Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School (Facebook) Whitsunday Anglican School’s Kindy to Year 2 students enjoyed a fun-filled Athletics Carnival, with young athletes taking part in running, jumping and throwing events while showing plenty of enthusiasm, determination and House spirit. Supported by Senior School volunteers, the day celebrated participation, encouragement and the strong sense of community across the school. See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/little-legs-big-spirit-at-whitsunday-anglican-schools-kindy-carnival
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Leading Mackay real estate business REMAX Select has announced the appointment of highly respected business professional Samantha Self as General Manager. The appointment is set to further strengthen the agency's high-performing team across the Mackay region, with Principal Nikita Kinnane describing Ms Self's arrival as an exciting step forward for the business. “We are heading in a really exciting direction with our business, and I cannot be more excited to have Samantha join our leadership team to build on that momentum,” Ms Kinnane said. Ms Kinnane said the recruitment process was focused on finding a leader whose values aligned with those of the business, it was Ms Self's shared commitment to those values and vision that made her the ideal candidate. "Samantha will play an important role in shaping the future REMAX Select, bringing exceptional experience in property, management and leadership to help drive growth and innovation, and this will flow into enhancing every aspect of our business. "Importantly, Samantha shares our core values and commitment to putting Mackay first, and we share the same drive to really make impactful change, bring big city ideas and execute them in our own country girl way.” It was the core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence and trust that Ms Self aligned with, sharing her goal to continue to build on the trust and integrity the agency has established in Mackay, while supporting the continued growth and development of both the team and business. “I’m excited to take on the role of general manager and work alongside Nikita and the entire team at REMAX Select,” Ms Self said. “REMAX Select has a strong team with exceptional talent which is highly respected throughout the community and I’m excited to be part of its continued success.” Ms Self steps into the role after eight years as retail manager of the largest shopping centre in northern Australia. During that time, she was the key driver of building positive, collaborative relationships with retailers, creating an environment where retailers were genuine partners in success. Having led sales performance analysis and market insight initiatives, Ms Self said she looks forward to applying her knowledge and experience to support the continued success of the REMAX Select team. “I am dedicated to empowering our team members through training and development opportunities, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “My goal is to continue to foster the team’s culture of professionalism, responsiveness and customer-first approach and I look forward to collaborating with our talented agents and staff to create a dynamic and successful environment here at REMAX Select.” REMAX Select is an award-winning real estate business, recently recognised as the 2025 REIQ Medium Agency of the Year and finalist at the 2026 REIA National Awards for Excellence. The office consistently ranks in the National Top 10 Offices in the REMAX Australia network, recognised as the #3 individual office for commissions and transactions at the REMAX Australia Annual Awards 2025 earlier this year, where they were also named a finalist for the network’s community service award and special achievement in marketing for an office award. REMAX Select is located at 133B Victoria Street, Mackay. Contact (07)4829 4612 or visit remax.com.au/select/ for an award winning real estate experience. Newly appointed General Manager, Samantha Self (Left) with REMAX Select Principal Nikita Kinnane (Right).
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In 2000, Peter and Denise Phillips laid the foundation for what would become one of Mackay’s most recognisable holistic, all in one property, insurance and financial services ecosystem. Starting as a Mortgage Choice franchise, Gardian was built on a commitment to helping people make confident financial decisions with local people in the know! Over the decades, that foundation has steadily evolved. Today, Gardian encompasses a wide range of services, including all manner of finance, general and business insurance, financial planning, real estate sales, property management, and commercial sales, management and leasing. What began as a single offering has grown into an integrated business model serving individuals, families, businesses, and community across the region. Now, the organisation enters its next chapter. After many years at the helm with her late husband Peter, Denise Phillips will step down from her role as Managing Director. Her leadership has been central to Gardian’s growth — not just in size, but in culture, reputation, and its connection to the local community. Taking over the role is Ben Phillips, Owner/Director and Head of Gardian Finance. Having been closely involved in all aspects of the business and its clients, he brings both continuity and a forward-looking perspective to the position. Leadership transitions often mark defining moments for organisations. In this case, the change represents both the continuation of a strong legacy and the opportunity to build on it. The evolution of Gardian — from a small franchise to a diversified advisory group — reflects the importance of adaptability, strategic growth, and staying aligned to core values to the community. For the Mackay business community, this transition highlights the strength of long-term vision and succession planning, particularly within locally grown enterprises. It also reinforces the impact that leadership grounded in community and relationships can have over time. As Gardian moves forward under new leadership, it does so with deep roots, a clear purpose, and a platform built for continued growth.
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I don’t know about you, but I find morning TV hosts incredibly annoying. I rarely get to see them, with their contrived laughter, over-the-top friendliness, stupid nicknames for each other, make-up and perfect hair cuts. But sometimes, if there has been some event that might interest me, or if I’m curious about what’s going on, I might flick on the TV and see what’s happening as I’m getting ready for work. I immediately regret it and start flicking channels to try to find someone bearable. It’s a challenge that usually lasts a couple of minutes before I turn the TV off and do something much more pleasant, like go to work. I did like Karl Stefanovic but he has been flicked, apparently because his employer didn’t like his podcast guests. There seemed something real about Karl but he was an island in a sea of fakery so there’s no point in me turning on Channel 9 anymore. There’s an Irish journalist/host on ABC TV, Catherine Murphy, who I also like. She’s funny and real and seems to want to stick to simply presenting a story in her slightly quirky style without imposing an agenda. But that’s about it for me. One thing the morning shows have an abundance of is “experts”. Whatever the drama that’s emerged, there’s an expert to explain it to you, pull it apart and tell you how concerned you should be. The expert needs to do it in about 17 seconds because everyone is going to get bored soon and we’ve got an ad break coming up. The more dramatic the event and the more it impacts the loyal viewers, the more vital it is that an expert is on hand. The current disaster of note it a neat combo: the economy/inflation/interest rates/housing downturn. This is the type of news drama you want when you’re planning the show because it affects the viewers, hits their hip pockets. But experts are everywhere in the media on this one, not just the morning shows. They’re out there giving their views on interest rates (some say they will go up, others say they will go down), the economy (some say it will be okay, others say we are headed for a recession), inflation (some say it will get worse and others say it will ease). Part of this blockbuster, of course, is house prices. Some experts say prices will drop in big cities like Sydney and Brisbane. Others say they will drop everywhere. Some say there will be a small, temporary drop but things will soon start going up again because there is a lack of housing supply across the nation. One group of experts that are worth paying attention to are the valuers from Herron Todd White, who put out their monthly property clock, which is a snapshot of how they see particular markets. The position on the clock face a particular city is located (we’re talking analogue here kids, not digital) tells you where it sits in the market. Twelve o’clock is top of the market, 3 o’clock is a falling market, 6 o’clock is the bottom of the market, 9 o’clock is a rising market. Things can change quickly and there a times a property can go from falling market to bottom of the market and up to rising market very quickly. HTW’s June clock would have been a challenge for them because tax changes and other events had happened but their longer-term impacts are unclear. They had Bundaberg and Toowoomba at the top of the market, Sydney at 2 o’clock and starting to decline, The Whitsundays, Gladstone and Sunshine Coast approaching the top of the market and Mackay, along with Rocky, Townsville and Cairns, in a rising market. Most agents in Mackay will tell you there has been a change but there is still activity, investors are still engaged and properties are selling. Most are being alert, not alarmed.
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Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton has worked closely with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation (DMF) for approximately 20 years.
From the commencement of the 2015 school year, the teaching of a Child Safety Curriculum in all Catholic kindergartens, prep, primary schools and colleges in the Diocese of Rockhampton has been mandatory. This safety curriculum is aligned with the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education and consists of classroom lessons across 3 phases of learning: Prep to Year 2; Years 3 to 6 and Years 7 to 9.
Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton Kindergartens, Primary Schools and Colleges along with implementing the DM Child Safety Curriculum, have over the past 20 years engaged with the many events and learning opportunities for both students and staff delivered, facilitated and provided by the DMF. Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton was also instrumental in working collaboratively with DMF to develop a Safety Curriculum for Early Years (Kindergarten) based on the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum Prep to Year 2. The Child Safety Curriculum - Early Years was developed for kindergartens across Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton. It reflects the key messages emanating from the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum intended for school-age children. In addition, there is an emphasis on the connection between the early years setting and the home environment and the significance of effective communication between the child’s family and educators.
The diversity of topics and focus of the DMF has assisted with a broader understanding of what it means for kindergartens, schools and the wider community to keep children safe. The parent resources have been utilised by our schools and kindergartens to share with parents in an ongoing basis. Across our schools here has been a very strong attendance at the Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson which provides online lessons for early years and primary schools.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe have been welcomed to many of our Primary Schools over the past 20 years, sharing Daniel’s Story and the message of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation with students, staff and parents.
We are very proud to have been in a position to both support and work collaboratively with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation over these past 20 years enabling conversations to be had with children and young people about their own personal safety. Our schools participate annually in the Day for Daniel held on the last Friday in October. Our school’s participation in this day reinforces the message that the Daniel Morcombe Foundation prescribes to.
This week, Australians will come together for Day for Daniel, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about child safety in memory of Daniel Morcombe. Held on the last Friday of October each year, this national day of action invites communities to Wear Red, Educate, and Donate in support of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, which continues to drive critical efforts to protect children from harm and prevent tragedies like Daniel’s.
Daniel Morcombe was just 13 years old when he disappeared on 7 December 2003, a day that irreparably changed the lives of his family and shook the entire country. Daniel had set off from his family’s home on the Sunshine Coast to catch a bus and buy Christmas presents, but he never returned. The search for Daniel became one of the largest in Australian history, with years of uncertainty and heartache following his disappearance. It wasn’t until 11 years later that the man responsible for Daniel’s abduction and murder was brought to justice, a resolution that came too late for the Morcombe family but brought closure to a case that had captured the attention of the nation.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Daniel’s parents, Bruce and Denise Morcombe, channelled their grief into action, founding the Daniel Morcombe Foundation in 2005. The foundation was established with a clear purpose: to educate children about personal safety, prevent future tragedies, and support young victims of crime. Today, it is one of the most significant organisations dedicated to child safety in Australia.
Day for Daniel is not only a day of remembrance but also a call to action. Schools, parents, carers, and communities are urged to talk to children about personal safety, teaching them how to recognise potential dangers and protect themselves. The foundation provides free educational resources to schools and parents, helping ensure that these crucial conversations happen in homes and classrooms across the country.
This day also serves as the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. Donations from the public directly support the foundation’s ongoing work, including the development of child safety programs, educational materials, and support services for young victims of crime. Funds raised ensure that these resources remain free and accessible, empowering more children and families with the knowledge they need to stay safe.
Day for Daniel also includes the annual Walk for Daniel, a powerful demonstration of solidarity. Thousands of people, dressed in red to symbolise Daniel’s memory, participate in walks nationwide, a reminder of the community’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. These walks, and the sea of red that accompanies them, have become an enduring image of Daniel’s legacy.
The tragic story of Daniel Morcombe is one that will never be forgotten, and Day for Daniel ensures that his memory continues to drive positive change. The safety of children remains a top priority, and through education, awareness, and ongoing support, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation aims to ensure that no other family endures the suffering that Daniel’s family has faced.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s 3 R’s for Safety—Recognise, React, and Report—are core principles designed to empower children with essential life skills for staying safe in various situations. These simple steps, taught in classrooms across Australia, are part of the Foundation’s mission to equip young people with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
Recognise
The first step, Recognise, encourages children to be alert to their surroundings. This includes environmental cues like alarms, hazard signs, or unusual smells, and also body cues, such as goosebumps or a racing heart. Lessons teach children that if something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust their instincts. This extends to recognising inappropriate behaviour, particularly related to private body parts. The use of proper anatomical terms like "penis" and "vagina" removes confusion and shame, helping children feel confident to speak out if boundaries are crossed.
React
Once children recognise an unsafe situation, knowing how to React is vital. This involves problem-solving strategies for real-life scenarios, such as saying "No" to inappropriate touch or running from danger. They also learn that in certain situations, breaking rules—like crossing the street outside a crosswalk to avoid danger—might be necessary to ensure their safety. The goal is to instil quick, practical reactions to threats, helping children understand that their safety comes first, even if it means doing something unusual.
Report
The final step, Report, highlights the importance of telling a trusted adult about any unsafe incident. Children are encouraged to identify several “safety helpers” they can approach, whether family members, teachers, or friends outside their immediate home. Whether dealing with unsafe physical environments or reporting inappropriate online interactions, children are taught to persevere in seeking help until their concerns are addressed.
By embedding these 3 R’s in everyday interactions, both at school and at home, parents, carers, and educators can play a critical role in helping children build the skills they need to stay safe in an ever-changing world.
Wobbly Jelly – A New Safety Resource
To further support child safety education, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation is launching its first digital children’s book, Wobbly Jelly, on Day for Daniel, Friday 25 October. This engaging story about a curious cat learning how to stay safe introduces children aged 3-6 to the 3 R’s of Recognise, React, and Report. Wobbly Jelly explores body clues and safety cues, helping young readers understand how to identify and react to danger. The book will be available for free download from the Foundation’s website, offering families a valuable tool to discuss safety with their children in a fun and accessible way.
Comfort Resort Blue Pacific in Mackay has firmly established itself as the go-to destination for travellers and locals alike seeking the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Recently celebrated with the prestigious Best of Queensland Hotel/Motel Accommodation award at the 2024 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards, Comfort Resort Blue Pacific shines with exceptional service, innovative marketing and proactive sustainability initiatives - all driven by rave guest reviews and glowing recommendations.
To top it off, the resort also secured Gold for 3-3.5 Star Accommodation for the fourth consecutive year, further cementing its status as a trusted leader in the industry.
In an exciting commitment to environmental responsibility, the owners are thrilled to announce that they will participate in the World Travel & Tourism Council's Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB) Program. This fantastic initiative focuses on 12 key indicators across Efficiency, Planet and People, empowering the resort to enhance its efforts in reducing its environmental footprint.
From beachfront upgrades to serene tropical gardens, Comfort Resort Blue Pacific is the ideal destination for unforgettable family getaways, seamless stopovers and inspiring corporate retreats.
Nestled right on the stunning shores of Blacks Beach, just a short 20-minute drive from Mackay’s lively city centre, the resort invites guests to experience an unforgettable beachside escape. With spacious, self-contained one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each boasting a private balcony where guests can relax. Guests can experience a unique grassed beachfront that boost views over the Coral Sea.
BBQ’s, sunlounges and picnic tables await you... the possibilities for relaxation and enjoyment are endless!
www.bluepacificresort.com.au
In the company of over 150 industry professionals, Mackay Isaac Tourism Acting Chair Rob Cocco and fellow Board Director Al Grundy took the opportunity to launch MIT’s Cruise Ship Strategy.
Recognising the potential at the Port of Mackay, MIT have set out to position Mackay as an attractive cruise ship destination through effective marketing, relationships, capacity building and promotional initiatives.
MIT Acting Chair Rob Cocco said the MIT Cruise Ship Strategy aims to delineate a comprehensive plan for the Mackay region to embrace cruise ships and facilitate day shore excursions.
“The goal is to leverage the Port of Mackay’s proximity to a wharf within the harbour and semi-diurnal tide conditions, offering 12 hours of shore time for passengers on ships of up to 230 metres”, Mr Cocco said.
“We have a good balance of paid versus free indoor and outdoor product, which is a positive driver of increased visitor dispersal and expenditure, putting Mackay in a competitive position compared to some similar regional cruise destinations”.
MIT Board Director Al Grundy added that there were several drivers to developing the MIT Cruise Ship Strategy.
“The estimated national economic impacts generated by cruise tourism expenditure, converted to cruise tourism output, in Australia between 2022 and 2023 had a total value-added impact of $2.94 billion, including a direct impact of $1.32 billion”, Mr Grundy said.
“This influx of tourist spending is expected to stimulate business activity, create job opportunities, and generate revenue for local businesses, suppliers, and providers.
“Existing operators can both improve their product development and delivery for cruise passengers as well as other visitors to the region.
“We also expect to see an increase in the sense of community pride and engagement among local residents”.
The Cruise Ship Strategy has been made possible through funding support from the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and strategy funding partners North Queensland Bulk Ports and Regional Development Australia.
Fridays are perfect for relaxing, having fun with family, and eating lots of food.
Let me tell you why. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to not only eat some beautiful food, but you can also even get into the Christmas spirit as we are now only 62 days away from Santa coming through the screen door.
Think about this. Tonight and tomorrow night, you can head to the Mackay Showgrounds for the annual Christmas Fair with West Mackay Rotary. They’ve been doing this for years. Remember when they used to do it at the City Gates? It was a funfair all in that one place next to the old tourist centre.
Obviously, they’ve gotten way bigger than that, and for safety, the showgrounds are the best place to have fun with Santa. Come and grab some great food, buy some raffle tickets to win a Christmas ham or three, and get the kids and grandkids on some rides to wear them out before you get their diabetes journey ready with sugary lollies all night. It’s a win-win situation, that’s for sure.
Oh, and if you see Col Meng, say "g’day" and get some raffle tickets off him. He won’t let up until you do. He reminded me of it when I ran past him last week after the Road Runners’ Sunday shufflers up near the lagoon. He’s a bit like a dog with a bone. Anyway, moving on.
Also, this weekend is all the fun at Queens Park on East Gordon Street for Global Grooves. If you are a lover of food from all over the world and cultures, then this is the place to be. Seriously, the amount and types of food will blow your mind.
There’s plenty on offer—food, fun, music, dancing, and so much more right in town. What’s not to love?
Don’t forget we are not that far away from all the Halloween fun around town. There are plenty of places getting all the decorations ready for trick-or-treating fun with the kids. This Sunday too, from 4 pm, Queens Park is the place to be for a fun Halloween photo swap event. Get dressed up, share some spooky stories, and get ready to swap away just in time for the end of the month.
Have a great weekend, and if you’re heading to Mackay Harbour tomorrow for the spring clean-up, wear some sunscreen. It’s certainly a warm weekend coming up. Look out for nesting turtles around East Point!
You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!
I’ve never heard anyone say: “I’m so sad about selling my Commonwealth Bank shares. They’ve been there while the kids grew up, they’ve been part of the family. We didn’t want to sell them but we just couldn’t look after them anymore. I just hope they go to another family that’s going to love them and get as much joy from them as they have given us.”
I have heard something along the lines of: “Oh, I sold the Commonwealth Bank shares today … can you pass the salt and pepper please.”
It’s different when people sell a house.
I don’t mean an investment unit in Brisbane, I mean the properties we sell in Mackay … most of those are family homes.
They are not just rectangular boxes made out of bricks and mortar or timber and fibro but the places where people have raised families, created memories. Where kids learned to walk and parents laughed and cried as the walking turned into a journey that bonds a family together.
Part of being an agent is to understand what it is you are selling. I don’t get emotional about it because my job is to stay detached and create a process that achieves the best price for the seller.
But that doesn’t mean you should be cold and heartless. You do need to have empathy, to understand the history people have with the property and connect at that level with the sellers.
Last year I sold an inner Mackay cottage for a woman who now lives in another state. She grew up in the house and her parents continued to live there until they passed away around 10 years earlier.
The lady inherited the property, a little unrenovated cottage. She held on to it for a decade because she couldn’t bring herself to sell it. So many of her memories played out in the house.
She didn’t have the money or ability to renovate the property and, living so far away, she couldn’t be here to arrange maintenance. So, in the end, she decided to sell it after getting me to do an appraisal on the property.
I sold the place quickly for the price she was hoping to achieve to a nice bloke who was buying it for his adult daughter to live in with her young child.
The dad was a handy bloke who was going to renovate it and bring the house back to life and turn it into a beautiful, classic cottage that his daughter and grandchild would love living in.
The daughter loved the property and could see its potential. When she looked at this broken-down old thing with horrible carpet and peeling paint and rusty roof, all she could see was the tongue and groove walls, the polished timber floorboards under the carpet and lino, the high ceilings and the classic casement windows.
I told the owner about the buyers, what the dad was planning to do and how much the daughter loved the house.
When the sale went unconditional and the property was effectively sold, the lady and her husband face-timed me.
It was a tearful conversation where the lady told me how happy she was that the property had gone to people who love the house and who will bring it back to life and create new memories for another family.
“I’m so pleased, David. And I know my parents would be happy with this.”
At that point, the money wasn’t the main thing. It was family, memories and a continuing journey worthy of the property.
The Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair is set to dazzle the community with an array of festive activities, ensuring that this year’s event is not only for the kids but also a delightful experience for adults!
Scheduled for Friday, 25th October and Saturday, 26th October from 5:30pm at the Mackay Showgrounds, this jam-packed Christmas fair promises a magical evening filled with excitement and holiday cheer.
While children can look forward to thrilling rides such as the Merry-Go-Round, Kids Rollercoaster and Jumping Castles, adults will also have plenty to enjoy. Hibbles Amusements will operate the rides, with individual ride prices ranging from $7 to $10 or a special deal of four rides for $25 (excluding the dodgem cars).
In addition to the rides, attendees can explore attractions like the Ham Wheel, Meat Tray Wheel and Cent Sale, ensuring there is something for everyone to indulge in. Families can browse the Pick of the Shelf, visit the Bottle Stall and even satisfy their sweet tooth at the Sweets Stall.
The excitement is sure to linger with the breathtaking Andergrove Lakes Fireworks Display at 8:30pm, lighting up the night sky and providing a perfect backdrop for capturing memories.
This event is more than just an evening of entertainment…it’s a chance for families to come together and embrace the Christmas spirit. Local MP Curtin & Co is proud to present this fair, setting the stage for a vibrant community gathering.
Entry to the Mackay Christmas Fair is FREE, making it an accessible event for all. Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in on the fun, as the fair promises to be a spectacular kick-off to the holiday season for all.
The Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair invites everyone to come out, share in the joy of the season and create lasting memories with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate Christmas early!
What: The Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair
When: Friday, 25th October and Saturday, 26th October from 5:30pm
Where: Mackay Showgrounds
Tickets: FREE ENTRY
Glamorous gowns and stunning suits adorned the attendees of the 2024 Whitsundays Tourism Awards which were hosted by Tourism Whitsundays on Daydream Island last weekend.
Local tourism operators were firmly in the spotlight with many businesses taking home awards on the night, some of which were inducted into the Hall of Fame having won their category for three consecutive years.
Special Whitsunday Tourism Awards Feature Pages 16-29.
Dea Huvonen, Crystal Walton, Rosanagh Gallivan, Aimee Cameron, Laura Knipe, Cait Fleming, Jade Yvonne, Emma Bailes, Tim Booth from Tourism Whitsundays. Photo credit: R Jean Photography
Hi Everyone,
Wow - What a week! In your hands, you are holding 96-pages of organically sourced, 100% local news delivered for free to you!
The whole team has done an absolutely phenomenal job in creating this paper, in particular the 15-page Whitsundays Tourism Awards Special Feature that showcases 22 local businesses who won awards on Saturday night.
From making phone calls to every Whitsundays Tourism Award recipient asking if they’d like to participate in the feature through to sensational articles written about winners and backed up by numerous celebratory ad designs – it’s been a whole team effort!
Every single member of the team has pulled together and worked especially hard this week – thanks guys!
The office has been operating at a faster pace than usual and while it’s been exhausting, it has also highly exhilarating! Energy levels have been propped up by caffeine and chocolate, and by now possibly a few glasses of celebratory wine!
Another team that works extremely hard here in the region is Tourism Whitsundays. The effort that went into organising the Whitsunday Tourism Awards was incredible, and the event was a great celebration of our vibrant tourism sector.
With 1 in 3 local jobs relying on tourism in the region, the work Tourism Whitsundays do to bring holidaymakers here from both near and far is vital to our economy and it was wonderful to celebrate the whole industry’s achievements on Saturday night.
For the full Whitsundays Tourism Awards Special Feature and to read about the fantastic local operators who won awards over the weekend, please turn to page 15.
Rach
Quote of the Week: “Your adventures take you further than your fears”
Every day we are blessed to be in this wonderful Whitsunday community and Sofia Andreou experienced that first hand.
Last week, she posted on a popular Facebook community chat site offering to give $50 for free to go to a good home.
It all began when she was cleaning her rental property and found a $50 note hidden behind a book, deciding not to keep it but give it away instead.
“So I thought, I'm going to actually advertise this because it's $50 I didn't even notice that I had and it's very easy to forget when we are prospering, that $50 is really everything to somebody,” she said.
“I thought I might do an experiment and just see if anybody would realise that it was genuine and take me up on it.”
Sofia found the response on the Facebook group overwhelming and beautiful in many ways.
“It opened my eyes to how many people are suffering,” said Sofia.
“Secondly, it made me so grateful for our Whitsunday community, because there was such a large response of other generous people wanting to help as well.
“For example, there were a few people saying in the comments, I need this, or I need this, or I'm struggling with this, or I'm struggling with that. And so many people in the community put their hands up and said, well, I can also help, and I can also help.
“That really brought me to tears.”
Sofia initially advertised the $50 she found and then ended up giving $50 six times over, out of her pocket, because she realised how many people needed it.
She also estimated that her initial post turned into the community giving $3000 worth of donations.
The $50 Sofia found during her clean, Photo supplied
The highly anticipated Whitsunday Skyway received a funding pledge this week, promising to propel the $87 million project closer to its goal of being the largest piece of on-land infrastructure in our region.
Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, stated that if the LNP are successful in this weekend’s election, they would immediately invest $5 million into the project to get it off the ground and lift the local economy.
The Skyway project will feature a 1km all-weather cable car ride that soars 430m above sea level, offering visitors 360 degree panoramic views of the Whitsunday islands and hinterland.
Amanda Camm said the Whitsunday Skyway will deliver a strong economic impact.
“The Skyway will create 140 new direct jobs on completion, and 591 additional indirect jobs, injecting millions into the local economy,” Ms Camm said.
“It will also deliver major flow-on benefits to other tourism-aligned businesses including accommodation, restaurants, tour operators and more.
“This is catalytic tourism infrastructure that positions Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays as the Heart of the Reef.”
Australian Adventure Tourism Group (AATG) chair Elizabeth Hackett said the project will take Airlie Beach to the next level.
“The Whitsunday Skyway is a sustainable way to showcase the natural beauty of the Whitsunday region, offering visitors land-based adventure activities and spectacular tropical rainforest experiences, including guided tours,” Ms Hackett said.
“Once formal planning and approvals are in place, we expect the construction timeframe to take between 12-18 months.
“The project has strong support from the Whitsunday Regional Council and local tourism operators and will drive economic growth across the region.”
Shadow Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Sam O’Connor, said the project will attract both domestic and international tourists to Airlie Beach.
“The LNP is committed to delivering infrastructure that showcases Queensland’s natural assets, by driving the development of more tourism experiences.
“An LNP Government will ensure this project operates within strict environmental guidelines, applying strong protections through the approval process to safeguard the pristine natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.”
Nathan Lehman, Project Director AATG, Sam O’Connor, Shadow Environment Minister, Elizabeth Hackett, AATG Chair, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Julie Telford, Chair Tourism Whitsundays. Photo supplied
The whole community is in mourning this week following news that 17-year-old Proserpine State High School student Bree Day tragically passed away after six days in hospital following a road accident at Myrtlevale on the Bruce Highway.
The crash occurred at 3:25pm on Friday 11 October and it is believed Bree was performing a U-turn on the highway when her vehicle collided with a truck.
She was transported to Proserpine Hospital with severe head injuries and was transferred to Townsville Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and her passing was announced on Thursday 17th October.
Bree, who had just celebrated receiving her P-plates, was in her last year of high-school and had only weeks until graduating. She would have been due to celebrate the end of her school career, making her sudden death all the more devastating for her friends, family and broader community.
The driver of the truck, a 52-year-old Burdell man, was not physically injured.
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating the incident.
The Bruce Highway was closed for several hours due to the crash.
This crash comes less than two months after a 22-year-old woman lost her life also on the Bruce Highway.
Local student Bree Day passed away following a serious road traffic incident. Photo sourced: Facebook
Over the last few weeks some of our favourite actors from hit TV show Home and Away have been filming in the region proving there is nowhere quite like the Whitsundays for a stunning backdrop and holiday atmosphere.
The cast and crew filmed across several local locations including Bowen, Foxdale, Airlie Beach and Daydream Island for two weeks.
We’ll have to wait for the show’s release to learn more about the cast and crew's activities, however, Location Manager James Doherty revealed that they have engaged local talent for extras and partnered with cherished local businesses for accommodations and filming locations.
Additionally, Home and Away’s Instagram has teased a comeback for Ziggy and Dean, promising to revive their beloved Summer Bay romance.
The episodes, showcasing the spectacular Whitsundays have no set air-date yet, however, are set to appear on the your tv screens in about 6 months' time.
James explained that they chose the Whitsundays due to its very distinct style that is hard to replicate:
“We've been up and down all the East Coast, we went and scouted several areas like Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Yeppoon, we went to all those places and still came to pick the Whitsundays and its surrounds,” he shared.
“For us it has the best of all the worlds, you have the cane fields, the Great Barrier Reef, and you've got some beautiful local towns that aren't as looked upon favorably as other towns. We have found so much beauty in those towns, and have really enjoyed our time here.”
Ziggy and Dean. Photo sourced from Channel 7 and 7+
1: This is your final elevator pitch - in 80 words - what makes you the best candidate for the job?
2: If successful, what is the one key project/legacy achievement that you will be remembered for?
3: What role do you think local newspapers play in regional communities?
4: What would you say to someone who has never voted for your party before but is thinking about it?
Julie Hall
One Nation Candidate For Whitsunday
1:
I stand for the people, with common sense, people focused, policy. I don’t represent the party, nor do I have to tow the party line, like LNP and Labor do. The cross bench can bring the balance of power back to the people where it belongs and hold both major parties to account. The choice is simple, do you want a hands-on MP to represent you, or a career politician that represents their party first.
2:
Changing legislation that is crippling businesses, taking away our freedoms, and forcing woke ideology into our workplaces and schools. I will support the Katter Party’s Termination of Pregnancy (Life Births) Amendment bill to ensure babies born alive after a failed abortion will receive pain relief and care. I will also seek to change the legislation that allows perfectly healthy babies to be terminated right up to the day before birth. Both LNP and Labor have stated they will not support these changes, I WILL!
3:
Local papers are the heart of the community. They keep the community informed and connected and we most certainly do not want to lose them. Whitsunday Life is a great asset to our community. When it comes to elections all news media should be seen to be A-Political, however, you will see across all media platforms it is the Labor and LNP candidates that are always featured, you seldom see the minor parties getting the same coverage, which is not only biased, but unfair.
4:
If you don’t like where things are going, and you’re as concerned as I am about the future for our kids, then you need to vote differently. Under the major parties whether it was LNP or Labor Federally, or Labor in State, our lives have got a lot harder. We should be the luckiest country in the world with the resources that we have, yet we have gone backwards under these major parties. Give us a go, seriously, how much more can we afford to lose?
Dale Last
LNP Candidate For Burdekin
1:
No matter whether you live in Middlemount, Giru or anywhere in between, for the past ten years I have listened and taken up the fight for issues that matter to constituents and my hope is to continue to do that in the future. In regional areas we have to fight tooth and nail to secure our fair share and that means having a strong voice to advocate for safer roads, better access to health services and more opportunities for our next generation.
2:
Knowing that I have been a strong voice for the Burdekin on issues that matter most will be an honour I will carry with me for years to come. Seeing our netball players competing on new courts, knowing that patients with time-critical health issues are going to get the CT they need at the Ayr Hospital and seeing our firefighters able to train at their own station will be achievements I know this community will be able to be proud of.
3:
The importance of regional newspapers has been emphasised in recent years, particularly in areas of rural and regional Queensland that don’t have reliable access to internet or telecommunications. There is no other place to find out what is happening in the community, to read about the achievements of our best and brightest or to find out who won our local sporting matches. As the State Member, local newspapers are imperative in sharing information about community safety or new legislation.
4:
Every Queenslander placing their vote over the past couple of weeks and on Saturday will know exactly what is impacting them the most right now, whether it’s costs of living, crime, housing or accessing health services. These issues are not new and The LNP has outlined a plan and commitments to improve our health services, increase housing, address youth crime and ease cost of living.
Anne Baker
Labor Candidate For Burdekin
1:
After 17 years successfully putting my heart and soul into representing the Isaac region in local government, the last 12 of those as Mayor of Isaac bringing in over $400M of funding to the region, I understand how the system works and I feel like I can do better for Burdekin. I am ready to stand up for local working families, businesses, agriculture, mining, construction and regional communities. The Burdekin electorate needs a voice that will be heard by State Government.
2:
I will be remembered for securing $157M in fully committed roads funding as just a candidate, the most funding for roads seen in the last eight years of current representation. I can do so much more if elected, this is just the start.
3:
Papers are integral to regional communities and play multiple roles . Newspapers are the glue that connect a community, from news, to birth and engagement notices, real estate, classifieds, social events, sports and more.
4:
I would say, please consider voting for me as the person, Anne Baker, as I am the one that will represent you. I have a proven track record and I will work hard for the electorate.
Andrew Elborne
One Nation Candidate For Burdekin
1:
There is no better school in the world than travel and life experience, so if you want real solutions to the issues of today you need a new set of eyes and minds on the job and not career politicians that have not been able to fix the issue in the last 10 years without more rights removing legislation.
2:
When we fix the money wasting renewable problem we can then concentrate on using the money to fix the local issues, simplifying and removing unnecessary and obtuse legislation that only serves to chain up and hinder the working families of the community - the community safety bill for instance, and its blatant discrimination against farmers and sporting gun owners.
3:
The local newspapers play a huge role in regional communities, just as long as they stay a-political and give every party the same respect and time to give their stance on issues. They should be owned by the communities as well and not oversees interests.
4:
I would say honestly I am not doing this as a job, I have stood on the side line praying for the government to do the right thing and represent the people, but have come to the realisation that the big parties are now so entrenched with party politics, meaning following overseas influence, that they have forgotten how they got elected and that is by the people, so it’s time someone who is only interested in people politics steps up.
Amanda Camm
LNP Candidate For Whitsunday
1:
I have worked extremely hard over the last four years listening to the community and advocating for our region. It is frustrating representing from opposition. However, I proudly stood up for the women of Mackay & Whitsundays during the Obstetrics & Gynaecology and DNA Lab Queensland Health failures. I have continually called out the Government for poor consultation or stalling on projects like Shute Harbour Road or Hamilton Plains. Sometimes it’s resulted in a win with work commencing.
2:
I hope my personal legacy as an MP will be one who listens, advocates and delivers for the community. I have been listening and advocating to a government that has refused to listen for the last four years. My first focus will be on delivering projects for our region that have sat idle under this Labor government. The main ones will be Mackay Bucasia Road in the southern part of the electorate and Hamilton Plains in the North and delivering a Shute Bay Boat Ramp.
3:
Local newspapers are vital to keeping communities connected. People can find State and National news through other mediums, but they’ll never have the same amount of local content as a local paper. I think everyone felt the loss of local papers when many closed during COVID. It plays an important role in connecting our community, informing, celebrating and communicating what matters.
4:
I would ask if they are better off now than they were 10 years ago under this Labor Government? The reality is, that currently in Queensland only the LNP or Labor can win enough seats to form government. Whilst the Labor Government has spent the last 10 not delivering projects on time or on budget and with no consultation or transparency, the LNP has a plan to fix housing, crime, the health system and cost of living issues.
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Every year on January 26 the Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region.
Nominations for the 2025 Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards are now officially open! These awards are an incredible way for us as a community to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make the Whitsundays such a special place to live.
Each year, these awards honour people from all walks of life—our dedicated volunteers, committed educators, passionate community workers, and even our local sporting heroes.
Whether it's someone who has made a difference through a lifetime of service or someone who’s made an impact through a project in the last year, these awards offer the chance to say a heartfelt "thank you" for their efforts.
We all know someone in our community who quietly works behind the scenes without expecting recognition. These are the people we want to celebrate—the ones who make a real difference in the lives of others.
It could be the coach who devotes countless hours to mentoring young athletes, the volunteer who consistently gives their time to help those in need, or the local business owner who always goes above and beyond to support community causes.
By taking the time to nominate someone, you’re not only acknowledging their efforts, but you’re also encouraging them to continue making a positive impact, knowing their work doesn’t go unnoticed.
We have several categories available, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Senior and Junor Sports, so there’s a way to highlight every type of contribution.
If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated for their contributions, I strongly urge you to submit a nomination. It’s easy to do, and nominations are open until Friday, December 6. You can find all the details on the Your Say Whitsunday page on our website or by dropping into one of our Customer Service Centres in Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen or Collinsville and filling out a hard copy form.
Let’s take this opportunity to shine a light on the people who make the Whitsundays a better, stronger, and more vibrant place for us all. I look forward to seeing many worthy nominations and celebrating with our incredible community on Australia Day 2025.
Together, let’s show our appreciation for those who are making a difference, one good deed at a time.
Ry Collins
Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council
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