Hi Everyone,

What a week for local breaking news!

To write the front-page story this week we’ve had lengthy conversations with both parties, in an effort to present a fair and impartial story.

On Friday last week I sat down with some of the workers from Cruise Whitsundays who are now in the midst of what is expected to be a lengthy strike to demand fairer pay.

This week, I have also had several conversations with Cruise Whitsundays who are understandably devastated by the actions of their workers.

For the full story, please read pages three and six.

While I will always defend people’s right to peacefully protest on matters that are important to them, I strongly disagree when these actions impact on other innocent people.

This week, thousands of holidaymakers have had their travel plans cancelled and, with other tours fully booked over this busy school-holiday period, many have been unable to re-book an alternative.

This means hundreds of families have come to the Whitsundays but are unable to see our beautiful islands.

Meanwhile, reports are flooding in that the workers who are on strike have been ‘protesting’ by drinking at a local pub wearing their campaign t-shirts.

I’ll let you come to your own conclusions on what you think about this.

In other big news, we have also decided to tackle the contentious issue of The Voice this week.

Thank you to all our contributors.

When putting this feature together, we contacted several First Nations People asking for their views but unfortunately time was not on our side, and we were unable to get the full representation we were hoping for.

We would, however, like to thank Peter Santos for his comments.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances” (Victor Frankl)

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Although Scott Lynch’s job is all about equipping Whitsunday youth with the necessary tools to achieve their employment goals, he is always excited when a participant comes to him with an update of success, especially one with such a fairy-tale ending.

Scott runs the Get Set For Work Program, operating through PCYC Whitsundays, equipping 15 to 19 year-olds with skills, qualifications, confidence and support to find employment that aligns with their talents and skills, after leaving school.

It was here he was introduced to Xannon Smoothy.

At only 15 years old, Xannon was disenfranchised with his employment prospects, having deemed himself not able to finish high school and not good enough for real work.

“When I met him, he told me he wanted to return to school but was upset because he didn’t think he could,” explained Scott.

“He told me he’d like to be a tradesman, but he felt that because of his age and the fact that he was expelled from school would really hurt his chances, like it was some faraway dream.

“But it was obvious to me that Xannon was special, he had something in him, and we knew he would go far.”

Completing the 10-week program, Xannon immediately got employment at Mitre 10, on the floor helping tradies as they came into the store.

“But before that,” Scott said.

“I approached Tim Murphy, from TM Constructions.

“Tim had an apprenticeship going, and I wanted to put Xannon forward, but Tim was concerned as Xannon was only 15 and didn’t have a license yet.”

However, it wasn’t long before Tim wandered into Mitre 10 and met Xannon by chance.

This one encounter impressed him so much that he offered him a job.

“Xannon was the only kid to come up and ask if I needed a hand,” Tim explained.

“He’ll get to work and if there isn’t anything, he’ll grab a broom and sweep; that is something near impossible to teach anyone.

“He’s impressive, and he’s fit right in with the other boys.

“Xannon has great work ethic. Yes, he doesn’t have a license yet, and he’s got to build some muscle, but he’s willing to give anything a go.”

For Xannon, receiving this apprenticeship has meant a lot to him.

“This is something I’ve wanted for a while now; I’ve always found it interesting,” he said.

“The program helped me a lot. At first, I wasn’t sure, but it turns it, I was wrong.”

Scott knew it wouldn’t be long before a tradie saw Xannon’s potential.

Xannon was only with Mitre 10 for one month before Tim walked in the door with an offer.

“It was such a huge moment when Xannon rang us about the apprenticeship, and it was made extra brilliant by the fact it was with Tim.

“He’s just such a deserving kid, and it’s a remarkable story.”

Even Sergeant Billy Li, Youth Club Manager of the PCYC, recognised Xannon’s potential, offering him a leadership training opportunity.

“Unfortunately, he turned that down, but it’s been great to see him succeed,” Sgt Billy said.

For Scott, his participants have gone into marine trades, mechanic apprenticeships, and carpentry, with other participants returning to school.

To learn more about Get Set For Work, contact PCYC Whitsundays Club on (07) 4948 1144 or whitsunday@pcyc.org.au

Get Set for Work is one of eight programs that make up the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

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Sergeant Billy Li, Scott Lynch, Xannon Smoothy, and Tim Murphy. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Residents and tourism operators in Airlie Beach are celebrating this week following news that our local holiday town received the silver accolade in the Top Small Tourism Town category.

The Australian Top Tourism Town Awards were held in Canberra and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox attended the event along with Whitsunday Tourism representative, Aimee Cameron.

Presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), the annual Awards program recognises and celebrates Australia’s best holiday destinations and honours communities across the country who demonstrate a commitment to visitor excellence.

Airlie Beach was successful at state level which enabled it to move through to the national awards.

Bowen was also nominated in the highly competitive Top Tourism Town State Awards due to the size of its population, but unfortunately did not win this year.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton stated that being awarded silver confirms Airlie Beach is a world-class destination loved by Australians and is the perfect overseas destination, right on our doorstep!

“The Whitsundays is the most tourism-reliant region in Queensland with one in three jobs directly related to tourism. Winning silver in the Small Tourism Town category in the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards shows that Airlie Beach punches well above its weight.”

“Being recognised at a state level was a massive achievement for the region and our tourism operators. Being honoured at a national level as the runner-up Top Small Tourism Town in Australia is outstanding,” Mr Hamilton said.

These awards are an opportunity for state finalists to showcase their local towns to a panel of judges and have their town promoted on a national stage.

Regional Tourism Organisations, Local Tourism Organisations, and Councils in conjunction with accredited Visitor Information Centres submitted a state award submission in early 2023, with results announced in June.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Julie Hall said the award was excellent news for Airlie Beach and the broader Whitsunday region.

“Tourism is one of the three key pillars for our regional economy, and being awarded silver in the national awards is just a reward for the resilience and passion of our tourist operators and the leadership shown by Tourism Whitsundays (TW).

“Council are proud to be the major funding supporter for TW and look forward to partnering with them to continue promoting our Whitsunday region as one of Australia’s top tourism destinations.”

“This is not only recognition for Airlie Beach as one of Australia's best Small Tourism Town 2023 but also for Proserpine, Bowen, Collinsville, our islands and everywhere in between who all offer such a diverse range of visitor experiences,” she said.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Whitsunday Tourism representative, Aimee Cameron attended Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra last week. Photo supplied.

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Citizenship Day was celebrated in style last week thanks to a special event hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council.

During the ceremony, a total of 35 conferees from 17 countries, including New Zealand, Philippines, Scotland, Spain, Turkey, Malaysia, South Africa, Italy, and Zimbabwe became Australian citizens.

The ceremony was held on Thursday, September 14 at the Reef Gateway Hotel in Cannonvale and is a key event in the Citizenship Day celebrations.

Mayor Julie Hall said the ceremony is one of hundreds of ceremonies taking place across Australia that will see thousands of people officially become new citizens on or around Australian Citizenship Day.

“Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian,” Mayor Hall said.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools, and community organisations to reflect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

“I encourage everyone in the Whitsundays to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship today as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

Lisa Dunn from Zimbabwe was one of the people awarded her citizenship at the ceremony and she said that after 10 years living in the country, her and her husband were thrilled to make it official.

“We moved to Australia 10 years ago, we have two children who were born here, a home, businesses – so it was a relief to finally get it done!” said Lisa.

“The ceremony was beautiful, they did such a wonderful job and made us feel really welcome.

“We love living in Australia and it is such a privilege to become part of this society.”

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Mayor Julie Hall welcomes 35 new citizens from 17 countries

A special green and yellow cake was shared by everyone as part of the special day. Photo supplied

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An Open Conversation

Andrew Willcox

Federal Member For Dawson

How do you think The Voice could benefit the country?

This is a really difficult question to answer because we know nothing about it yet. What would have been much fairer is if The Voice was legislated and all the details were provided, then Australians could make an informed decision as to whether they wanted it enshrined in our constitution.

One of the main issues with The Voice is that there have been no details provided on how it will work. Currently, we do not know what powers The Voice will have and who will hold that power.

What do you see as the negatives involved with implementing The Voice?

Australians are being asked to make a major change to the Australian constitution with little to no detail, and I believe The Voice will be legally risky and permanent.

I am fundamentally opposed to dividing Australia on the basis of race. I believe all Australians are equal and should be treated as such.

On a local level, how do you envision The Voice will impact the community?

I’m concerned, I’m already seeing this issue dividing my community.

I think that there will be very little advantages to my local constituents as this is a Canberra based Voice, and I believe the last thing we need is another layer of bureaucracy.

If you don’t agree with The Voice, what do you think could be a better solution?

I believe we should be coming up with solutions and programs for all our disadvantaged and marginalised Australians, and this should not be based on race, gender, or religion. Or anything else for that matter, our Australian anthem states we are one and free.

Do you think the current system is working? How have you seen it develop and evolve over the years?

I don’t believe the current system is working and that’s because its being led by Bureaucrats based in big cities. The money is being chewed up before it even gets to the people in rural and regional areas who need it the most.

Anything else you would like to add?

I believe before any changes are made an audit should be done on all existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs to identify the successes and failures so we can move forward, we don’t need a bigger bureaucracy, we need a better bureaucracy.

I understand that this will be an emotional topic for many people, and I would request that everybody please be respectful to one another, after all we are all Australians.

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Deb Barrow

Yes 23 Coordinator

How do you think The Voice could benefit the country?

An Indigenous Voice to Parliament will result in meaningful, targeted improvements in the areas of health, education, housing and employment for First Nations peoples.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart - based on years of consultations with First Nations communities - asked first for a representative Voice to parliament which would advise parliament on strategies and programs needed to address the issues specific to First nations peoples, and secondly that non Indigenous people walk with them to achieve better outcomes for current and future generations of Indigenous peoples.

This can only be a unifying show of respect and our humanity as a nation.

What do you see as the negatives involved with implementing The Voice?

If parliament works with good will to implement the Voice I can see no negatives.

On a local level, how do you envision The Voice will impact the community?

On a day to day basis the Voice will have no impact other than with those to whom its targeted.

What do you think would happen to the country if The Voice doesn't go ahead?

We will lose a once in a generation opportunity to finally recognise First Nations Peoples in the Constitution and to address the inequities experienced by many First Nations Peoples using strategies identified and implemented by them.

Additionally, we will be shamed globally and our reputation as a tolerant and humane country will be tarnished.

What do you think of the current system?

Over the years we have seen programs developed and funded and imposed on communities by bureaucrats and politicians - many well intentioned - which have failed to secure meaningful, practical, positive outcomes because they weren't implemented in partnership or by the people they were designed to help. The definition of stupidity is to do the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. This referendum offers the opportunity for change, a new way of doing things and a chance for First Nations Peoples to design and implement and achieve the outcomes they see as being key.

Anything else you would like to add?

There are parallels between this referendum and the plebiscite to support marriage equality. Again the majority is being asked to make decisions for others. The sky didn't fall in when marriage equality received a resounding yes, and it won't if the Referendum gets up.

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Jess Begun

Founder of Whitsundays Arts Festival

How do you think The Voice could benefit the country?

I believe that by recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander citizens in our Constitution, as a nation, we acknowledge truthfully our history and can move forward to create a more just and stronger unified nation. To this end by providing a voice constitutionally which cannot be rescinded, we become a more inclusive nation and provide our First Nation citizens the opportunity to have a say in decisions affecting their communities.

What do you see as the negatives involved with implementing The Voice?

Implementation of change is not easy. This change requires not only legislation in how to form the vehicle for “the voice” but requires a change of heart as well as mind.  People are hung up on the logistics and consequences of a yes vote. But simply put the referendum represents a change of heart. The logistics of how future First Nation policies would have to be tackled is complex whether there is a constitutional change or  just a legislative change. The referendum establishes the desire to recognise and give voice. It is a vote from the heart. The complex logistics is in the legislation would be there in any case going forward.

On a local level, how do you envision The Voice will impact the community?

I truly hope that the Whitsunday community will continue to promote the stories of our First Nation residents and provide more opportunities for them to be heard. There was a great response to Aboriginal and Islander content in the 2022 Whitsundays Arts Festival and more opportunities hopefully will be generated in the future. I also hope there will be consultation with our local First Nation residents in the issues affecting them including provision of health care and education. And the introduction of First Nation history, culture, and art practice in our schools would be a wonderful addition although I do applaud local schools that have already shown openness to this happening.

What do you think would happen to the country if The Voice doesn't go ahead?

I fear that it will set back the reconciliation of our nation. Rather than giving a positive heartfelt boost to our respect and appreciation of First Nation culture it will be harder to support the well being of those communities as it can be argued that the majority of Australians do not want change and support for those important issues of recognition, health, and poverty.

What do you think of the current system? How have you seen that develop and evolve over the years?

The current system is haphazard. Although there are now First Nation Parliamentarians their primary role is to represent their constituencies not speak for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

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Peter Santos

First Nation’s People

How do you think The Voice could benefit the country?

We don’t know, we want to see what’s on the other 22 pages first! Who knows what it looks like. There are all these people getting paid 300 grand each for the Yes Campaign – why are they paying non-indigenous people to do the Yes Campaign?

What do you see as the negatives involved with implementing The Voice?

If it comes in, it’s going to open up a can of worms. They’re going to ask where all the money’s gone and a lot of fraud and embezzlement will come out from previous governments. People who are only 1/18 indigenous are given money – why are they getting any money?

What do you wish you knew more about?

I want to know who’s going to be making the decisions – they are saying we’ll have better education, better health, more work – why is this not happening already?

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Reasons To Vote Yes

1.      The Voice Came From Indigenous Peoples, not politicians.

2.      Recognition For Results

The Voice celebrates Indigenous cultures, Australian unity, and makes a difference for future generations.

3.      Better Quality Of Life

The Voice is set to deliver real improvements for Indigenous peoples in life expectancy, infant mortality and health, and education and employment.

4.      Unity

The Voice allows Australia to be reconciled with the past and moves forward for a better future.

5.      Save Money

When the Government listens to the people, we get better outcomes and use funding more effectively.

6.      The Time Is Now

The Time is now to create a great change for the future. Voting no will change nothing.

7.      Practical Advice

The Voice will advise practical steps to improve Indigenous lives, without getting caught up in short-term politics.

8.      Making Government Work Better

The Government will receive better advice and deliver better expectations. The Government will hold veto power. The Voice gives Indigenous peoples a say on issues that affect them.

Reasons To Vote No

1.      Legally Risky

The Voice is untested, and unknown.

2.      No Details

No clear details have been outlined about The Voice.

3.      Division

The Voice will divide Australian by race, in law and spirit.

4.      Won’t Help

The Voice risks overlooking the needs of regional and remote indigenous communities.

5.      Wide Scope

The Voice is able to make contributions to all Executive Government departments, agencies, and other bodies, like the Reserve Bank.

6.      Risks Delays In Decision Making

As The Voice’s scope encompasses all Executive Government, it will cause delays in decision making, leading to a dysfunctional government.

7.      What Comes Next?

Legal uncertainty and absence of details leaves unclear implications.

8.      Costly

Funding allocation has not been released.

9.      Permanent

This is a permeant move and cannot be reversed.

10.  There Are Better Ways Forward

The Voice is risky, untested and permenant. This is a rushed and heavy-handed proposal.

This information was sourced from the Australian Government Official Referendum Booklet.

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Last Friday night was a big night for Term 3 of the PCYC Get Set For Work program, with all participants officially graduating at a special ceremony.

Get Set For Work is a 10 week program for children aged 15 to 19 year-olds who are no longer attending school and undertake the program to attain skills to secure employment at the conclusion of the program.

Scott Lynch, the Get Set For Work program coordinator, was excited to hand the participants their graduation certificate, each successful in gaining invaluable skills and experience throughout the 10 week program.

“I know all four families are very proud of their sons, nephews, and grandsons,” Scott said.

“For a small cohort, they’ve more than punched above their weight and exceeded expectations.”

Zaine van Poelgeest was a “quiet achiever” and is looking forward to beginning his career in the marine trade, with a position likely with a major marine operator.

Oliver Wheway was successful with achieving a job interview with Big W, with a promotion already on the cards, however he is excited to continue his studies in IT and Cyber Security, with the ultimate goal to work in military cyber security.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to see you excel, Ollie,” Scott said.

Ethan O’Gradey was successful with securing employment with Big W, however he has his eyes set on a carpentry apprenticeship and pursuing UFC when he can.

“Ethan has a real promising future ahead to him,” Scott said.

Tristian Beaumont now has a probationary trial with Cruise Whitsundays and is looking to pursue a mechanical apprenticeship in the long run.

“Tristy has been the biggest improver on the program, with a lot of hard work and effort,” Scott said.

To learn more about Get Set For Work, contact PCYC Whitsundays, (07) 4948 1144 or whitsunday@pcyc.org.au

Get Set for Work is one of eight programs that make up the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

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Sergeant Billy Li, Zaine van Poelgeest, Scott Lynch, Tristian Beaumont, Ethan O’Gradey, Oliver Wheway, and Declan Coull. Photo Credit: Bronte Hodge

Aligned with Seniors Month, Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries are holding a series of innovative workshops, to help older locals with their digital literacy.

Not limited in their scope, the workshops will explore handling personal devices, managing online banking and online business, and how to use My Community Directory to build community relationships.

Beginning in the second week of October, the workshops each have one weekly session for three weeks.

Bookings are essential so contact your local library to reserve a seat.

Bowen: 4761 3670

Cannonvale: 4846 9400

Collinsville: 4785 5366

Proserpine: 4945 0275

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Are you in the later stages of your working life?  

Starting to think of ‘pulling the pin’?  

If so, you should start assessing whether you are ‘retirement ready’.  

This means being financially ready as well as emotionally ready.

After 40 odd years of work, it’s a massive change to your psyche and daily routine to retire.  

The regular rhythm of getting up and going to work is gone and you need to occupy your days, weeks, months, and years.  

Have you started to develop a range of interests outside of work?  

It’s better to start getting into different things before you retire so you’ll have time to try different things and your mind has time to accept that this is what you’ll be doing more of in retirement.  

These interests could be sporting, social, clubs, volunteering, helping the kids and grandkids.  

Even in small towns, there are lots of opportunities to pursue things that you’ve always liked, even if you’ve never tried them before because you were too busy working.  

In our experience, moving gradually into retirement by going from full time to part time work can help make a smoother transition mentally.  

The super system is set up to help with this and you can access your super while still working.

Being financially ready for retirement means getting some answers to the big questions.  

Do we have enough cash, super or investments to fund the lifestyle we want in retirement?  

How much will we need for our day-to-day expenses and how much can we allow for fun money for what we want to do on top of that?  

What are the rules for accessing your super, making top up contributions from the sale of assets and how does Age Pension really work?

How does investing really work?  

What do they really mean by risk with investments and how can we minimise risk in retirement?

If you’re planning on selling a business to help fund your retirement, are you prepared for that?  

Have you consulted with your accountant and a Business Broker and got your figures and the business in a tidy position for sale?  

These things can take a few years if done properly.  

Is your estimate of the business value achievable and when combined with your passive investments, how does your overall pot look and will it provide the sort of income you’ll need to fund your planned lifestyle?

Retirement is a huge milestone in life and the better prepared you are the smoother it will go.  

Come in and have a chat to see if you’re on track.

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call.  

There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free, and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.  

If you’re not sure, try our Financial Fitness Survey on our website at www.eclipsefp.com.au as it’s a simple free tool to help assess your financial strength.

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This question was something Deb and Paul Murphy had not really considered until they started receiving advice from Eclipse Financial Planning and realised they could pre-plan retirement to create enough wealth to retire early.

By seeking financial planning services almost a decade before they planned to retire, the Murphy’s set themselves up for a comfortable future.

“Previously, all our Super had been going into a Super Fund because we didn’t know how to manage it any better,” said Paul.

“By going to Eclipse it made it so much easier – we could see what was doing what and why, how to set it up and how to do it better.

“It was so good to get in and get it sorted early before we started retirement, and it has certainly made a huge difference.”

“What we were doing was ok, but this is next level!”

By following Eclipse Financial Planning advice, the Murphy’s have been able to fast track their retirement plans and are now looking forward to a life of leisure within the next two years.

Justin from Eclipse Financial Planning said it was so refreshing to have the opportunity to work with business owners in the years running up to their retirement rather than just once they’ve sold their business.

“Most businesspeople are so busy, they put off retirement planning until after they’ve sold the business,” he said.

“This means they often miss out on opportunities to save tax in the crucial last few years in business and in the way they structure the business sale.  

“There are also several key ages around this stage of life where some great opportunities are available.

“Early engagement provides your Financial Planner so many more opportunities to work with your accountant, solicitor etc to really maximise your retirement planning and put you in the strongest possible position in retirement.”

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Paul and Deb Murphy can now step into retirement with ease thanks to Eclipse Financial Planning. Photo credit: R Jean Photography.

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Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper is excited to introduce our newest team member, Ruby Gorlick.

A born and bred Airlie Beach girl, Ruby is confident, competent, and dedicated to helping local businesses grow.  

Ruby has been with Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine for over three months now, working as the Social Media Coordinator, creating lively content, and overseeing our online presence.

She is now stretching her wings and continuing to develop her professional skills by expanding her role to include Advertising Sales Representative, our on-the-ground staff member working closely with valued advertisers.

This new career path excites Ruby who is eager to ensure the best outcomes for all her clients.

“I am excited to get out and about, meeting with clients and making new connections,” Ruby explained.

“My new role has me organising advertising campaigns and selling features for clients.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I am so excited to learn from the team here and grow my skills.”

While still looking after the social media side of the business, Ruby’s new role has her overseeing the Whitsundays, parts of Mackay, and the Burdekin, working with clients and delivering exceptional advertising campaigns.

When she’s not hitting the streets with advertising packages for Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine, Ruby is hanging out with friends, most likely on the beach, soaking up the warm sun.

“Everything about this area is great, and I’m excited to hit the ground running!”

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Mackay and Whitsunday Life’s newest team member, Ruby Gorlick

Many of us have seen the advantages of awe from spending time in nature or doing something extraordinary that leaves us feeling revitalised and inspired.

It turns out studies back this up, showing that having the feeling of awe on a regular basis can enhance creativity and improve decision-making.

Awe is usually experienced as:

• A sense of something being larger in magnitude, vastness, or significance

• The need to assess personal beliefs held to make sense of the vastness or wonder that is being experienced

In other words, we often feel a sense of awe when we feel like a small part of a much larger whole.

Spend time in nature

Awesome experiences compel us to reassess our mental frameworks and force us into the present.

This can reduce the clutter of worries and ‘what-ifs’ so that we can clearly prioritise and make decisions that align with our values.

Listen to music

All of us are drawn to songs or genres of music that tap into our emotions.

To invoke awe, listen to the music that gives you chills or resonates with you on a deeper level.

Look to those whose inspire you

Many of us draw motivation from other people, whether they are family members, ancestors, distant role models, or current colleagues.

Take time to think about their accomplishments, resilience, or any other qualities that fill you with admiration.

Awe-inducing experiences are among the most powerful methods for personal transformation and development.

Make time in your everyday life to seek out experiences that give you the sensation of awe.

You will likely find a positive shift in perspective, along with a deeper connection to yourself and those around you.

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By Tourism Whitsundays

The second Collinsville Tourism Advisory Group meeting took place at the Collinsville Community Association Centre on Tuesday this week.

The town is coming down off another busy caravanning season where travellers in caravans and RVs took advantage of the free 72 hour RV Park.

Representatives gathered from the Council run free 72 hour RV park and community centre for this month’s meeting, a bi-monthly event for businesses in Collinsville to meet with Tourism Whitsundays and discuss what activity is in place and what is coming for Collinsville.

Topics on the day included how to raise the profile of Collinsville and maximise tourism opportunities and events in the area.

“There is so much to see and do in Collinsville,” said Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays.

“The Coalface Experience, the Number One mine site, the historical society and multiple places to eat and relax – it is such a great location!”

With the caravanning season drawing to a close, Tourism Whitsundays are now focusing their marketing efforts to attracting people from the local and northern areas and planning for next year’s winter period.

“We are promoting Collinsville in print such as the local newspaper and magazine, digital in our visitor’s guide, in our Visitor Information Centre and also in national publications,” said Rick.

“Collinsville has a lot to offer, and we aim to raise awareness of each of these substantially as part of ongoing campaigns.”

The next Collinsville Tourism Advisory Group is due to take place in November and everyone is welcome to attend.

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Shayne Crump - Collinsville Community Association, Cait Fleming, Brett Murphy – Whitsunday Regional Council, Jenn Honnery – Bowen Tourism and Business, Rick Hamilton

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The Cape Edgecumbe Trail upgrades are set to begin next Monday, September 25, with Murray Bay Road to Rose Bay Lions Lookout closed until late October.

Horseshoe Bay, near the Rotary lookout is also set to be closed from October 30 until late December.

Upgrades to the trail include fixing eroded sections, new handrails, replacing damaged steps, widening the trail to a minimum 1.2 metres.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said the Council recognise the significance of the trails as recreational assets, and these upgrades will make them safer and more accessible for everyone.

“The trails will be widened in sections to provide resting areas and improved ease of movement to cater for the diverse needs of our community,” she said.

“Works will be carried out within the existing footprint with selective partial re-alignments in specific areas to improve safety, track width, and erosion control.

“Works will be carried out in stages, with the remaining sections to be completed as grant funding becomes available.”

“We look forward to creating an enjoyable trail walking experience to enjoy the amazing views while preserving the natural beauty of this area.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trails were a wonderful asset to the region.

“It is great news that the tracks are being upgraded,” she said.

“This walk has fantastic views and is very popular with our visitors.

“We are very pleased that the track will be widened in some parts and that there will be hand rails and new signage.”

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Sections of Cape Edgecumbe Trail will be closed from September 25 until Christmas for upgrades. Photo supplied

By Paul Gellatly

Both Bowen and Whitsunday Coast Chambers of Commerce held events to promote and raise awareness of fee free education and employment opportunities last week, giving vital information to small businesses on how they can benefit from up to $20,000 of state government funding.

Both chamber's monthly meetings were addressed by Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training speakers, including Kim Carlyon of the Back to Work program; Jo McKee, a Mentoring for Growth (M4G) mentor; Julia Wheway from Bowen and Cannonvale TAFE; wellness coach Kristy Wilson; and Natalie Link of TAFE Mackay/Isaac.

Kim Carlyon talked about the benefits of the Back to Work program, with support for businesses in finding employees, partnered with TAFE.

Employers can receive up to $20,000 for hiring target group workers including youth (15 to 24), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the disabled, who had been unemployed for eight weeks, and long-term unemployed at 52 weeks.

Jo McKee said mentoring for businesses had proved invaluable after Cyclone Debbie devastated the Whitsundays in 2017 and provided free planning advice for business recovery through a network of 370 mentors, available through videolink or face-to-face sessions, concentrating on nine areas of focus.

"Sometimes you feel you can't open up about your business problems but if you have a plan, it helps ease the anxiety," she said.

Kristy Wilson said business wellbeing coaching had also proved helpful in giving business owners an avenue to discuss their problems.

"Most business owners are very isolated," she said, adding that in some instances the agency could offer access to mental health services.

Natalie Link outlined jobseeker support to get back into employment with job training to Certificate III level guaranteed.

Julia Wheway spoke about TAFE's readiness for Whitsunday area job requirements with its Health Hub and Agricultural Centre of Excellence, the latter of which featured a hydroponic 'vertical garden' capable of growing the equivalent of an acre of conventionally farmed produce into an area the size of a shipping container.

Ms Wheway said fee-free TAFE courses were available in 90 different programs in industry-accessible areas, which allowed people to learn and work in their home area.

A common theme with all speakers was that free supports were going begging in the Whitsunday area and that local support was essential in ensuring that funding was not mopped up by larger centres.

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The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce event: Julia Wheway from Whitsunday TAFE, wellness coach Kristy Wilson, Jo McKee, a Mentoring for Growth (M4G) mentor, Gus Walsgott Vice President of Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, Kim Carlyon of the Back to Work program and Natalie Link of TAFE Mackay/Isaac. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Warren Bunker, CEO of Whitsunday Regional Council and Councillor Clay Bauman. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Julia Evans from Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce and Fiona Erquiaga from Smooth Sailing Finance. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Ruby Gorlick, advertising sales representative from Core Publishing, Mayor Julie Hall and Bronte Hodge, journalist with Core Publishing. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Coral Sea Marina has partnered with international not-for-profit The International SeaKeepers Society for marine conservation, promoting education, citizen science, conservation efforts, and research opportunities.

Coral Sea Marina has joined the effort, as a dedicated Marina Partner, the first in the South Pacific.

“We are incredibly excited to join the SeaKeepers’ Marina Partner Program, with a view to raise awareness and promote ocean conservation to our marina guests, visiting Superyachts and the wider boating community,” explained Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina.

“We are uniquely positioned on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef to facilitate participation in ocean conservation programs and the citizen science movement to both privately owned vessels and our commercial tourism operators.”

International SeaKeepers Society was founded in 1998 by a small group of yacht owners who were concerned by the deterioration of the natural landscape and has since evolved into a community facilitating scientific discovery, marine sciences, and raising awareness about global ocean issues.

“SeaKeepers is thrilled to have Coral Sea Marina as our first South Pacific Marina Partner,” explained Melissa White, Program Development Manager, South Pacific, SeaKeepers.

“Their efforts in being a Clean Marina and creating Coral Sea Academy as their commitment to educating people on protecting our marine environment, aligns with SeaKeepers’ mission.”

Ms O’Keefe says that by joining the DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet, the boating community can use their vessels and their time to make a real difference on the water.

“Whether by documenting encounters with marine life or capturing important scientific data whilst cruising the waters, partnering with The International SeaKeepers Society provides a way for everyday people to actively contribute to the crucial work of ocean conservation.”

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Coral Sea Marina joins global effort for marine research, conservation, and education. Photo supplied