Whitsunday Regional Libraries is now part of the North Queensland Network for BorrowBox, giving our library patrons access to an even larger collection of eAudiobook and eBook titles! Whether you're into the latest bestsellers, classic literature, or informative non-fiction, there's something for everyone. Library membership is free, and with just your library card, you can start exploring this vast digital library from the comfort of your home. Download the Whitsunday Regional Libraries app or visit libraries.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au to find out more!

‍

As we approach another disaster season, I want to emphasise how critical Council’s Local Disaster Management Group preparations are to ensuring the safety of our community.
 
Council takes disaster management very seriously, and our small but dedicated Disaster Management Team has been working hard behind the scenes undertaking rigorous training exercises and simulations to ensure we are ready to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a cyclone, flood, or other natural disaster.
 
As Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), I recently joined Council’s Local Disaster Coordinator Adam Hagy, and our Disaster Management Coordinator Sandra Black on a Queensland Police Service led high-stakes disaster management exercise, "Exercise Tempestas," on Hamilton Island.
 
The focus was on preparing our Whitsunday islands for the unpredictable wrath of severe cyclones and deadly storm surges during the summer months.
 
The exercise aimed to refine evacuation strategies, tighten communication channels, and identify those crucial moments when evacuation becomes not just an option, but a necessity.
 
In a true show of unity, key stakeholders from across district and state levels came together for the exercise. Representatives from Daydream, Hayman, and Hamilton Islands joined forces with heavyweights like the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, and Maritime Safety Queensland.
 
This collaborative effort also saw critical input from the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Health, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, and the Inspector-General of Emergency Management.
 
Together, they tackled real-world challenges head-on, fine-tuning their responses and solidifying communication networks to ensure no gap is left unchecked when disaster strikes.
 
Adding to the preparation, the Disaster Management Team conducted a vital pre-exercise visit to Daydream and Hayman Islands the day before. This annual check-in included reviewing contact lists, assessing disaster response protocols, and making any necessary updates to safeguard the islands ahead of the fast-approaching storm season.
 
As we gear up for storm season, the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group continues to engage with the community to build resilience and awareness.
 
Mark your calendars for Council’s Cyclone Saturday in Airlie Beach and Cyclone Sunday in Bowen on October 26th and 27th - just in time to prepare for the storm season, beginning November 1st.
 
Our community’s strength lies in preparedness, and with exercises like these, we’re one step closer to weathering whatever nature throws our way.
 
I encourage all residents to take the time to review their own emergency plans, ensure your homes are cyclone-ready, and stay informed about the resources Council has to offer.
 
Our Disaster Management Team works tirelessly to be ready, and together, as a community, we can face whatever challenges the season brings with resilience and unity.
 
Stay safe, stay prepared.

Contributed with thanks to Mayor Ry Collins.

‍

Mayor Ry Collins and the Council Disaster Management Team prepare for cyclone season. Photo supplied

The Disaster Management Team worked with the local islands and emergency services on disaster management exercise, "Exercise Tempestas”.
Photo supplied

‍

Our work life is an ever-changing landscape – we’re either changing workplaces or the team in our workplace is constantly changing. This means we are constantly required to work alongside people who are vastly different to ourselves.
 
The workplace is full of introverts, extroverts, gossipers, micro-managers, complainers, high-performers, pessimists and ‘almost geniuses’. For many, this is a nightmare; for some, this can be - and is - highly entertaining. What’s required is awareness, some level of emotional intelligence, and the capacity to self-assess our own work-style.
 
Us humans differ on many different levels, namely:

   • Personality traits
   • Strengths
   • Belief concepts
   • Expectations
   • Life experiences
   • Priorities
   • Core Values
 
When differences are vast it can result in workplace irritations, frustrations, and conflict. Understanding we are all hard-wired differently helps us realise that our colleagues may not be irritating us with intent – they may just be doing things the only way they know. This tends to help us de-escalate our emotions once we start to realise that our irritations may be our own doing through our own subjective viewpoint.
 
So how do we all get along? Be smart enough to remain curious…….
 
Key questions to ask yourself:

   1. What can they do that I can’t?
   2. How can my role benefit from these differences?
 
Choose not to focus on the negatives. As the philosophers say, “what you look for you will always find”. People will always irritate us as we can never all be the same. Choose to remain interested, curious, and entertained even! If you are wanting to work with people just like yourself, you will find that team has many weaknesses and gaps. Namely, there will be no-one to do the tasks you don’t like, and no-one to offer different perspectives on critical thinking.
 
Need more? Register for our upcoming ‘Difficult Personalities in the Workplace’ workshop to learn more about yourself & those around you.

‍

This week, we’ve been so excited to welcome Emma Bailes to the Tourism Whitsundays team! Joining us from Visit Victoria, Emma brings with her a wealth of knowledge in tourism, branding, design, and marketing. In her new role as Marketing Coordinator, Emma will be involved in all things graphic design and branding whilst supporting our wider marketing efforts. 

Last month, our team headed to Brisbane for Experience Queensland — Southeast Asia and India. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with key trade partners from India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, allowing us to share insights and strengthen relationships that will benefit our tourism sector. 

Looking ahead, we’re excited for the Whitsundays Tourism Awards next month at Daydream Island Resort. It promises to be an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the incredible achievements within our tourism industry. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this highlight of the year! 

And lastly, QTIC Tourism Week is just around the corner from November 13 to 15 at the new Star Brisbane in Queen’s Wharf. This annual event brings together around 1,000 delegates for the Destination IQ and DestinationQ Forums, along with the Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony. It’s a wonderful chance to celebrate the successes we’ve achieved together in the industry.  

Contributed by Aimee Cameron, Interim CEO, Tourism Whitsundays  

‍

Interim CEO Tourism Whitsundays Aimee Cameron, Photo supplied

‍

This week's "Pet of the Week" takes a poignant turn as we introduce Charlie, a 4-year-old German Shepherd. Sadly, Charlie's journey has taken a sad and unexpected twist after his owner, unable to find him a new home, reportedly dumped him with a backpacker named Manuel.
Manuel stepped in to help after seeing an advertisement from Charlie's owner, who needed someone to care for the dog briefly. Eager to make a difference, Manuel offered to look after Charlie during this challenging time.
Having taken in the handsome dog over the weekend, the owner did not come back to collect him on the Sunday as arranged and is not responding to any attempts by Manuel or Animal Rescue Whitsunday to make contact.
Christina from Animal Rescue Whitsunday is devastated by the news, especially as she cannot take Charlie in herself due to him not being good with other dogs.
Charlie is neutered, fully vaccinated, and currently on heartworm and tick prevention.
This charming boy is not only good-looking but also well-behaved with both adults and children.
While he can be protective of his loved ones and property, his loyalty and devotion make him the perfect companion.
Charlie has since been adopted, and Animal Rescue Whitsunday is thrilled he has found his forever home.
‍

Sex: Male
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: 4 years old
Kid friendly: yes
Cat Friendly: no
Other dogs: no

‍

Volunteers are such an integral part of many community organisations and Bowen Tourism and Business is one of those in our region.

The Local Tourism Organisation has 18 active volunteers who freely give their time at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on the Bruce Highway and the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

During the school holidays the information centres were very busy, and the volunteers were called on in recent weeks to help more than just their regular hours.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the volunteers were a wealth of local knowledge and welcomed every visitor with a smile.

“Last week, with so many visitors, we needed some extra help at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango and our wonderful volunteers were more than happy to help,” she said.

“On just one day at the start of the school holidays, we had 350 visitors, so we certainly needed some extra help to cope on such a busy day.

“Bowen Tourism and Business is a not-for-profit organisation, and we really appreciate what our volunteers do, allowing us to spend any profit on marketing Bowen as a tourism destination.

“Our mission is to drive tourism, promote destination awareness and provide excellence in visitor experience and membership support.

“We need our volunteers to help us achieve our aims.

“They are passionate, dedicated and very knowledgeable and play such an important role in what we do.”

If anyone would like to become a volunteer for Bowen Tourism and Business, call the Visitor Information Centre on 4786 4222.

‍

Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers Steve (better known as Fish) and Peter, help out at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre every week.

Photo supplied

On Wednesday, September 25th, a momentous milestone was reached as JP’s and government members gathered to celebrate Mikky and Barry Menzies 50 years of dedicated JP service. This significant occasion honours the unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions of the pair to the community.
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, joined the celebration to award the JPs with their service awards. Joining Mr Last was JPs Paula Bould and Belinda Finlay who travelled from Brisbane to extend their congratulations to the honourees. Mikky Menzies expressed how deeply their presence touched her, highlighting the significance of this special occasion.
Dale Last MP, began the speeches:
“It’s a great privilege today to be able to 50-year JP certificates to Mr and Mrs Menzies.
“They are Bowen locals through and through and really, we want to acknowledge your service, but also to say thank you, thank you for taking on that role of what you do in the community.
“You do fulfil a really important role in our community and 50 years is such a rare event.”
When asking Mikky how it felt to have reached 50 years of service she stated:
“To have served my community for 50 years is an honour, and a privilege not given to everyone, and I am honoured to do it.”
JP Paula Bould who travelled to Bowen from Brisbane stated:
“This is something very special.”
The Justices of the Peace Branch administers the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Act 1991, overseeing appointments, compliance, and professional development. It also manages the successful JPs in the Community Program, which has expanded to 3,900 volunteers at over 245 signing sites, providing vital access to Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations for community members.
Big Congratulations Mikky and Barry on this fantastic achievement.

‍

Dale Last MP, Mikky Menzies, Barry Menzies and Paula Bould
Mikky and Barry Menzies proud of their achievement
Celebrations at Bowen Courthouse

‍

The Bowen Community Centre is pleased to announce the donation of a shipping container to the Bowen Men’s Shed.

In early 2022 Men’s Shed announced that they were desperate for additional storage space and Bowen Community Centre has responded to that request.

The Bowen Men’s Shed is a volunteer-run organisation, and it plays a central and vital role in the Bowen community.

These dedicated men restore and rebuild old and new items for various local institutions, including the Bowen Community Centre. Their efforts benefit the community and adopt camaraderie and support among the members.

The Bowen Community Centre recognise the invaluable contributions of Men’s Shed and made it a priority to assist these community members.

The donation of the shipping container will provide much-needed space for their projects and materials, enabling them to continue their important work.

Executive Officer of the Bowen Community Centre Stephanie Cora said the community centre is delighted to help this organisation.

“We are thrilled to support the Men’s Shed with this donation,” said Stephanie.

“Their dedication to helping the community and each other is truly inspiring, and we are proud to contribute to their ongoing efforts.”

Contributed with thanks to Stephanie Cora

‍

Steve Rogers (on the roof), Murry Wright, Stephanie Cora, Len Houghton and Marty Tanzer, Photo supplied

‍

Awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 1959 in recognition of her dedicated service to the community.

Born Grace Dobe at Ravenswood in 1893, she married Francis Davy on March 28 1914. She and Francis arrived in Proserpine with their three children in 1920. By 1923, their family had increased to five boys.

Tragedy struck on February 23 1924 when Grace’s husband, Frank, drowned in the Proserpine River. He had gone to the rescue of an eight year old boy, Frederick (Duke) Beames who had gotten into difficulties. Frank managed to reach the boy however the pair went under water twice. Sixteen year old Louis Borserini went to their aid as the two of them were going under for a third time. Despite managing to get Duke ashore, Mr Davy did not surface and his body was found about an hour later.  

Grace was left to rear their five sons, Doug, Frank, Vivian, Hector and Colin, ranging from a nine-year-old to a one-year-old. These were times when there were few labour-saving devices and none of the social services to which we are now accustomed. Grace was a beautiful seamstress and used this talent to support her family by sewing for others. She would send her boys to deliver her sewing to customers with instructions NOT to leave until they had received payment for these goods. She worked long and hard to raise and educate her family. Grace demonstrated the skill to survive that belongs to people in times of crisis.

Despite tragedy, Grace remained a woman of great faith and for some years, she was President of the St Paul’s Anglican Church Ladies Guild. Throughout her lifetime, she devoted her energies to many charities – the Country Women’s Association being particularly dear to her heart. She and sister, Jane Ruge, rarely missed a meeting. In 1948, she became President of the Country Women’s Association, succeeding Kath Mazlin.

All of Grace’s sons joined up when the Second World War broke out. After losing her husband so early in their marriage, this must have been a worrying and lonely time for Grace. Not one to dwell on her circumstances, she immersed herself into community work. During the war years, she was associated with the Welfare Association and became a tireless worker for the Comforts Fund. Money was raised, items donated and the local ladies knitted and sewed garments to send to those serving overseas.

In 1947, when the Women’s Auxiliary of the Proserpine RSL Sub-branch was formed, Grace was elected President, holding this office for twenty years. Noted for her organisational ability, she was responsible for starting the popular Melbourne Cup afternoons which were an extremely successful source of revenue for the RSL Sub-branch.

Grace was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1959. This was a fitting reward for her tireless work in the community. Her dedicated service to the Queensland Country Women’s Association, St Paul’s Anglican Church and many other patriotic and charity organisations was recognised. The investiture took place at Government House, Brisbane on December 4 1959, the presentation being made by the Governor, Sir Henry Abel Smith.

In 1968, Grace was awarded a Gold Badge and Life Membership for her commitment and long service to the Women’s Auxiliary of the Proserpine RSL Sub-Branch

Grace Davy, a woman of great faith and a respected resident who was an inspiration to all who knew her, died on May 19, 1981. It is fitting that one of Proserpine’s streets, Davy Avenue, is named in her honour.

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy of the Davy family.

Grace Davy MBE was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 1959

‍

By Amanda Wright

‍
A dazzling display of cultural heritage, vibrant colours, and heartfelt friendship lit up Mackay on Saturday as the Malayalee community came together to celebrate the joyous festival of Onam, a cornerstone of tradition and unity.
The celebration was held at the Northern Beaches Community Centre in Bucasia on Saturday, 21st September 2024, marking one of the most significant cultural events for the Indian community in the region. This annual event, which brought together over 300 people throughout Mackay, celebrated the rich traditions of Kerala, with the atmosphere buzzing with joy, unity, and inclusivity.

Local children showcase their strength and enthusiasm during thetraditional tug of war, one of the many lively activities that markedthe Onam celebration hosted by the Mackay Malayalee Association.Photo credit: Amanda Wright

‍

Tug Of War, Feasts, And Friendship

The Onam feast, hosted by the Mackay Malayalee Association, was filled with traditional performances, dances, and the much-anticipated tug-of-war games, bringing together people of all ages in the spirit of friendly competition. The event concluded with a hearty vegetarian meal, honouring the spirit of Onam by serving traditional Kerala dishes to the large gathering. Mayor Greg Williamson, an honoured guest, stayed for the feast, watching the performances and joining the community in the celebrations.
Mayor Williamson highlighted the significance of multiculturalism in Mackay and praised the Malayalee community for their contribution to the region.
“This celebration is not just about tradition; it’s about the joy that this gathering brings to your community, and therefore, to our community,” Mayor Williamson said.
“In Mackay, we are proud to be a truly multicultural region. Over the past 11 years, we’ve welcomed new citizens from 102 different countries, and that diversity is what makes our community so strong.
“It’s essential for young people to understand where they came from, to know their roots, and to still be part of the community in which they now live. Celebrations like these are a testament to how individual cultures can flourish within the broader Australian society,” he added.
“The only way we can solve the challenges we face is by working together as one community, celebrating our diversity and teaching the next generation about the importance of mutual respect.”
Onam, a festival deeply rooted in Kerala’s mythology and agricultural traditions, celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali and the bountiful harvest of the year.
The legend tells the story of King Mahabali, a mighty ruler of Kerala, who was so loved by his people that even the gods became envious of his popularity and prosperity. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu, in his dwarf avatar Vamana, visited Mahabali and requested three feet of land as alms. In his enormous form, Vamana covered the earth and the heavens in two steps, leaving no room for the third. Mahabali, in his selflessness, offered his own head for the final step, after which he was sent to the netherworld. However, in recognition of his righteousness, Mahabali was granted permission to visit his people once every year, and it is this homecoming that Keralites celebrate with great devotion during Onam.
Alongside its mythological roots, Onam is also a celebration of Kerala’s rich agricultural traditions. It is a time of thanksgiving for the bounty of the harvest, symbolising prosperity, unity, and communal harmony. The festival is known for its grand feasts, known as Onasadya, floral decorations (Pookalam), traditional games (Vallamkali and tug-of-war), dances, and performances, bringing people together in a vibrant display of Kerala’s cultural and agricultural heritage.

‍

The vibrant Onam celebration in Mackay brought together families and friends for a day filled with colourful performances, traditional games, and a feast that fed over 300 people, reflecting the community's deep cultural pride and unity. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

‍

I've learned a few things during my chemotherapy journey, one of the biggest being the importance of fully resting and pacing myself. Every three weeks, I head to the hospital for an infusion, and while I feel okay on days two and three, I've realised those are the moments to slow down, not push through. If I overdo it, days four to seven—the hardest—become even more brutal. So instead, I embrace rest during those early days and make the most of the good week that follows on week three, when I get a break from the oral chemo tablets and my body starts to rebuild.
Last week was one of those good weeks, and for the first time since my son Brydon was born a year and a half ago, I had an adult night out! My husband and I were treated to stage-front seats at Scandalous, a saucy circus cabaret, complete with a cheese platter and wine. It was such a fun night—big shoutout to my friend Claire Luff for babysitting! The performance is still showing tonight and Saturday, if you haven’t checked this new show out, I highly recommend the experience.
The weekend continued with an invitation to the Malayalee Association of Mackay's Onam festival. The vibrant celebration was rich in cultural heritage, bursting with colour, dance, and delicious food. I was honoured to join the celebration. Later that evening, I attended the Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful – Broken Ballerina Ball, supporting vital work for those fleeing domestic violence. Adorned in pink with a glittering chandelier and fairy lights, the Mackay Turf Club sparkled for this important cause.
You can read my stories on Scandalous on page 26, Onam on the cover and page 10, and Hannah McNamara’s Broken Ballerina story on pages 22-23.
For now, I'm resting as chemo treatment number five was yesterday. My takeaway to anyone who may face cancer now or in the future, is that there’s a difference between living with cancer, and living with cancer.
‍

Amanda

‍

Motherhood is often a journey filled with immense love, strength, and at times, overwhelming challenges.

One mother faced this reality when she was recently flown from Mackay to Townsville with her newborn baby, who required surgery. Struggling with the burden of traveling alone with her baby and handling luggage, she encountered an unexpected act of kindness from a stranger.

Expressing her gratitude in a local mother's group on Facebook, she wrote, “If anyone’s husband was on the 11:30am flight from Mackay to Townsville today (Tuesday 24th September) and mentions helping a woman and her newborn baby with her bags, please reach out as my hubby would love to shout him a carton!

“Mackay Hospital put baby and I on a flight to Townsville hospital so he could have surgery and sadly hubby had to drive.

“I was struggling with the baby and luggage, and he (the kind man) very respectfully helped with my bags.

“I’m a jumble of emotions and didn’t think to ask for his name to show our appreciation.

“A small gesture of kindness made such a stressful situation that little bit easier!” she shared, emphasising how even the simplest act can have a meaningful impact.

Despite the emotional toll of the situation, this mother felt uplifted by the stranger's thoughtful gesture. Now, her husband hopes to find the Good Samaritan, offering to thank him with a carton of beer in appreciation for his kindness.

How can you offer a helping hand today?

‍

Illustrative purposes only

‍

A recently opened dedicated space within Mackay Base Hospital is helping people going through difficult times in their lives to avoid the Emergency Department when seeking help.

The new Crisis Support Service (CSS) facility, called Safe Harbour, is located adjacent to the Emergency Department and complements existing crisis services in the Mackay community.

Mackay HHS chief executive Susan Gannon said the facility represented the service’s commitment to improving the care and outcomes for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

‘‘Often people who are experiencing crisis after hours are admitted to an Emergency Department (ED) and we know a busy clinical space can be incredibly overwhelming for someone who is in distress,’’ Susan said.

‘‘This new model of care allows our peer workers to meet a person who has presented to the ED for help, have them discharged and take them to Safe Harbour to develop a support plan through a conversation and often, a cuppa.

‘’Ideally, we hope this space will reduce crisis presentations to our incredibly busy ED.’’

Safe Harbour is for individuals aged 16 years old and over who do not require medical treatment but who may have otherwise presented to the emergency department when they are experiencing psychological distress or a mental health
crisis.

Safe Harbour is a non-clinical partnership with Mind Australia, providing people seeking face-to-face mental health support with a peer-led, therapeutic environment. Access to the Safe Harbour is voluntary and can be utilised via the emergency department (to enable triage first); by referral from the Mackay HHS community mental health services, co-responder, MH Call or other community providers; or by presenting directly to the Crisis Support Space (CSS).

Mackay HHS Team Leader Acute Care Services Christian Strang said the service had been co-designed with people with lived experience of emotional distress and crisis to ensure the space would meet the needs of the people visiting.

"Through this process, we identified peer workers with lived experience of emotional distress and crisis were best placed to lead the care of each person in conjunction with a senior mental health clinician,’’ Christian said.

‘‘Delivering new models of care like this not only takes pressure off our high-intake areas like ED but they also deliver best-practice care to people when and where they need it most,’’ he said.

“Safe Harbour is an excellent example of care being delivered with the needs of our patients and clients being placed at the forefront of design and planning.’’

Safe Harbour is one of twelve crisis support spaces now operating near or nearby a Queensland Health emergency department.

‍

Visitors to Safe Harbour are welcomed with a cup of tea and a supportive conversation, fostering a non-clinical, peer-led environment. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

‍

Opinion Piece

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, is calling on the Queensland Labor Government to be open and honest with Queensland commercial and recreational fishers about their future plans for the fishing industry.  

“For the last two years, this Labor Government has treated our Queensland fishers with contempt bringing in changes with little consultation or transparency around their decision-making process and with little concern as to the implications on the future of the fishing and seafood industry in Queensland,” Ms Camm stated.

The MP said that Mackay and Whitsunday fishermen have declared that the temporary Government issued NX licenses inoperable and require urgent review.

“The LNP candidate for Mackay, Nigel Dalton and I have sat around the table from our local fishers, many of whom who have already been impacted financially and are concerned about their future viability and the future viability of the industry.  

“I’ve met with stakeholders, I’ve written to the Minister, I’ve asked Questions in Parliament and still the Government refuses to consult and listen and be transparent with our community”.  

Representatives from the Tourism Industry have also raised concerns about the implementation and inconsistency of the regulations.

Mr Dalton stated that, “The onboard vessel monitoring regulations means that currently fishers are being filmed going to the bathroom in the boat, effectively in their workplace, in front of their colleagues, which has to be considered a huge breach of privacy.”

Ms Camm stated that the industry is struggling as a result of these changes with 90 per cent of fresh fish sold in our region now imported from interstate.

“There are not enough licensed providers in our region to catch fresh fish. Local businesses are expected to either absorb the interstate freight costs or pass them onto the consumer. In a cost-of-living crisis, these increased costs cannot be sustained,” Ms Camm stated.  

Ms Camm and Mr Dalton are calling on the Queensland Government to be honest about the further restrictions and regulations they are proposing to introduce on our commercial and recreational fishers.  

“The Queensland Government needs to advise fishers and all seafood-loving Queenslanders if the fishing industry has a long-term future under a Labor Government.

Regional Queenslanders and our fishing community deserve better”, Ms Camm stated.

‍

Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, LNP Candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton listening with local fishers David Caracciolo, Paul Vickers and Deb Ahern. Photo supplied

‍

Two of Mackay’s leading economic drivers have formed a powerful partnership aimed at solidifying the region as a premier international sporting destination, ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Mackay Airport and Harrup Park are entering a strategic three-year agreement, which will simultaneously bolster major sporting opportunities while growing visitation and the regional economy.

Mackay Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said partnering with Harrup Park was a valuable investment in the broader success of the Mackay region.

“Working together, we can continue to enhance the profile of this thriving, quality venue and ensure it’s at the top of the list for sporting teams when they choose locations for competitions or extended training periods,” he said.

“Major events, like those held at Harrup Park’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, draw more visitors to our region, contributing to higher demand for flights, accommodation, and other tourism-related services, benefiting our airport and the local economy.

“Drawing a new market of visitors here also helps to grow our region’s profile and enhances awareness of all the unique experiences on offer here.”

The new partnership is aimed at supporting each organisation’s strategic growth through advocacy, stakeholder engagement and various promotional activities. It comes at an ideal and critical juncture as scheduling and infrastructure decisions ramp up ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Concurrently, plans are underway for a major infrastructure development at Great Barrier Reef Arena, which would include new multi-purpose training and competition facilities for international and Australian athletes, while also providing a base for growing, grassroots clubs.

Harrup Park Chief Executive Officer Adrian Young said support from like-minded organisations like Mackay Airport was crucial to driving successful outcomes for the venue and wider community.

“Mackay Airport is the gateway to our region.

“Its three-year commitment at this important period of growth will further enable us to seize major opportunities, which will pay dividends for our region into the future,” he said.

“The international T20 matches last week are a prime example of the calibre of competitions we can entice here for regular fixtures and elite training, particularly with the Olympics now firmly on the horizon.

“Working with Mackay Airport, we can further position ourselves as a seamless and attractive destination for national and international teams, while also promoting the many reasons to stay longer in the region or return for holidays.”

‍

Harrup Park Chief Executive Officer Adrian Young with Mackay Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

‍