Headspace Mackay has officially relocated to Caneland Central, on the second level, Tenancy 2514 - opposite Snap Fitness - making mental health support even more accessible for local youth. The grand opening on November 14 featured tours, guest speakers, snacks and a very welcoming atmosphere for all.

The new space, funded by the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), is designed to provide a more inclusive and accessible environment for young people aged 12-25. Headspace offers free services, including counselling, work and study support, as well as social groups. With referrals doubling since the move, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Being at Caneland Central means we’re closer to where young people gather, with great public transport and easy parking for families,” said Administration Coordinator Jonathan Greenhalgh.

“Parents love the convenience, and young people find the space cozy and welcoming,” he added.

For more information or to self-refer, visit headspace Mackay’s new location or explore their online resources at www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/mackay/

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Photo source: Headspace Mackay (Facebook)

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Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human rights violations, affecting millions worldwide. It knows no cultural or national boundaries, occurring in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. From psychological and physical abuse to practices like human trafficking and child marriage - the impact is devastating - and to conquer this widespread issue we, as a community, must unite and take a stand against said acts.

The Zonta Club of Mackay’s 16 Days of Activism campaign is already underway, having launched on 25 November (United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and will run until 10 December (United Nations Human Rights Day). This campaign provides an opportunity for the Mackay community to take a stand against gender-based violence and continue raising awareness throughout the remaining days.

Statistics reveal that 1 in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

“This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for action and awareness,” said Zonta Club President Fiona Koutlis.

“The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is a call to action for everyone, including men and boys to stand together in creating a world where respect, equality and safety are universal values.”

Signature orange ladies have been placed in prominent locations across the region, each featuring vital information about emergency contacts and Zonta services.

The message is further amplified through market stalls, art installations, social media campaigns, and displays in libraries, hospitals, and shopping centres.

“Each day, we’re sharing important information, stories, and ways the community can get involved.”

Zonta International’s advocacy efforts, including the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, aim to challenge laws, attitudes, and behaviours that perpetuate gender-based violence.

As Mackay joins this global movement, the Zonta Club invites the community to break the silence, support survivors, and help create a future free from violence.

Each year, Zonta Mackay joins the 16 Days of Activism movement around the globe, by placing orange ladies in prominent places around town to raise awareness, and prevent violence against women and girls

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The Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group is transforming how men view a prostate cancer diagnosis, turning fear and isolation into hope and connection.

Meeting every second Thursday of the month at the South Suburban Bowls Club, the group provides a safe, uplifting environment where men can navigate the challenges of prostate cancer together.

Chris Bartlem who has been involved with the group for 18 years after overcoming the disease himself, is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding prostate cancer.

“A diagnosis is not a death sentence... it’s far from it,” Chris insists, determined to inspire others to seek support.

“We’re here to help people in the community who’ve had their lives shaken by devastating news.

“It can impact their work, sports, family interactions, and even marriages,” he explains.

“Most get through it without issues and come out the other side in good condition, but you always have to keep your eye on the ball… it can sneak up again.”

Thanks to advances in early detection and regular testing, survival rates for prostate cancer have soared to 95 per cent after five years. The group passionately advocates for annual PSA testing from age 50 - or earlier for those with a family history - highlighting that prostate cancer often shows no symptoms.

“Proactive health checks are crucial,” Chris cautions.

Beyond providing medical guidance, the group is a place where friendships flourish.

“We’ve seen connections built here that have lasted decades,” Chris shares.

Barbecues, fundraisers, and awareness events further strengthen these bonds, creating a network of support outside of the monthly meetings.

“When someone is newly diagnosed, they’re often gutted.

“But we get them talking to others who’ve been through it, and they usually walk out with a smile on their faces.

“That’s why we do it,” Chris says.

Partners, often the silent pillars of strength, are also encouraged to attend, recognising the essential emotional support they provide. The group welcomes everyone with open arms, offering a reminder that no one has to face the journey of prostate cancer alone.

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The Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group offers a lifeline to those affected by prostate cancer, replacing fear with hope, breaking the stigma and fostering lasting connections through shared experiences and support

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Teeing off for a worthy cause, last Sunday the Proserpine Golf Club hosted its annual Breast and Prostate Cancer Charity Event.
Participants turned out in vibrant pink and blue attire to show their support, enjoying a fun-filled day of golf with friends, family, and colleagues. The scenic Proserpine Golf Club provided the perfect backdrop for the event, which was expertly organised by the dedicated Noelene Spurway. The aim was to raise vital funds to combat two of the most prevalent cancers affecting millions of men and women worldwide.
Following a morning of friendly competition, participants came together for a sizzling BBQ and drinks, celebrating the event's success and the generosity of those involved. It was a day of camaraderie, community spirit, and fundraising for a cause that touches so many lives.

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Proserpine Golf Club Event Attendees dressing to impress

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Prossie Golf Club’s Breast and Prostate Cancer Event Drives a Hole-in-One Success

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Over the weekend, Proserpine Golf Club hosted a successful charity event to support the fight against breast and prostate cancer. The day was filled with great golf, fun activities, and a delicious BBQ, all while raising vital funds for cancer research and awareness. The event aimed to make a meaningful impact in the battle against two of the most prevalent cancers affecting millions of men and women worldwide

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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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