Whitsundays Writers Festival Appoints Leadership Team

Following its successful return, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is strengthening its foundation with a new leadership team dedicated to celebrating the region’s own literary voices.

The Festival is proud to announce the appointment of three local professionals to guide its future. Richard Evans, a Whitsunday author of nine political thrillers will serve as President and Festival Director. He will be joined by Secretary, Strategy and Marketing Manager Cait Fleming and Treasurer and Operations Manager Dr Julia Evans, who also works as a publishing services consultant. They will be supported by a committee of local authors, community specialists, and representatives from regional libraries and schools. Together, they hope to build upon the legacy of outgoing President Karen Jacobsen and her committee.

“Our core mission is to provide a platform for the exceptional writers we have right here in the Whitsundays and to connect them directly with our community of readers,” said incoming President Richard Evans. “We are building a festival that is by, for, and about our region’s literary culture. Our vision is bold: to shine a spotlight on local literary talent.”

The team’s first priority is a focused, community-centred event in 2026, which will pave the way for future growth.

The Festival Committee is now seeking expressions of interest from local authors for programming and participation in the 2026 event and beyond. Writers in the Whitsundays region are invited to contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com

“This is a festival built on local talent,” said Cait Fleming. “We want to hear from our writers, involve them in the journey, and create an event that truly reflects the stories of our home.”

The Whitsundays Writers Festival promises to strengthen its community focus of fostering a vibrant literary culture by connecting local authors with readers and celebrating the power of local storytelling.

All are welcome to save the date for a special one-day celebration of local literary talent.

• When: Sunday 13 September 2026
• Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Airlie Beach
• What: A day dedicated to local authors, local stories, and the readers who bring them to life.

Contributed with thanks to Dr Julia Evans

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Welcoming the new team. Photo supplied

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Looking Out for Each Other This Time of Year

I had the privilege of joining the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) breakfast in Cannonvale recently as a guest speaker, and it was one of those mornings that remind you just how strong and connected our community really is.

Before most people had even hit the snooze button, the turnout was incredible with a mix of tradies in hi-vis, small business owners grabbing a cuppa on their way to work, emergency services staff coming off shift, and plenty of familiar community faces. All there for one reason: to look out for each other.

Events like this matter. They create space for honest conversation, which we often avoid because life gets busy or because we’re conditioned to “just get on with it.”

But the truth is, all of us, at some point, carry heavy things. As the guest speaker, I shared a bit about my own journey with the group as like anyone, I’ve had my ups and downs, and there have been times where stress has crept up on me more than I’d like to admit. This time of year, especially, the fatigue, the deadlines, the cost pressures, and the general rush of life can stack up quickly.

One of the most important things I’ve learned, and I’m still learning, is that we’re not meant to carry everything alone. Talking helps. Good mates help. Checking in helps. Even just recognising that you’re not the only one feeling stretched can take some weight off your shoulders.

A big hats off to Matt Stokes and the whole WSPN team for continuing to build these safe and open spaces. They don’t just run events they help shift culture and remind us that real strength isn’t staying quiet; it’s speaking up and listening without judgement.

Thanks to ShirtFront Solutions and Enzed Whitsunday for hosting and to Amanda Camm MP for sponsoring the breakfast. These partnerships show what can happen when business, community and leaders lean in together.

As we head into the tail end of the year, I want to encourage everyone to take a moment for yourself and a moment for someone else. Slow down where you can. Reach out if you’re struggling. And if someone crosses your mind, then send the text, make the call, say g’day.

We’re a better, stronger Whitsundays when we look out for each other.

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The Bowen Tourism and Business staff and volunteers celebrated Christmas with a get-together in Bowen last Sunday afternoon.

About 40 people attended the Christmas party including volunteers and their partners, staff and committee members.

Everyone received a Secret Santa gift from the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.

Manager Leanne Abernethy said volunteers were an integral part of the organisation and the Christmas party was all about celebrating their dedication, passion and efforts.

“We simply couldn’t do what we do without them,” she said.

Steve Fisher, better known as Fish, volunteers at the Big Mango every week.

He spoke on behalf of the volunteers and mentioned several awards that Bowen Tourism and Business had won in 2025 including Top Tourist Town in Queensland, Best Big Thing in Queensland, Community Champion in the Whitsundays and a Bronze Medal for volunteers at State Level.

He thanked the staff for their dedication and spoke about the busy Grey Nomad season in 2025.

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomed a record number of visitors in the 2024/25 financial year and have already welcomed more visitors since July than the same period last year.

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Bowen Tourism Volunteers - Back row: Viv Clark, Margaret Hurst. Front row: Marie Bailey, Colleen Skinner.

Bowen Tourism Volunteers - Anne Steen, Anne Mason and Mark Steen with the Chair of the committee Jenn Honnery.

Photos supplied

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After almost 20 years running the community’s much-loved St. Paul’s Op Shop, Chris Hinschen is preparing to retire from management and the St. Pauls Anglican Church are set to take over the role in the new year.

All current volunteers have already agreed to return, with Annette Pryce and Noreen Sainsbury announcing they will each assist a couple of days a week.

Saturday trading, has been trialled for several months and has become popular with visitors from as far as Mackay, Annette and Noreen say they will continue Saturday trading.

Chris’s final day will be on Friday 19th December, with the shop reopening on Monday 19th January under the new management.

Although the setup will remain largely unchanged, the church will now take on full overheads including rent, rates and insurance. Volunteers note that while prices remain affordable, the shop will now operate as a business to help fund essential costs such as the church roof repairs.

St. Pauls Anglican Church hope to expand the shop’s community focus by creating a welcoming space for conversation, coffee, sitting areas, pastoral care and support services in the future.

New volunteers are warmly invited, with even an hour of help making a difference. Contact Father Jeffery Akoai on 0458 451 230, Nerine Pryce on 0448 846 805 or Annette Sainsbury on 0409 417 180 to express interest or visit the Op Shop located on Dobbins Lane in Proserpine in the new year.

Donations will pause during the break to allow volunteers to prepare and avoid a backlog.

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Father Jeffery Akoai, Nerine Pryce and Annette Sainsbury at the St. Paul’s Op Shop in Proserpine. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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As we wrap up the year here in The Whitsundays, it feels like the perfect time to take a breath, look back on what we’ve achieved together and get excited for what’s shaping up to be a huge summer for our region.

It’s been a pretty exciting year of progress. We’ve had the announcements of the Ngaro Track and Twin Creeks Mountain Track and big momentum behind the Whitsunday Skyway. Plus, with new island developments underway on Hook and Lindeman Island, there’s plenty happening that will keep our region moving forward in all the right ways.

Holiday bookings are looking really strong, currently up 10% on last year with Christmas and New Year sitting at around 85% occupancy. It’s safe to say it’s going to be a lively festive season across The Whitsundays, and busy for our tourism businesses. January’s a little softer at the moment at around 50%, but we all know how many travellers book on a whim, so we’re expecting that to lift.

Because this is my last column for the year, I want to say a huge thank you to our community, our tourism partners and everyone who backs The Whitsundays day in, day out. Your enthusiasm and hard work are what give this region its magic.

Wishing you all a safe, happy and very sunny festive season. Whether you’re working through, travelling, or just kicking back with friends and family, enjoy it. Here’s to an even bigger 2026.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth. Photo sourced: Online

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What started as uncertainty has quickly turned into excitement, connection, and festive cheer as Proserpine prepares to come together this Friday night for the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair.

Only a short time ago, it looked as though the much-loved Christmas fair might not go ahead this year. However, following a team discussion at the office of Amanda Camm MP, about how best to support a community Christmas celebration, a decision was made - even if a little last minute - to bring people together and make it happen.

By joining forces with Whitsunday Regional Council and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce, the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair was born, with one clear goal: to give the community a chance to connect, celebrate, and share in the Christmas spirit.

Since announcing the event, the response from the community has been overwhelming. Local businesses, stallholders, food vendors, and volunteers have all stepped forward, keen to be involved and support the evening.

Already, excitement is building, with shops and dining venues planning to stay open on the night, live entertainment and market stalls coming together, and families looking forward to enjoying a relaxed festive evening in the heart of town.

This Friday night’s fair is shaping up to be a wonderful example of what Proserpine does best - coming together with generosity, enthusiasm, and community pride.

Everyone is invited to head into Main Street, enjoy the atmosphere, support local businesses, and share in a joyful celebration as Proserpine lights up for Christmas.

WHAT: Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair
WHERE: Main Street, Proserpine
WHEN: Friday 12 December, 5pm - 8pm

Contributed with thanks to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP

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Just before 10.00am on Saturday 6 December, emergency services received a Triple Zero call reporting a vegetation fire along Kingfisher Terrace, with smoke visible across the area. Initial alerts listed the warning zone as Airlie Beach, Jubilee Pocket, Cannonvale, Woodwark and surrounding areas.

As the incident escalated, multiple crews were deployed, including a mix of Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue units. Due to the location and size of the fire front, an aerial water bomber was also tasked to assist.

Water bombing operations began just before 3.30pm, with aircraft collecting seawater for repeated drops over the fire ground.

Firefighters worked throughout the afternoon to contain the blaze. According to a Queensland Fire Department spokesperson, crews achieved containment at approximately 6.00pm on Saturday 6 December.

By around 9.00pm, teams were conducting perimeter patrols and confirmed the fire was still burning safely within containment lines.

Crews returned to the scene at about 6.00am the following morning to reassess conditions. The fire remained within control lines and was expected to continue producing light smoke for several days.

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed the Police are investigating the grass fire.

They announced their were no threats to members of the public and no injuries were reported.

Officers are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding the fires to come forward.

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Photos sourced: Facebook

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched its “12 Days of Christmas Business Preparation” campaign to help local businesses navigate the pressures and opportunities of the peak festive trading period.

Designed as a practical, day-by-day guide, the initiative provides targeted advice across business continuity, staffing, customer service, cash flow, cyber safety, and wellbeing. The campaign recognises that the Christmas and New Year period represents both a critical revenue opportunity and a high-risk period for operational strain, particularly for small and regional businesses.

The resource encourages businesses to plan ahead by reviewing staffing rosters, preparing contingency plans, strengthening cash flow management, and refreshing marketing and customer engagement strategies. It also places strong emphasis on leadership wellbeing, urging business owners to consider their own health, decision-making stamina and support networks during one of the busiest times of the year.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said the campaign was developed in response to growing feedback from members seeking simple, actionable support.

“This is about giving businesses clear, practical tools to minimise risk and maximise opportunity during a demanding period. Strong preparation helps protect both profitability and people,” he said.

The campaign is freely available via the Chamber’s website and is supported by links to additional resources and expert guidance.

Businesses are reminded that the advice is general in nature, and specialist support should be sought where circumstances require tailored financial, legal or operational advice.

The Chamber continues to encourage all businesses to review the resource and use it as a practical checklist to finish the year strong and prepare for a productive start to the new year.

Learn more: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/12-days-of-christmas/

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Georgia McDonald

We would like to welcome our new Production Co-Ordinator, Georgia McDonald.

As one of our newest additions to the team, Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Georgia initially started in hospitality, working as an assistant manager for a hotel back in England. After moving to Australia, she continued her hospitality work, working at Beaches Bar & Grill in Airlie Beach for two years before deciding to pursue a different career path.

As a fan of journalism, Georgia had always dreamt of working for a magazine, so it became a dream come true when she landed the role with the Whitsunday Life team. Among Georgia’s greatest skills are her abilities to read situations, focus on important tasks and interact with people. Her interpersonal skills are also informed by experience working in a call centre for an insurance company, as well as time spent as a recruitment consultant.

She enjoys the busy pace of the job and the ability to communicate and foster working relationships with the clients every week.

In her spare time, Georgia enjoys exercise, whether it be at the gym or walking as well as exploring as much of the landscape that she can. She also has a great passion for reading, particularly fantasy. Most of all, Georgia enjoys hanging out with friends.

The Whitsunday and Mackay Life team are thrilled to have Georgia on board as we warmly welcome her. We are delighted to welcome her and look forward to what we'll accompolish together.

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Production Co-Ordinator Georgia McDonald Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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by Corrine Hendrikse

This week's photo of the week was taken by Corrine Hendrikse. The theme was Summer and the photograph depicts a common scene during summer in the Whitsundays – irrigating sugar cane.

Proserpine’s Bicentennial Committee. An offer of land at the junction of Shute Harbour Road and Gregory Cannon Valley Road suitable for a botanical park was being considered but the cost may be a problem.

Sugar. World Sugar prices on the World stock markets remained depressed
Heavy rains on Monday delivered a final blow to the 1985 crushing season causing the mill to close finally for the season.

Instrumental Music Teacher Appointed. Ron Patrick was appointed as instrumental music teacher for Proserpine and Bowen schools. Local musicians provided the background music to Saturday’s ESA Flea Market in the Cultural Hall Park.

Obituary
Ada May Hinschen died aged 76. She was a member of the well known Staniland family and wa sborn in Proserpine.
Lillias [Billie] Fiske, a resident of Cannonvale, died aged 73.
Clement Cecil [Mick] Walton’s death occurred in Chartyrs Towers. He was a member of the Walton family who lived in Cannonvale and were co-discoverers of the Mary Kathleen uranium deposits.

Child Stung at Conway Beach. One of a number of children paddling in ankle deep water at Conway suffered a marine sting on the foot. Vinegar was applied and the child received medical attention.

Top Apprentice. Proserpine Mill apprentice, Paul Telford was judged best overall first year apprentice in Queensland in Fitting Instrumentation.

Rise In Post Compulsory Schooling. High School Principal David Sutton noted that of the 114 year 10 students,102 had applied for year 11 for 1986 compared with 23 graduating from year 12 in 1984. This was due to  decreased opportunities for employment from year 10 and led to moves to include courses in Tourism and Marine Studies, and TAFE courses.

New Bridges For Bruce Highway. Two way bridges were planned for Duck Creek and Hay Gully 18 kilometres South of Bowen.

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Hi lovely readers!

It’s officially December, can you believe it?

Last Friday, I attended the Mackay Regional Council Wonkley Awards, where local media representatives gathered with Mayor Greg Williamson for a night of laughs and celebration.

The Wonkleys are Mackay’s light-hearted take on the Walkley Awards, playfully celebrating the region’s journalists and media teams.

The evening was full of laughs, good company, drinks, and snacks, which gave us journos a chance to unwind and reflect on a year of local reporting.

It was great catching up with fellow journalists who share the same passion for telling local stories, and I was so honoured to receive my very first Wonkley award!

I got the ‘Rising to the Challenge Award,’ recognising my journey from cadet journalist to this role as the main on-the-ground journo over the past year.

While the event is light-hearted and funny, being acknowledged for this is something I’m pretty proud of. I even received a box of goodies from the Sugar Shed, which has been a great addition to my pantry!

I’m so blessed to be a part of this community.

Thanks to Mackay Regional Council and the Mayor for putting on such a great night, and thank you readers, for sticking with us and supporting local journalism that keeps our community informed and connected

Scripture of the week: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans‬ 15‬:13

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Whitsunday Anglican School students demonstrated the power of service in action this week, raising more than $29,000 for national charities through two inspiring, student-led initiatives.

The Ponytail Project saw a group of courageous students cut their hair to support cancer services across Australia. Participants Matilda, Tilly, Joannah, Chayvae, Senara, Arhamah, Sophie, Jade, Jamaica, Amreen, Emma, Darci, Aarna, Lydia, and Saskia collectively raised over $17,000. The initiative also drew support from staff, including Alice from Boarding, who joined the hair-cutting efforts, and teacher Sophie, who donated over 50 centimetres of her hair.

At the same time, the Year 11 cohort embraced Mullets for Mental Health, raising awareness and funds for early intervention, education, and wellbeing programs for young Australians. Students Rohan, Soham, Josh, Reuben, Kieran, Akshaj, Bodie, Nicholas, Ishan, and Nate helped raise more than $12,000, with the support of Principal Mr Wheaton, Head of Senior School Mr Novosel, and teacher Mr Harris, who proudly donned their own mullets for the cause.

The school community came together on Friday, 28 November, to celebrate the students’ efforts, recognising the courage, creativity, and generosity displayed by both students and staff. Through these initiatives, Whitsunday Anglican School reinforced its commitment to fostering empathy, leadership, and community-mindedness, showing that even small acts of service can have a powerful impact.

By combining energy, teamwork, and compassion, the students at Whitsunday Anglican School left a lasting mark, proving that giving back is a core part of their school’s culture, and a reminder that helping others can be both meaningful and fun.

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Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School

The Mayor’s Charity Ball committee have announced the beneficiaries for the 2026 event during a tour of one of the charity’s facilities.

While speaking at The Neighbourhood Hub on Thursday, Mayor Greg Williamson said the aim of the red-carpet event was to support two charities for two years to enable significant funds to be raised for each group and to make a real impact in our community.

“Proceeds from the 2026 event will be split 50-50 between The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service and new beneficiary The Neighbourhood Hub,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Grapevine Group drops off this year after completing their two-year tenure, but it’s great to see the positive impact of funds they received from 2024 and 2025, helping local organisations to establish safeTALK trainers within their workplace,” he said.

“The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service is continuing for their second year, which is timely, as the demand for their services has increased significantly.”

Nicolette Ffrost, The Neighbourhood Hub General Manager, said they were honoured to be selected as a charity partner for the Mayor's Charity Ball.

“This partnership changes everything – enabling us to build the staff capacity needed to turn our volunteer-dependent Food Diversion Program into a sustainable, coordinated service,” Ms Ffrost said.

“Our Food Diversion Program alone supported more than 9000 people in 2024/2025 – a nine percent increase from the previous year.

“The Mayor's Charity Ball partnership will help us meet this growing demand while continuing to create powerful environmental and social impact for our region.”

Sponsors are still being confirmed for the 2026 event and the event committee encourages any local business who are interested in getting involved to email communications@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Platinum partners for the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball include long term sponsors Fergus Builders, Daly Bay and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

Pentacon have come on board again as a Gold sponsor and North Queensland Bulk Ports and CQ Soil Testing have returned as Silver sponsors.

Media partners for the Ball are 7 News Mackay, Hit 100.3, Triple M and Tropical Exposure.

In-kind sponsors include Signarama and Twilight Mackay.

More details and the event history can be found on the council website

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The 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball will split its funds between The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service and The Neighbourhood Hub, supporting both organisations to expand their vital community programs. Photo supplied

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Police have declared two crime scenes in Mackay as investigations intensify into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu.

Morseu, a First Nations man with a slim build, grey hair, and brown eyes, was reported missing on 10 November after failing to contact family or friends. His loved ones describe this as highly out of character.

Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow said Morseu generally remained in touch with relatives every couple of weeks and was known to be family-oriented with a large network of friends in the Mackay community.

Concerns escalated on 27 November when detectives formally labelled the disappearance suspicious. On Thursday, investigators declared crime scenes at two properties — Morseu’s Griffin Street home and a River Street address.

“A person we spoke to, who had been staying at the Griffin St residence, later moved to the River St address,” Superintendent Shadlow said.

“That prompted us to declare a crime scene there, which has since been released.

Police continue examining the property as part of ongoing inquiries.

Authorities and Morseu’s family are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward immediately.

Reference number: QP2502035864

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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