Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Students with a creative flair are being encouraged to step forward and submit their artwork for the chance to see it projected onto the façade of Australian Parliament House. The opportunity is open to creative students in Years 5 and 6 across Dawson, with selected artworks set to feature as part of Canberra’s Enlighten Festival 2027, which will run from February 26th to March 8th and celebrate light, art and creativity. As part of celebrations marking 100 years of Parliament in Canberra, artworks from every Australian state and territory will be projected onto the Australian Parliament House façade. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP said the opportunity would allow young artists to showcase what makes the Dawson region special. “Our part of Queensland is pretty hard to beat when it comes to inspiration,” Mr Willcox said. “We have the Great Barrier Reef, cane fields, beaches, rainforest, rivers, farmers, fishing, wildlife and some of the most unique communities in the country. “There is plenty there to put on the big screen, and in this case, the screen is Parliament House itself.” From the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and cane fields to local wildlife and communities, students are being encouraged to draw inspiration from the places, people, animals, plants and landscapes that make their part of Australia unique. Mr Willcox said he would love to see Dawson represented among the artworks selected for the national display. “I would love to see a slice of Dawson among them,” Mr Willcox added. “Imagine walking around Canberra at night and seeing Parliament House illuminated with artwork created by a student from Dawson. “That would be something to be proud of.” The program also provides students with an opportunity to engage with civics and learn more about the home of Australia’s democracy. Mr Willcox is encouraging schools, teachers and parents across Dawson to support creative Year 5 and 6 students to take part. Submissions close Thursday, October 29th. A student toolkit containing tips and templates, along with a fact sheet for parents, is available through the Parliament House website at aph.gov.au/StudentArtwork. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP is calling on creative Year 5 and 6 students across the region to submit their artwork for the chance to feature on Australian Parliament House during Enlighten Festival 2027. Photo supplied
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Mackay’s CBD and St Patrick’s Church on River Street were filled with officers in blue last Tuesday 29th September, as Queensland Police Service officers gathered alongside local representatives and members of the public to honour the lives of those who never came home from their shift. A march through the Mackay CBD was followed by a memorial service at St Patrick’s Church for National Police Remembrance Day. Officers and staff from across Mackay joined members of the community to honour those who lost their lives in the line of duty and reflect on their courage, dedication and sacrifice. Mayor Greg Williamson spoke about the community’s appreciation for police and the important role officers play across the region. He highlighted how police are often the first people the community turns to when there is a safety concern, while also recognising officers as members of local families and communities. “The people of Mackay call them when there's community safety at risk. And so, today, there's a chance for us, as a community, to join with the police force and say, We, as a community, really appreciate what you do.” “To the people who put their hand up to be in the police force, thank you. Thank you for what you are doing for us as a community, and for Queensland in general.” “Quite often, we take the police for granted, but that's who we call first, when there's a community risk apparent.” Mackay Whitsunday District Officer Superintendent Dean Cavanagh spoke about the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and the lasting impact their deaths have had on families, friends, colleagues and the wider community. He also reflected on the strong attendance at the memorial and the respect shown towards those being remembered. “Today we come together as one voice to remember those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.” “We gather not only to remember their courage, but also to acknowledge the profound impact their loss has had on families, friends, colleagues, and this community.” “It’s a privilege to see such a strong attendance here today, and it always demonstrates the enduring respect held for those that we remember.” “Please remember that today’s an opportunity to recognise the values of service, sacrifice and a reminder that behind every badge is a person.” “With honour they served.” On Tuesday 29th September, Mackay police officers, local representatives and community members gathered for National Police Remembrance Day. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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A one-year-old girl has tragically died following a fatal traffic crash in Dysart on Sunday, 27th September. Emergency services were called to Golden Mile Road at about 9.05am after a single vehicle left the road and rolled. The one-year-old girl was declared deceased at the scene. A five-month-old boy also sustained serious injuries in the crash. The driver, a 22-year-old Moranbah woman, sustained minor injuries. Police are appealing for anyone who may have information, including dashcam or CCTV footage, to come forward. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. There were no further updates at the time of print.
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A thoughtful act of kindness is helping bring a little extra warmth to premature babies and their families at Mackay Base Hospital. My Hospital Foundation recently expressed their gratitude to the team Mackay Youth Justice Services, for a delivery of hand-knit premature baby beanies. The cosy hats were knit by a young person in connection to the service as part of their community hours, with help from Indigenous Service Support Officer Jackie T. “These beautiful handmade gifts have been donated to babies at Mackay Base Hospital and will bring comfort to families during a very special time,” a spokesperson said. “Acts of kindness like this make a real difference in our community. Thank you for your generosity and support.” The beanies are a reminder that even small gestures can make a big impact, with the young person's time and effort helping to support local families when they need it most.
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Glenella-Richmond Road and Holts Road improvements. Image for illustrative purposes, by Mackay Regional Council
Council will be progressing some interim measures at the Holts Road/Glenella-Richmond Road intersection to address immediate safety concerns.
Council’s long-term intention is for the intersection to be upgraded to a roundabout.
Works planned for early August will involve a speed limit reduction to 60kmh on all approaches, additional safety signage, vegetation clearing to improve visibility and line marking.
A guardrail will also be installed along a bend on Glenella-Richmond Road, between Larkins Road and Davey Street.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the intersection was a high priority for council and a community petition had received more than 6000 signatures calling for a roundabout and improved safety at the site.
“This intersection has a known crash history, including the fatal crash in March this year, and council has been advocating for funding for some time to deliver a roundabout at this location,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Traffic volumes at this location have increased as our region grows, and as traffic patterns shift due to congestion on major routes like Mackay-Bucasia Road and the Mackay Ring Road,” he said.
Mayor Williamson said previous funding applications had been unsuccessful largely due to a mismatch between available funding and the project’s overall cost, which was more than $8 million.
“We are still awaiting assessment and outcomes from several funding applications; however, council acknowledges that action is needed now to reduce risks at this location.
“We have worked with the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to implement a change of speed limit at the site and our teams will be installing new signage over the next few weeks to make that official.
“We have also progressed the design of the roundabout and begun discussions with neighbouring landowners around land acquisitions to ensure the roundabout project is shovel ready.”
Works on the guardrail on the bend up from the intersection will begin today (Monday, July 13), weather permitting. Works include construction of a sidetrack, pavement replacement, installation of steel beam guardrails, regulatory and hazard signage and associated landscaping.
Construction of the guardrail is expected to take about six weeks. Traffic control will be in place during the works, including single-lane access with alternating traffic flow where required during work periods.
Mackay LAC volunteers are strengthening community preparedness by sharing life-saving emergency skills and resources at local events. Photos supplied
Members of the Mackay Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) have been out in the community promoting emergency preparedness through a series of local events.
On Monday, 6th July, Mackay LAC volunteers joined Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics at market stalls during Mackay's NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony to help build community awareness of CPR and snake bite treatment. Around 60 snake bite kits were distributed to attendees, who also learned how to correctly apply broad pressure immobilisation bandages over a suspected bite site.
The Mackay Local Ambulance Committee is a volunteer group that supports the Queensland Ambulance Service through community education and awareness activities.
Earlier this year, LAC members joined students and community groups at the Rotary Club of Mackay's Respect in Every Step march on May 29, helping promote respect and take a stand against domestic and family violence.
During the event, volunteers distributed Emergency Plus cards and information about the "Stop the Bleed" program, providing practical resources to help people respond in an emergency. Emergency Plus is a free Australian app that helps users contact the appropriate emergency service and provide accurate location information to Triple Zero (000), particularly in unfamiliar locations. "Stop the Bleed" is a community education program that teaches people how to recognise life-threatening bleeding and provide care until paramedics arrive.
The Mackay Local Ambulance Committee thanked the local Rotary clubs for organising the Respect in Every Step march and providing the opportunity to share information about the Emergency Plus app and the "Stop the Bleed" program.
The committee is also encouraging community members interested in volunteering to consider joining the Mackay LAC. For more information, visit Local Ambulance Committees | Queensland Ambulance Service online.
A police search of a Bucasia address allegedly uncovered seven stolen firearms, including three pistols and four rifles. Photo source: Queensland Police Service
Residents have been left in disbelief and shock after two separate shooting incidents rocked Mackay's Northern Beaches, prompting a major police investigation and multiple arrests.
Queensland Police have charged four people following investigations into two shootings that occurred on July 8.
Around 2.10am, police were called to reports of shots being fired outside a licensed premises on Andergrove Road, Andergrove. It will be alleged four people drove to the location before firing several shots at an unoccupied parked vehicle.
As part of the investigation, police executed a search warrant at a Bucasia address on July 9, where officers allegedly located and seized seven stolen firearms, including three pistols and four rifles.
A 25-year-old South Mackay man has been charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possession of weapons and authority required to possess explosives.
A 26-year-old Beaconsfield man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, contravening an order about information necessary to access information stored electronically, unlawful possession of weapons, authority required to possess explosives, and possessing tainted property.
Both men were due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on July 10.
A 19-year-old North Mackay woman has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of weapons.
A 31-year-old North Mackay man has been charged with two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils, along with one count each of unlawful possession of weapons, producing dangerous drugs, possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and authority required to possess explosives.
They are due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on July 27.
Police are also continuing to investigate a separate incident reported about 2.40am on July 8, when residents reported gunshots being fired at a Denman Avenue residence in Shoal Point. The occupants were not physically injured.
Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing, including whether they are linked.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the general public and are urging anyone with relevant information or CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
Reference numbers: QP2601321346, QP2601319882
Local retirement villages have welcomed visits from the District Crime Prevention Unit, with residents learning more about the Safe & Found program and the role it plays in supporting vulnerable members of the community.
The program provides police with important information to assist in quickly locating vulnerable people who may wander and are reported missing, helping support efforts to bring them home safely.
The sessions have attracted strong interest from residents, families, carers and local businesses, with attendees learning how Safe & Found operates and the ways it can provide added support within the community.
The visits are helping spread awareness of the program and highlight the importance of community connections when it comes to keeping vulnerable people safe.
Donations of pre-loved soccer boots and training gear are being sought to support young footballers in Lusaka, Zambia. Photo supplied
A simple pair of soccer boots could make a world of difference for young footballers in Zambia, with one community member calling on locals to donate their pre-loved sporting gear.
The appeal is seeking soccer boots for boys and men aged 10 through to adults, along with training equipment such as soccer balls, to support several small teams on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia.
Many of the young players currently take to the field barefoot or wearing worn-out footwear, making even a second-hand pair of boots a valuable gift.
Organisers are encouraging anyone with unused soccer boots or training gear tucked away at home to consider donating them, giving the equipment a second life while helping young athletes pursue the sport they love.
Every donation, no matter how small, will help provide local teams with the equipment they need to train and play more safely.
Anyone interested in donating soccer boots or training gear is encouraged to get in touch with Riah Pearl via private message to arrange a collection.
A major housing boost will see 131 social and affordable homes delivered or underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Mackay's ongoing housing shortage has been targeted with a major social housing announcement, with the Queensland Government confirming 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million boost for housing and homelessness services.
During a visit to Mackay on Wednesday, Housing Minister Sam O'Connor said the investment would help increase housing supply and support vulnerable Queenslanders.
“We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government,” Mr O'Connor said.
Local Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the work was an important step in addressing Mackay’s housing pressures.
“We need to make sure that we keep on building... so that people can say, 'This is my home,'” he said.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor was on the ground in Mackay on Wednesday, 15 July, to announce 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million investment in frontline housing and homelessness services, with the Queensland Government saying the measures will help alleviate the region's housing pressures.
The announcement is said to be part of the Queensland Government's $5.7 billion statewide investment in social and community housing.
Mr O'Connor said more than 130 homes were currently underway, building on the 79 social and affordable homes delivered in the region since the Government was elected.
He said the funding would support specialist homelessness services and crisis support, helping vulnerable Queenslanders access housing sooner.
“We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government.”
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the announcement would help address housing pressures facing vulnerable residents in Mackay.
“I think it's going a long way. We need to make sure that we keep on building and we keep on constructing this type of housing so that people can say, 'This is my home.' That's our intention, and we're working towards it all the time. This is a prime example of that.”
The pair toured the construction site, where 18 social homes are being built in Mackay's CBD.
“It is so sad to see people who are vulnerable and homeless, and these units are going to be able to house them into the future. It's so exciting because we've got a great location in the city, close to schools, shops and services. It's exactly the right place,” Mr Dalton said.
Mr O'Connor also announced an additional investment in local housing support.
“I can also announce today that, as part of our budget delivered just a few weeks ago, we will be investing a boost of $8.6 million into housing and homelessness services in this region.
“It's really important we have the services available to help people get on a housing pathway and ultimately into homes just like these ones we're building right here.”
Mr O'Connor said the development would provide social housing for eligible applicants on the housing register.
“They'll be for people on the register, and by definition, people who are eligible to enter social housing are the most vulnerable in our community.”
He added that “The rent is capped at 25% of the residents' income.”
Hannah Kimber
Four years ago, Hannah Kimber arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa with no plans of staying in the Whitsundays. Today, she's helping others find their home in the region.
Originally from the UK, Hannah arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa and spent nine months in Sydney before heading north to complete her regional work. Although she planned on seeing more of Australia, the Whitsundays said otherwise.
"I kept on making plans to leave or go and do something else, and the area just kept bringing me back," Hannah said.
"I just fell in love with the area."
After deciding to officially just stay, Hannah was ready to take the next step professionally.
That's when Hannah found Taylors Property Specialists. Through the agency's cadetship program, she was able to learn from experienced agents while laying the foundations for a career in real estate.
“It's definitely a career, not a short term job,” Hannah said.
Working across the local market has also given Hannah a new appreciation and passion for the homes that make the Whitsundays such a sought-after place to live.
“Most properties in the area are very unique and different from one another,” Hannah said.
“I think that's really nice to go in and see the individuality of each property.”
Hannah believes the same individuality found in the region's homes should be reflected in the way buyers are treated, taking the time to understand exactly what they're looking for before matching them with the right property.
"You can't force someone to buy a house, but you can get to know them and understand what they're after," Hannah said.
To get in touch with Hannah Kimber at Taylor's Property Specialists, call 0411 599 126 or email hannah@tpsre.com.au.
By Richard Evans, Festival Director and President Whitsundays Writers Festival
How many times have you said it? One day I'll write a book.
One day, when the kids are grown, when work settles down, when you finally feel ready. But here's the truth nobody mentions: that day doesn't arrive on its own. Fear keeps it at bay. Fear of grammar, of not having enough time, of not being "good enough." The good news? None of those barriers are as solid as they seem. Today, more than ever, the page is waiting for you. And while tools like AI can polish your language, they cannot replicate what only you possess: a life fully, specifically, irreplaceably lived.
Let's bust a few myths first.
You need perfect English. No: clarity matters far more than correctness, and editing comes later.
You need a big, dramatic idea. Wrong again: everyday stories resonate most deeply with readers.
You must write an entire book immediately. Absolutely not: start with moments, memories, and fragments.
Publishing is impossible. There are more pathways than ever: local print runs, self-publishing platforms, online communities. The gates are open. Walk through them.
So where do you actually begin?
Start small. Start a daily journal. Just five to ten minutes, one memory, one observation can build writing habits without the pressure. Journaling is not about diarising events or activities, rather it is about observation and thoughts.
Personal experiences translate beautifully into short stories; rename the people, shape the narrative, and suddenly you have fiction story rooted in truth. If the blank page feels daunting, record voice notes on your phone and use AI to transcribe them. This is how Barbara Cartland worked. She strolled the beach and recorded her romance stories transcribing them later.
A retiree writing about their first job, a cyclone season, or raising a family in the Whitsundays can create vivid, locally meaningful stories that no bestseller list could replicate.
You're not too late. You never were. If not now, when?
4 Ways to Start Today
Picture it: a book resting on your knee, a salt breeze drifting in off the Coral Sea, the afternoon unhurried. Now rewind. Where did that book come from?
Did it come from a warehouse interstate, picked by an algorithm, packed by a machine? Or did it travel a shorter, more personal road. Perhaps it was hand-selected by someone who knows this coast, these readers, this community? That difference matters more than we often stop to consider.
Books travel. Here, they travel with people.
The Whitsundays has a quiet but vital reading ecosystem. Independent bookshops curate their shelves with genuine care, often knowing their regulars by name and reading history. Newsagents remain an accessible, everyday touchpoint for readers who might not seek out a dedicated bookstore.
And the region's four public libraries stand as free, inclusive gateways. Places where discovery costs nothing and everyone is welcome. These aren't simply outlets. They're spaces where conversations happen, where a staff member might press a title into your hands and say, trust me on this one.
A bookseller is not an algorithm.
Unlike a platform that tracks clicks and serves recommendations based on data, a bookseller remembers what moved you last time. They champion local and emerging authors whose books might never surface in a search result. They bridge the gap between a story that exists and a reader who needs it – a quiet act of matchmaking that keeps regional voices visible and valued.
Local writers need local readers.
Authors in this region rely on these same shops, libraries, and community networks to reach the people most likely to connect with their work. The Whitsundays Writers Festival is where that relationship becomes visible. A gathering point for writers and readers to meet, to listen, to ask questions, and to recognise that literature is not distant or abstract. It is made by people from places exactly like this one. Buying a book locally, or borrowing one from your library, directly supports the writers and the cultural life of your own backyard.
Libraries deserve a second look.
If it's been a while since you visited, go back. Libraries offer far more than borrowing. They host events, support learning, and provide community spaces that welcome everyone regardless of budget or background.
In September do something simple: attend a session at the Whitsundays Writers Festival. Meet a local author. Ask them something real. Then pick up your next read close to home.
3 Ways to Support Local Reading
Whitsundays Writers Festival
Richard Evans
Festival Director and President
hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Book early to secure your place at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September at www.whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers
Creative Connections Whitsunday
Glenda Brown
President
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Visit the Community Gallery in Proserpine and save the date 30 July to 2 August for the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.
Together, these two organisations champion the creative spirit of the Whitsundays – supporting writers, artists, and the cultural life of our region.
Sweet Foxy cross Coco just wants her forever family. Photo sourced: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Coco may be small in stature, but she has a heart big enough to fill an entire home. Now, all this gentle seven-year-old Foxy cross needs is someone to share her loving nature with.
Loyal, affectionate and wonderful with children, Coco has also been very popular with every dog she’s called a friend.
While she can be a tad anxious at times, it’s mainly because she’s looking for a calm and patient family who will let her settle in at her own pace, giving her the love and assurance she needs to relax.
Coco would be best suited to a home with secure fencing and no chooks or livestock to annoy her, where she can enjoy a quiet environment, with plenty of companionship.
If you think Coco could be the perfect addition to your family, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Coco" to begin the adoption process.
Left: Emma and Anthony Colfelt at Whitsunday Cairn, one of the walks featured in the Walking The Whitsundays book. Photograph credit: Felix Colfelt
A new guide to walking the Whitsundays has been launched by the family behind the region's much-loved boating "Bible", following more than a decade of research, island adventures and one broken ankle.
Published by Windward Publications, Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is a 304-page guide covering 45 walks across the Whitsunday islands, Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen.
Designed as the hiking companion to 100 Magic Miles, it features maps, photographs, elevation profiles and practical information, alongside insights into the region's history, wildlife, geology and culture.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the book encourages visitors and locals to discover another side of the region.
"Walking The Whitsundays encourages people to slow down, explore more deeply and experience a different side of the landscapes, stories and natural beauty that make this region so special," Mr Booth said.
Anthony Colfelt said the book grew naturally from a lifetime of walking the Whitsundays with his family.
"The walks have always been a big part of our sailing trips," he said.
"We have long wanted to include more about them in 100 Magic Miles, but quickly realised they deserved a book in their own right because they are not just for boaties. These walks are for everybody."
The guide includes national park island walks, resort island walks and selected mainland tracks around Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen, including the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail and the new Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island.
The Colfelts began researching the project in 2011, exploring the islands by boat, camping and walking as many tracks as possible while continuing to update new editions of 100 Magic Miles.
The project wasn't without setbacks. While photographing Coral Cove on Hamilton Island, Emma Colfelt slipped on a wet rock and broke her ankle, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery. Much of the book's writing and historical research was completed from bed while she recovered.
"Having the book to focus on helped me cope with the pain after surgery and the weeks stuck in bed," she said.
Anthony Colfelt said the accident became part of the story behind the book.
"It was a reminder that this book was a real family effort," he said.
"Researched on foot, refined around the kitchen table and, at one point, written from a sick bed."
The guide also explores the Whitsundays' rich history, from the enduring connection of the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people to Country through to early settlers and the pioneers of island tourism. Alongside local stories and wildlife observations, it features previously unpublished historical photographs and images by photojournalist Sharon Smallwood, capturing a side of the region many visitors never experience.
Emma Colfelt said she hoped the guide would encourage more people to explore the Whitsundays on foot.
"We hope the book inspires people to explore, helps them know what to expect, and enriches their experience of this special place," she said.
Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is available now for $49.95 from The Beach Book Boutique in Airlie Beach, News Whitsunday in Cannonvale, Trader Pete's on Hamilton Island, selected local outlets and online at 100magicmiles.com.
Bella Walters Photo Supplied: Robert Harris
To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, a few Bowen State High School Students were asked the question: What does NAIDOC mean to you and why is it important to celebrate?
Bowen State High School celebrates every year with a full day of activities, awards, and reflection.
What I love most about NAIDOC is seeing everyone come together to celebrate and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It creates a sense of belonging, respect and pride while strengthening our school community.
NAIDOC is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate my culture, honour the strength and resilience of my ancestors, and share the stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
It reminds me of where I come from and inspires me to carry my culture forward with pride. I'm proud to represent my culture and show that our history, knowledge, and traditions that continue to thrive.
Being able to share my culture with others and help build understanding makes me feel proud to be a First Nations student at Bowen State High School. I hope I lead by showing kindness, respect, and pride in who I am.
I want other First Nations students to know they can embrace their culture and chase their goals while staying connected to their identity.
To me NAIDOC is a time to celebrate and honour the cultures, histories, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a reminder of the importance of listening and learning about cultures, languages, and stories for future generations.
For me it’s an opportunity to learn and show respect to one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.
It’s a time to acknowledge the challenges they have faced and continue to overcome. NAIDOC celebrations at Bowen State High School is a fun, welcoming time when the whole school celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Some of my favourites include Cultural Ceremonies, Memorial Awards and Community Engagement.
This honours and celebrates First Nations culture by bringing students, families, and local Traditional Owners together to promote reconciliation and educate the next generation.
Gabby hanging out with her new Furry Friends at Great Whitsundays Vet. Photo Supplied: Gabby Appleton
St Catherines Catholic College Year 10s return from school holidays to a week of work experience, set to gear the kids with practical skills and potential taste of the future.
The week-long placements form part of the college's Year 10 careers education program, with students spending the year exploring future pathways before stepping into the workplace.
This matches local businesses and students, giving them the chance to experience potential career paths before choosing their senior subjects and looking into future study options.
“We find that it can lead to better decision-making in their pathway through year 11 and 12 and beyond,” said Tundi Gosselink, VET, Career and Pathways leader.
Before students step into a workplace, they're encouraged to explore where their interests and strengths might best fit. Through careers classes, psychometric testing and interviews with people already working in different industries, students begin narrowing down potential career paths before selecting a placement.
"It's a really difficult conversation to have, so in preparation they investigate different careers, their own interests and strengths, and how those match different professions,” Mr Gosselink said.
The students can pick from the likes of tourism, to trades, admin, agriculture or in the case of Gabby Appleton, animal care.
Gabby started her first day at Great Whitsundays Vet this week and can already see herself pursue it as a long-term career.
“I think it's more valuable because you're actually doing the job,” Gabby said.
“I'm planning on finishing grade 12, then hopefully going to uni and becoming a vet.”
Mary-Ellen Kusu Photo supplied: Robert Harris
Two Bowen State High School students are being recognised during NAIDOC Week after earning places in Indigenous university programs, giving the next generation of First Nations students a glimpse of what university can offer.
Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Foundation (QATSIF) scholarship recipients Mary-Ellen Kusu and Kenzie Andersen were selected from a competitive field to attend winter schools at Bond University and James Cook University respectively.
"The girls have embraced the opportunity to explore university life,” said Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris.
“Their willingness to leave home to attend these residential camps reflect their commitment to achieving their future goals.”
Mary-Ellen attended the 2026 National Indigenous Business School at Bond University on the Gold Coast, enabling her ability to develop a career while strengthening her cultural identity.
During this program, she took part in activity pitching ways to improve indigenous inclusion for the 2032 Olympic Games, where her team put together a winning performance.
Kenzie attended the JCU Indigenous Winter Program, participating in lectures and practical health workshops, including CPR, first aid and midwifery simulations. She achieved a perfect score on a nursing assignment, confirming nursing is the career she wants to pursue.
There’s something special about Lake Proserpine.
While the Whitsundays is renowned around the world as the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, home to 74 tropical islands and soon to host sailing during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our region also offers incredible experiences beyond the coastline. Lake Proserpine is one of those hidden gems that continues to attract visitors from across Australia and showcase another side of what makes the Whitsundays so special.
Whether you know it as Peter Faust Dam, the home of the famous metre-plus barramundi, or simply as a place to spend quality time with family and friends, Lake Proserpine has become one of our region's premier land-based tourism destinations.
It was fantastic to see so many people at the recent Lake Proserpine Open Day enjoying everything the area has to offer. From fishing and wildlife displays to water safety demonstrations, live music and family activities, it was a wonderful reminder of just how important this destination has become for both our local community and visitors alike.
Over the years, Council has worked alongside partners including Sunwater and local tourism operators to steadily improve the Lake Proserpine precinct. Better facilities, improved access and ongoing investment have transformed it into a destination that encourages visitors to stay longer and explore more of our region. That investment continues, with 20 new powered caravan and camping sites scheduled to come online by the end of September, providing even more opportunities for visitors to enjoy everything this remarkable destination has to offer.
The reopening this year of the free Proserpine RV Park is another welcome milestone. It provides self-contained travellers with a convenient base to discover Proserpine, support local businesses and experience everything from our beautiful hinterland to our world-famous coastline.
Of course, Lake Proserpine has earned an international reputation as the home of the iconic metre barramundi. Anglers travel thousands of kilometres for the opportunity to land one of these incredible fish, making fishing tourism an important contributor to our local economy.
As the world's attention increasingly turns towards the Whitsundays in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase every corner of our region. Visitors may come for our islands and sailing, but they'rediscovering so much more — from Proserpine and Collinsville to Bowen, our hinterland and treasures like Lake Proserpine.
My thanks go to Sunwater, BMA CQ Rescue, community groups, volunteers and everyone who helped make the recent Open Day such a success. Together, we're continuing to build a region that we're proud to call home and one that visitors can't wait to return to.
Club Whitsunday continues to invest in local sport and community
Club Whitsunday is more than a hospitality venue – it is a 100% profit-for-community organisation built on a model that directly reinvests earnings back into local sport and community development across the Whitsundays.
Unlike traditional hospitality businesses, Club Whitsunday is owned by not-for-profit sporting groups, with volunteer directors overseeing operations. Every dollar generated is returned to the community, either through reinvestment into facilities or direct support for local not-for-profit organisations. This structure ensures the Club’s success is measured not only in financial performance, but in community impact.
In 2025 alone, Club Whitsunday contributed more than $120,000 to local not-for-profit clubs through direct contributions and raffle proceeds. In addition to this, the Club is investing more than $100,000 annually into maintaining and upgrading the Whitsunday Sportspark playing fields and courts. This includes comprehensive groundskeeping services and specialised equipment designed to deliver some of the highest-quality playing surfaces in the region.
These investments directly benefit the sporting codes that call Whitsunday Sportspark home, including AFL, cricket, darts, netball, rugby union, soccer, and touch football. Support also extends beyond the main codes to rugby league, fishing, and bowls, as well as broader community organisations such as the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Kids Cancer initiatives and MND Deep Freeze fundraising efforts.
Like many regional organisations, Club Whitsunday acknowledges that community clubs face growing pressures, including rising transport and construction costs, wage pressures and increasing regulatory requirements. However, one of the most significant challenges is the decline in volunteer participation.
“People’s lives are busier than ever, and fewer volunteers are available to support the day-to-day running of clubs,” Justin Butler, Club Whitsunday Chairman said. “We help take on many of those operational tasks so committees can focus on delivering the sporting and community outcomes they exist to provide.”
By providing groundskeeping services, operational support and event assistance, Club Whitsunday helps reduce the burden on volunteer committees, ensuring community clubs can continue to thrive even with reduced volunteer capacity.
In partnership with Whitsunday Sportspark Operations and in support of the Whitsunday Regional Council’s new sporting precinct at Brandy Creek, Club Whitsunday sees a future where the region is supported by multiple high-quality facilities.
At its core, Club Whitsunday remains focused on one purpose: investing in people, sport, and community to strengthen the Whitsundays for the long term.
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