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Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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Dale Last has praised the local community’s advocacy to preserve the Bowen Jetty. Photo supplied: Mikayla Colquhoun.
Progress has been made on plans to replace one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks, Bowen Jetty, with Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcoming the acknowledgement of its economic and historical significance.
Mr Last said the Bowen community’s advocacy to preserve the Bowen Jetty was commendable, with the project now due to take its next steps.
“Across the years the Bowen Jetty has provided recreational access for residents and visitors while supporting operations associated with the nearby Port of Abbot Point, however ongoing deterioration has meant the iconic infrastructure has reached its end of service life,” Mr Last said.
“The broad ranging economic benefits for the Bowen region cannot be understated, from supporting the tourism economy to the maintenance and maritime small businesses who rely on its ability to support towage operations.”
“I have been proud to stand with the Bowen community and advocate for a wharf they can be proud of and know it continues to support their economy each and every day.”
Mr Last said the positive steps in the redevelopment of the Bowen Jetty went hand in hand with
progress on the Bowen Boat Harbour Master Plan and capped off a more-than-decade-long fight to better shape the future of Bowen’s foreshore.
“The Master Plan is the missing piece when it comes to the Bowen foreshore precinct. It is absolutely essential that the redevelopment of the jetty and upgrades of the foreshore tie into any redevelopment at the harbour, and vice versa, so we end up with the best result possible,” Mr Last said.
“This is an opportunity to transform the entire foreshore area into an oasis for locals and tourists alike less than 1km from the Bowen CBD. It’s about realising Bowen’s potential when it comes to economic development and job creation.”
Gregory Reinke launched his dentistry career at Kylie's Family Dental in Bowen. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
One Bowen local’s journey from university graduate to practicing dentist has led them home, back to the community that first inspired a career in oral health.
Back in January, Gregory Reinke started his first official practice work at Kylie's Family Dental, working within a team he knew he wanted to be a part of.
"I find that the work that is done here is both reliable and honest,” Dr Reinke said.
“I had done work experience at this clinic multiple times, had shadowed Kylie and seen the type of work she does.
“It's exactly the work I would like to do."
Dr Reinke grew up in Bowen, and from Year 8 he knew he wanted to become a dentist.
This ambition never wavered, leading him to study a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University.
Dr Reinke completed his work clinical placements in Townsville and Proserpine before returning to Bowen, where he looks to continue honing his craft, while delivering excellent oral care.
“Since it's so early in my career, I still think there's still plenty for me to learn,” Dr Reinke said.
“In the last six months, I feel like I'm a different clinician, which has a lot to do with the support from Dr. Kylie.”
When it comes to oral health, Gregory recommends rinsing your mouth after consuming sugary or acidic food and drinks.
“I know every dentist is going to tell you to brush and floss, you can also rinse your mouth after you've had anything sugary or acidic,” Dr Reinke said.
“It can make a huge difference.”
One of the things I love most about living in the Whitsundays is the way our community always comes together when it matters most.
Whether it's lending a hand after a storm, supporting a local sporting club, volunteering at community events or digging deep for a worthy cause, generosity is simply part of who we are. It's what makes our region such a special place to call home.
This Saturday night, that community spirit will once again be on full display at the Mayor's Charity Ball at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
While the evening promises to be a fantastic celebration filled with great food, entertainment and plenty of fun, the real purpose is much bigger than a night out. It's about supporting a service that none of us ever hope to need, but one we are incredibly grateful is there when lives are on the line.
BMA CQ Rescue provides a vital lifeline across the Whitsundays and surrounding regions. Whether responding to serious road crashes, workplace incidents, medical emergencies, rescues at sea or emergencies on our islands, their highly skilled crews are there when every second counts.
Living in a region as diverse and expansive as ours, we understand just how important that rapid response capability is. Quite simply, lives are saved because of the work they do.
The Mayor's Charity Ball is our community's opportunity to give something back.
Every ticket purchased, every auction bid, every raffle ticket and every donation helps ensure CQ Rescue can continue delivering this lifesaving service to the people of our region.
I want to sincerely thank our sponsors, volunteers, organising committee and everyone attending on Saturday night. Events like this simply wouldn't happen without your generosity and commitment to our community.
Whether you're joining us at the Ball or simply supporting the cause from afar, thank you.
The Whitsundays has always been a community that looks after its own. I'm confident this year's Mayor's Charity Ball will once again showcase that incredible spirit and make a real difference for a service that is there for all of us, whenever we need it most.
Allan Milostic. Photo supplied: Julia Evans.
We’ve officially kicked off event season, and there’s a fantastic few months ahead for the Whitsundays.
From the recent Between the Tides Music Festival, through to the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Triathlon Festival, Great Barrier Reef Festival, Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week, our region is once again showcasing everything that makes the Whitsundays such an incredible place to live, work and visit.
And the excitement continues, with Whitsunday Trail Fest, Whitsundays Writers Festival, and Airlie Beach Festival of Music bringing even more visitors, energy, and activity to our region in the coming months.
It’s important to remember these events are not just happening at ‘the Beach’, one part of the Whitsundays – the benefits flow throughout our entire region. They bring visitors through our towns, support local businesses, create community pride, and provide valuable exposure that helps put the Whitsundays on the map.
The impact of these events is often much bigger than what we see on the day. Behind every successful event is a huge effort from organisers, volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who invest their time, money, and resources to make them happen.
On behalf of the Chamber, thank you to everyone involved. Your commitment creates experiences that benefit our whole community.
Our local businesses play a huge role in making these events possible through sponsorships, partnerships, and financial support. This investment helps create opportunities for everyone and contributes to the long-term strength of our regional economy.
As a community, we can show our support by backing the businesses that support us – make a purchase, leave a review, share their stories online, or recommend them to family and friends.
Together, our events and our businesses continue to make the Whitsundays a vibrant, connected, and thriving place to live and visit.
Dr Hany Mohamed. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
After spending almost 20 years caring for patients in Egypt and Kuwait, Dr Hany Mohamed has brought his experience to the Whitsundays, where taking the time to listen is at the heart of his practice.
Coral Coast Doctors has quickly established itself as a trusted provider of affordable healthcare in the Whitsundays, being a fully bulk-billed practice, even off lower rate cost in order to prioritise patients getting the care they need.
“We try to listen to the patient very carefully, give everyone his time,” said Coral Coast Doctors General Practionier, Dr Hany Mohamed.
"If someone doesn’t have Medicare, we always try to work with them to make healthcare as affordable as possible.
“I hope that the cost will not be an issue for anybody here in our community.”
Since joining Coral Coast Doctors, Dr Hany has become a valued member of the team, spending his first three months in Bowen before relocating to the Cannonvale clinic. Before moving to Australia, Dr Hany worked for almost two decades in both general practice and emergency medicine across Egypt and Kuwait.
Known for his calm and compassionate manner, Dr Hany believes that understanding the whole person—not just their symptoms—is essential to delivering high-quality healthcare.
“Patients don’t always realise that some symptoms can be linked to other underlying health issues,” Dr Hany said.
“My role is to understand the bigger picture and identify what may be contributing to their concerns.”
David Roberston. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Whitsundays community had the opportunity to hear from Bendigo Bank's Chief Economist, with locals gathering to gain a better understanding of the economy and the financial issues affecting households and businesses.
Leading the discussion was Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chief Economist David Robertson, whose engaging and easy to understand approach has made him one of Australia's most recognised economic commentators.
“I'm pleased that people are taking such an interest,” David said.
“I can see why, as it's more relevant than ever.”
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The event hosted by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine brought together community members from all walks of life to share food and refreshments before settling in for a presentation on our current economy, covering interest rates, employment trends, property values, the Australian dollar, the global economy and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
“I am optimistic,” David said when referring to the future of the economy.
“I think technological advancements over the decades have always been positive for any economy.”
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss local concerns and hear David's perspective on the issues shaping the nation's economic outlook.
Audience questions covered everything from the housing market to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, with many keen to understand how the technology could shape the future for younger generations.
“It was great to have a Chief Economist in the Whitsundays to give an update on the local, national and global economy, and be able to ask questions directly,” said Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy.
“As there have been varying views in mainstream media about the changes to negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax, the conflict in the Middle East and rising interest rates, David’s presentation painted a clear picture, presented in a way that was easy to understand.”
Mr Robertson said technological change had historically been a positive force for the economy, despite the challenges that come with rapid innovation.
"I think technological advancements over the decades have always been positive for any economy, it's innovation that keeps improving standards of living," Mr Robertson said.
"It's a case of how we leverage the technology, benefit from it, not be left behind and not be adversely impacted by it.
“We need to keep on the right side of it and for young Australians, I'm sure that's what most are trying to do.”
On the weekend of the 25th & 26th July our award-winning not-for-profit Airlie Beach Triathlon celebrates its 26th year, becoming one of Queensland's longest running multi-sport events.
At the start of 2023 the event was heading in the same direction as the Bowen and Yeppoon Triathlon events... dead in the water!
I volunteered to become the Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Race Director alongside a team of club members and the journey began to reinvigorate the event.
A detailed professional plan was prepared to ensure the sustainability of the event; something missing in the past.
From day one it was imperative the triathlon source a suitable naming partner. If it was not for the generous financial and intellectual support from Paul Darrouzet and Coral Sea Marina Resort the event would have collapsed. 22 years of deep triathlon history would be gone in a flash and local juniors would lose meaningful opportunities.
Now, the number of amazing local corporate sponsors exceeds 50.
In 2024, the Whitsunday Triathlon Club was granted a prestigious award from Queensland Triathlon for "Club Initiative of the Year".
In 2025 the Airlie Beach Triathlon claimed runner-up status in Australia as judged by AusTriathlon for "an event with under 500 participants".
In January 2026 for the first time in 25 years, Tourism and Events Queensland made a substantial investment into our event, acknowleging its ability to generate local economic activity in our region, attract additional external visitation and drive social and community outcomes whilst enhancing the profile of the Whitsundays.
In February the sponsorship agreement was reached. This was music to our ears and a wonderful acknowledgement of all our hard work!
In May 2026 our event also received unprecedented sponsorship from Whitsunday Regional Council. These wonderful contributions have assured its long-term survival.
A key driver of all of this success has been our best-in-the-world Event Management Team. Their talent, commitment, skillset, expertise and passion are just remarkable!
We look forward to seeing you at this year's event.
Saturday will kick off with a carnival atmosphere as our Junior Triathlon begins at 2pm, catering for 5 to 8-year-olds, 9 to 11s and 12 to 15s, all within the safe and secure precinct of the Lagoon and the closed Broadwater Avenue (up to the Coral Sea Resort). A spectacle to watch, with two junior bikes to be won. Kids are encouraged to have a go, and EVERYONE IS A WINNER!
Next, we hold the Open Water Swim. A fun event for all levels, we’re even incorporating an "Anything Goes" category for the flounders and would-be's!
On Sunday we hold the main event with three triathlon distances - an Enticer, Sprint and Standard/Olympic distance.
If you prefer just one sport discipline, get a team together. It’s a great pathway into this amazing endurance sport.
My triathlon journey started in late 2017. Up until then I was only a casual runner and I needed more inspiration - this one sport was not enough of a challenge for me and I was not confident enough to run ultra events at my age. I needed more stimulation. Triathlon fitted the bill and now it is in my DNA.
Don't miss your opportunity to become a triathlete or be a member of a triathlon team on the weekend of the 25th & 26th July.
All race entry information can be found at airliebeachtriathlon.com.au
Jake Flaherty, Steve Obst and Justin Butler.
In recent years, many Australians—particularly those approaching or already in retirement—have been asking the same question: How do I protect my super and pension against market downturns?
It’s understandable. Since the COVID shock, we’ve seen ongoing uncertainty driven by rising interest rates, stubborn inflation, and global instability. While the reasons may differ from one cycle to the next, the impact on investor confidence is often the same.
A common reaction during volatile periods is to move to cash at the first sign of trouble. On the surface, it seems sensible—avoid losses and wait for markets to recover. The reality, however, is far less straightforward.
Market falls often happen quickly, and recoveries can be just as rapid. Some of the strongest gains occur in the early stages of a rebound, when sentiment is still negative. The challenge is that consistently timing when to get out—and more importantly, when to get back in—is incredibly difficult.
Even professional fund managers regularly get this wrong. There are also costs involved in switching investments. While not always obvious, transaction costs and spreads can reduce returns over time, particularly if decisions are made under pressure.
For younger investors still building their super, market downturns can actually work in their favour. Regular contributions continue, allowing them to buy investments at lower prices.
Retirees, however, face a different challenge. Drawing a regular pension means selling assets to fund income. If markets are down, this can lock in losses at exactly the wrong time.
This is why having a strategy in place is so important.
One approach we’ve used successfully over many years is to quarantine a portion of a retiree’s portfolio into cash and more conservative investments. This creates a buffer, allowing pension payments to continue without needing to sell growth assets during downturns.
Market volatility is a fact of investing—but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to derail your retirement.
If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment at our office in Carlo Drive, Cannonvale today.
A 60-year-old Bucasia man has died following a single-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway south of Bowen on the afternoon of Wednesday 16th July.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Eden Lassie Creek about 5.10pm after reports a white Ford Ranger utility travelling south had left the roadway and crashed into the trees.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the driver was declared deceased at the scene.
Investigations into the cause of the crash have not been determined, and are still ongoing.
Before the repairs operations. Photo supplied: Whitsundays Regional Council.
By Zach Houtenville
Damage caused at the Collinsville Football Fields has left deep scars across the playing surface, but swift repair work is expected to have the grounds repared and ready for next month's Bacon Busters event.
The damage was discovered last Wednesday morning, after overnight burnouts left deep ruts across the grounds, creating a hazard for anyone set to use the field.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the incident was disappointing, with the cost of repairs ultimately falling back on the wider community.
"These aren't just tyre marks on grass,” Mayor Collins said.
“The damage creates safety hazards for players and impacts local sporting clubs, volunteers and families who work hard to keep these facilities in great condition for everyone to enjoy."
Council's parks team, assisted by a local Collinsville contractor, repaired the damaged areas the following day in an effort to minimise disruption.
Residents may notice the repaired sections looking different for a short time, with sand used during the restoration process expected to settle as the grass recovers over the coming week.
“I commend the Whitsunday Regional Council’s initiative to undertake repairs quickly so that any hazards on the fields are mitigated ahead of key, upcoming community events,” said Member of Burdekin, Dale Last MP.
“This is an incredibly low act by these grubs who have chosen to put their own entertainment ahead of an entire community, who has every right to expect our sporting fields are respected and used for the purpose they were intended.”
While the vandalism left a costly repair bill, some say it has also drawn attention to wider community concerns.
"I've also raised broader community concerns around increasing crime, vandalism and alleged drug-related activity in Collinsville with Member for Burdekin Dale Last, and I'm hopeful those issues can be elevated during discussions with Police Minister Dan Purdie next month," Mayor Collins said.
"Looking after our shared community assets is everyone's responsibility, and together we can help ensure facilities like these remain safe and enjoyable for future generations."
Mr Last said any rise in crime was unacceptable, pointing to funding for police and security upgrades to help prevent vandalism.
“Any rise in crime in Queensland is unacceptable, whether it is in Collinsville or in a larger regional town or city, which is why I will continue to work proactively with our local police to ensure they have the tools they need to act,” Mr Last said.
“As the Premier has made clear, our State Government is focused on ensuring our police officers have the resources they need to protect their community.
“At the same time the Crisafulli Government has provided proactive funding measures for local councils to apply to improve CCTV surveillance as well as physical infrastructure upgrades.
“These proactive measures go hand in hand with preventing and assisting with any investigations into instances of vandalism like we have seen in the Collinsville Football Fields.”
After it was Stolen. Photo supplied: Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade
Just weeks before the start of bushfire season, the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade has been left without a vital firefighting vehicle after thieves broke into the station overnight, stole the self-funded ATV buggy and left it in ruins.
It was meant to be business as usual for volunteers at the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade on Friday 17th July, until they arrived to find their station had been broken into and one of their most valuable firefighting tools stolen.
Sometime between 10pm and 2.30am, offenders had forced their way into the station, broken open a secure key safe containing the brigade's vehicle keys and stole the ATV.
Police later located the ATV near the Bowen River, after volunteers raised the alarm. By then, its wheels had been removed, the spotlights cut off and an apparent attempt had been made to burn the vehicle.
“It is absolutely despicable,” said Member of Burdekin Dale Last.
“Make no mistake, this brazen offending is an absolute slap in the face to every volunteer in this rural fire brigade, who put their life on the line to protect our residents.
“I would expect our justice system to hold those offenders to account in accordance with community expectations.”
The break-in also forced volunteers away from their normal duties, with members spending the day guarding the station while police examined the scene and repairs were arranged to secure the damaged building.
"We've had members sit here all day just manning the sheds because we can't lock up the shed at the moment, due to them smashing the door in and lifting the roller door up,” said a Bowen Fire Brigade Spokesperson.
The ATV has become an essential part of protecting Bowen, allowing volunteers to reach fires in areas where larger fire trucks simply cannot go, including along the town's sandy riverbed and other difficult terrain.
“Well, we're not going to have one for a while now, so it's going to be missed,” said the Bowen Fire Brigade spokesman.
Replacing the ATV won't be a simple task. The specialised firefighting buggy was originally purchased through fundraising by brigade members and the local community, rather than being government funded, and was one of the first owned by a rural fire brigade in the region.
With bushfire season approaching, its loss will be felt across the community until it can be repaired or replaced, leaving firefighters without one of their most effective tools for tackling fires in hard-to-reach locations.
"Our members worked hard to fundraise for this ATV in their own time,” said the Bowen Fire Brigade Spokesperson.
"Especially for our community too, that's the sad thing there.
“They're missing out on something that could potentially save a life or property."
A program helping unemployed and underemployed Whitsunday residents gain qualifications and confidence has celebrated another round of graduates, as the State Government announces a fresh round of funding to keep it running.
Eighteen graduates completed Community Solutions' latest Skilling Queenslanders for Work intake, earning a Certificate III in Community Services through a fully funded course aimed at providing opportunities for those who lack them.
“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is about helping eager disadvantaged Queenslanders in our community gain the skills they need to succeed,” said Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP.
“The Crisafulli Government is strengthening our workforce and ensuring businesses across the Whitsundays have access to skilled employees now and into the future.”
The participants, including mature job seekers and women re-entering into the workforce, attended classes three days a week. Two of those days are dedicated to nationally recognized training and a third focused on practical workplace skills, including resume writing, interview preparation and workplace communication.
The course also included a mix of face-to-face and online learning, giving participants the chance to learn new technology while working alongside others in a classroom setting.
"We work closely with participants to identify any challenges they may face and provide the support they need to successfully complete their training,” said Coordinator for Skilling Queenslanders for Work’s Whitsundays program, Karen Allen.
The latest graduates mark the third intake delivered by Community Solutions over the past 12 months through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
During that time, students have completed qualifications in Individual Support, Resources and Community Services, with several already securing employment after finishing their training.
"This program opens doors for people to access training, skills and opportunities that can help them achieve their employment goals," Karen said.
With another intake planned for later this year, subject to funding, the State Government has opened applications for the next round of its $80 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
Robin Dukes and her pug, Meg.
A tourist's willingness to stop and help a stranger has been credited with saving a beloved family pet after an Airlie Beach woman accidentally locked her dog inside her car at Shingley Beach.
Last week, Robin Duke took her beloved pug, Meg, for their usual walk from Shingley Beach. When they returned to the car, Robin placed Meg in the front passenger seat before setting her phone and keys beside her.
After loading Meg's stroller into the boot and saying goodbye to friends, she shut the passenger door, only to discover the car had locked itself with her keys, phone and dog still inside.
The car hadn’t been parked in the shade, and with pugs being poor with heat retention, she started to panic. Unable to get ahold of her husband, Robin flagged down an oncoming car. The driver stopped immediately - a tourist visiting her parents from New South Wales.
The woman didn’t hesitate to help, even with her kids in the back expecting a trip to the skate park.
"She didn't even question who I was, just said, 'Get in the car, I'll take you home right away,’” Robin said.
The unknown savior drove Robin home, refusing her offer of money for fuel, allowing her to collect a spare set of keys before her husband drove her back to rescue Meg from the 20 minute ordeal.
"She really went out of her way for me, and I just thought it was amazing."
Andrew Black has spent more than two decades with Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate
After more than 25 years with Blacks Real Estate, Andrew Black continues to be a familiar face in Mackay’s residential property market.
Andrew joined the agency in 2000, beginning his career in residential property management before transitioning into residential sales. Now a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Sales Consultant, he has spent decades helping local buyers and sellers navigate the Mackay housing market.
His long-standing connection with the agency has given him extensive knowledge of the region’s property landscape and changing market trends over the years.
Blacks Real Estate said Andrew’s experience across both property management and sales provides clients with a well-rounded understanding of the real estate process, from investment properties through to family homes.
Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the region.
I’m not sure that Donald Trump would play fair if he were one of the buyers in a multiple offer scenario on a Mackay property.
There are clear rules about how multiple offer situations must be handled and, based on recent form, I just don’t think the US president would want to abide by the rules.
From what I can tell he doesn’t seem to be a very good sport, not a great loser, and in a multiple offer situation in Queensland real estate there has to be a loser.
Take Trump’s conduct during the soccer World Cup, being held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
When US star Folarin Balogun received a red card and, as is standard practice, got an automatic one-match suspension Trump was on the blower to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for a review.
The result was that the US star’s suspension was suspended for one year and he was able to play in the next World Cup game.
It seems unlikely that a phone call from leaders of other countries would have resulted in a similar reversal of a decision. But I don’t blame Trump … that’s what he does. He tries to push and shove and shout and bully his way to getting the best deal he can for the United States.
You might not like him but he certainly tries to get the best deal he can for his country on the world stage and, no doubt, for himself when it comes to business.
It was, however, a bit of a surprise to hear he had made a call to the FIFA president trying to reverse the ban on a US player.
What was even more surprising was that his strategy worked. Now I’m not to sure about this and I am just a real estate agent in Mackay who follows other football codes much closer than soccer but that FIFA mob looks a bit dodgy to me.
You would have thought there would be a clear response from the FIFA president along the lines of: “Thanks for the call Mr President but you have got to be kidding if you think the independent body governing the world game is going to be influenced by political leaders about who can and cannot play based on our established rules.”
Clearly that was not how the call played out and it turns out that there seems to be some flexibility in the rules and how they interpreted based on the person who is making the request.
Which brings me to another contentious situation, the multiple offer scenario for properties being sold in Queensland.
When it comes to multiple offers and which one is accepted, it is entirely up to the seller. The seller can accept a higher offer, accept a lower offer that might have no building and pest clause or no finance clause, or accept an offer just because that’sthe one they like.
A client of mine accepted a lower offer on a property last year because the buyer was a young, local woman who was starting off in life and had made the best offer she could. An investor offered about $30,000 more but the seller said, “I’m making good money out of this either way. I want the young woman to have it.”
But one thing that is clear is that a real estate agent can’t tell one buyer what another buyer has offered in a multiple offer situation. We have to tell a buyer: “There is another offer on the table so you are in a multiple offer situation and I suggest you put in your best and final offer as you might not get a chance to make another offer.”
That’s when some buyers say: “How much is the other offer.” Some buyers can be quite forceful but rules are rules and agents can’t reveal that.
Although, if the FIFA president was the agent and Donald Trump was the second buyer there might be some flexibility.
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