceremony, we were proud to present the prestigious Bob Porter Award. We acknowledge that some of the comments made by the recipient do not align with the views of Tourism Whitsundays or the broader industry. We remain focused on the positive achievements and dedication of our tourism operators and stakeholders who contribute to the success of our region.”
Many people on the night remarked that they respected Mr Darrouzet’s right to hold such views but believed them to be quite divisive and that a night of celebration was not the correct platform in which to deliver it.
Thankfully, after the speech concluded Emcee Ben Southall was quick to resume proceedings and the night continued with the party atmosphere that was intended.
The evening was a credit to the hardworking Tourism Whitsundays team, and everyone enjoyed much merriment.
In the following pages of this newspaper you will be able to read Paul Darrozet’s entire speech from the night and also read responses from Mayor Ry Collins on some significant local issues mentioned in that speech.
Owner of Coral Sea Marina Resort Paul Darrouzet giving his controversial speech at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards on Saturday night. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
Find the full speech here: https://youtu.be/qRmux6QrqLw?t=1853&si=adN_q0DRWYSsWwVu
Overall, what does Council think about Paul Darrouzet's speech on Saturday night - what would Council like to say in response?
My Councillors and I welcome open dialogue and the chance for feedback from community members and business leaders and this can be done through multiple official channels to ensure a response from Council. A Tourism awards night celebration is not an appropriate forum!
As Mayor for just 7 months, I was extremely disappointed and saddened by the divisive and unfounded allegations presented on what was an evening to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our tourism industry. Disappointed that an award winner would use a tourism celebration platform for their own agenda and sad that our amazing tourism operators, who have worked so hard to rebuild after COVID-19, had their night overshadowed by these actions.
From the Collinsville Pit Pony outback experience to the Big Mango and amazing beaches and bays in Bowen, to the cane fields and barra fishing in Proserpine and the buzzing resort town of Airlie Beach and our 74 tropical islands, Council along with Tourism Whitsundays, has worked tirelessly to promote and develop the region. Our partnership has always been strong, and we remain committed to working together for the betterment of the Whitsundays.
Since 2008 Council has been split into divisions with a Councillor representing each division. What are the benefits of this? Do you have any plans to change it?
At present the Whitsunday Regional Council comprises of myself as Mayor and six Councillors who are each elected from individual divisions. Electoral Divisions allow for councillors to be truly local representatives (for their division), easily accessible to residents and more aware of local issues and contribute to ensuring that sectional interests are less likely to dominate the council. Councillors overriding responsibility is to the entire Council region.
In Queensland, local government areas are often large and diverse, which makes the choice between divisional and undivided councils significant.
Divisional councils tend to work better in areas with varied demographics and geographic diversity, where it’s important to ensure that smaller or rural communities have a representative voice. Undivided councils may be more suitable for smaller, more homogeneous areas where local issues are less varied, and a region-wide approach to governance is more effective.
Each structure has its trade-offs, and the choice often depends on the size, demographics, and specific needs of the local government area in question.
What do you say in response to the assertion that the 4 Councillors who live outside of Airlie/Cannonvale control the votes and the funding?
Council decisions are made through a democratic process, with each Councillor casting their vote based on the needs of their division and the broader interests of the Whitsundays.
Funding is not controlled by specific Councillors. All major funding decisions are based on merit, community needs, and strategic priorities for the entire region, not just one locality.
It was also asserted that there have been no capital upgrades in Airlie Beach in 46 years - is that accurate?
Airlie Beach Main Street has borne the brunt of the tourism industry success and growth that we have seen in recent years, especially post COVID. My Council has recognised this and has been actively working on maintenance and improvements while undergoing consultation and planning of a new overall Airlie Beach precinct plan for renewal and a long-term sustainable solution.
In recent years, Airlie Beach/Cannonvale has seen hundreds of capital upgrades, including almost $1 million in Airlie Main Street upgrades in the last 12 months alone. Our recent investment into tourism infrastructure and local community projects clearly demonstrate that Airlie Beach remains a key priority for Council.
Capital projects since the $20 million Airlie Beach Main Street upgrade was completed in 2013 include: $7 million Airlie Foreshore revitalisation, $60 million Shute Harbour Marina reconstruction, $20 million Airlie Main Street Upgrade, $35 million Cannon Valley Reservoir and pipeline to new reservoir, Whitsunday Water Security and Resilience Program and Treatment Plant, Coconut Grove movie screen and foreshore mega playground, Cannonvale foreshore upgrade , Welcome to Airlie sign, Starfish roundabout , Refurbishing of Airlie Beach toilet block, Refurbishing of Lagoon toilet block, Heart of the Reef sign and landscaping, Skate bowl in Cannonvale – Stage 1 & 2, Whitsunday Lakes Playgrounds, boardwalk and boardwalk lighting, Waterson Way carpark, Port of Airlie Terminal Upgrade, Shute Harbour Road – upper carpark extension, Ocean Road reconstruction, VMR pedestrian bridge, Woodwark Crescent stormwater relining, Cannonvale Transfer Station upgrade, Airlie Lagoon Deck, Airlie Foreshore Lighting, Campbell Creek embankment works, Shute Harbour lookout upgrade, Golf Views Court stormwater renewal, Airlie Beach bus stops, Airlie Lagoon shared path, Bicentennial Boardwalk stages 1 and 2 upgrades, Wambiri/Adina St intersection renewal, Cannonvale entry sign, Beach Road drainage and footpath upgrade, Jubilee Pocket footpaths, Mandalay Road upgrade, Jubilee Pocket Road upgrade.
How does Council ensure all funding is spread equally across the divisions?
Council makes decisions for the whole of the local government area not just an electoral division, so all decisions are made in the public interest, for the community at large.
There is no process where the funding is distributed across the electoral divisions and the current services and levels of service provided by Council are made with the whole region in mind. How services are delivered or maintained can vary but is generally of the same standard no matter where you live or who is your representative councillor.
Funding for services and infrastructure needs are driven by a range of factors including asset management principles and the type and condition of infrastructure which are also impacted by past decisions and are influenced by time as a number of assets have long lives and require significant investment and ongoing maintenance funding.
Generally, the funding and services are spread equitably across the region over time which means more in some years than others but on average and over time this investment and the services delivered even out. There is no set formula for who gets what and where.
What would happen if our region was de-amalgamated?
De-amalgamation would likely result in a reduction of shared resources and the loss of efficiencies gained through unified governance. The amalgamation of divisions has allowed us to pool resources, leverage shared infrastructure, and present a stronger, united voice for the entire Whitsunday region. De-amalgamation could create fragmentation and financial challenges as the entire region benefits from the current regional structure.
Some other issues raised on the night were - affordable housing for workers, high rise plans for the Foreshore and a carpark on Waterson Way – what would Council like to respond to this?
Affordable housing is a significant issue across Australia, and I have been proactive in actively working with both state and federal governments to explore solutions. Council ensures that all development proposals undergo rigorous consultation and planning processes to balance growth with community needs and environmental sustainability.
The Council at the time supported the 5 Star, 12 storey resort development at Airlie Beach, and the Planning and Environment Court agreed it was an appropriate development.
Anything else you would like to add?
Our Whitsunday region is an incredibly special part of the world, and my Councillors and I are dedicated to ensuring its prosperity for future generations.
I would like to welcome new Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and my Council looks forward to working closely with Tim and his team.
As Mayor and only being in the role for 7 months my major focus is looking forward building a vibrant future for our diverse community. One Council, One Region , One Whitsunday.
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