June is a month of merriment for St Catherine’s Catholic School Year 12 students who celebrated their School Formal on Thursday evening last week.

Friends gathered, parents with tears in their eyes looked on and school pride infused this special celebration to mark the nearing of the end of their school years and the beginning of adult life.

See the photo gallery at https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/shimmering-dresses-and-stunning-sunsets-at-st-catherines-catholic-college

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St Cath’s Year 12 students enjoyed their School Formal at the VMR last week. Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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Hi Everyone

While Rach is away on holiday this week, I’m filling in this part of the paper and thought I would introduce myself and let you know what I’ve been up to.

I’m Daniel and I’ve been in the Whitsundays for almost four months now and the time has flown by! I’m originally from England but my family and I moved to Adelaide when I was seven and I had been living there until I accepted the position here.

I’m absolutely loving my job at Whitsunday Life Newspaper and what a beautiful place to start my journalism career. Since moving here, I’ve attended multiple events and have got a feel for the region, I think I’ve settled in quite well and I enjoy it here. But my absolute favourite is getting out and interviewing people. I find producing stories and putting it into print extremely satisfying. I’m sure some of you have seen me out and about already but if not, do say hi, I’m always up for a chat.

When I’m not working, I’m trying to stay active, I get down to parkrun every Saturday and that’s always a great way to start the weekend. I also want to take advantage of the amazing tourism opportunities we have here in the Whitsundays, I went to Whitehaven with my mum and dad but there’s many more things to do.

Lastly, I’d like to introduce Ruth, Ruth is the new cadet journalist with us at Whitsunday Life. She’s got a load of experience and I’m looking forward to knowing her as well as working alongside her. Say hi to her if you see her out and you can read her story on page 10 of this week’s paper.

Daniel

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The annual Proserpine show went ahead last Friday, and 13 helpful students from Proserpine State High School volunteered to help the Proserpine Lions Club in serving food at the show.
The Lions Club are a group of individuals who get involved with humanitarian efforts locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Proserpine Lions Club had members away due to illness and an annual conference, and the 13 fantastic students jumped in to help the 45 volunteers on the day. The students were offered the opportunity through their school, where it was displayed on the school’s noticeboard. The students were ages 14-18 and anyone at the school could apply.
Mia Vloedmans, one of the kind students who offered her time up on the Show Day, said unlike the other students she was contacted directly to participate in the volunteering. She also expressed her enjoyment of the day.
“It was a great experience working and giving back to the community”.
“I would definitely do it again”.
Mia also explained how she really enjoyed being around the big group of volunteers that day and that the Lions Club volunteers gave lots of helpful mentoring to them and were very supportive.
Mia continued, saying that the volunteer work was mainly done in three-hour shifts, saying that her shift ran from “12:30pm- 3:30pm”.
Mia encourages everyone to “get involved with the Lions Club” as they “do a lot for the community”.
Well done to all the 13 tremendous students who spent their Show Day volunteering and helping out the community.

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Did you know that the Whitsundays was officially designated as a Whale Heritage Area on 25 March 2024? On Wednesday 19th June, an excited group of individuals met up at the Whitsunday’s Sailing Club for a whale information night, hosted by Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) a community group concerned about the health and future of cetaceans in our region.
WoW organised for special guest speakers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to come and share their knowledge. The speakers updated guests about how to record sightings and identify trends in the citizen science program Eye on the Reef, alongside providing knowledge on the unique rules and regulations within the Whitsundays Whale Protection Area. The night also included fun facts and tips for education and interpretation during the whale season.
Crystal Lacey, manager of the Master Reef Guide Program, commented on how the event was “mainly targeted at the tourism industry”, including, “masters, frontline crew, local bodies” and anyone else who is “always out on the water”.
Crystal explained how the event was designed to inform attendees of what “the unique rules and regulations are within the Whitsundays”.
The regulations are “slightly different to everywhere else in the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
Crystal also added how the information night would provide more of an understanding of Whales' characteristics as “humpbacks are quite aerobatic animals”.
Chair of the Whales of Whitsunday Steering Committee, Olivia Brodhurst, expressed her excitement towards “circling back with everybody since last year's event”.
“We don’t have a university or conferences, so we get experts to come down once a year and do this for us”.
“People get to hear straight from the horse’s mouth about all their eye on the reef data, and the science everyone contributes to all year round”, Olivia added.
Chris Jones, Eye on the Reef Program manager, expressed similar excitement towards the evening.
“Unlike 90% of citizen science projects that go to a person, a PHD project or a university, this is going to managing the reef, making decisions, the data goes to the decision makers”.
“The fact that all of it's been designed to be done by the community creates that beautiful connection, you are part of management, you're not standing aloof from it.” Chris continued.
The Whitsundays is recognised as a critically important mating and birthing ground for the Eastern Australian Humpback Whales, so information nights on these animals are vital to ensure everyone working around them are up to date with the rules and regulations for these fin-tastic animals.
The speakers at the Whales of the Whitsunday Information Night enthused over their newly launched website, which includes resources for anyone interested in furthering their knowledge: https://www.whalesofthewhitsundays.com

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There were plenty of thrills and a couple of spills as Collinsville residents celebrated the official opening of the town’s eagerly anticipated $300,000 ‘pump’ bike track.

Located in Darcy Munro Park, the Collinsville pump track is designed for bike, scooter riders and skateboarders to make their way over a thrilling series of rollers, jumps, and berms by generating momentum through up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the pump track was an exemplar of Council working with local businesses to provide investments that add to community vibrancy and a sense of belonging.

“As a Council we spend a lot of our time upgrading existing assets and legacy assets,” Mr Collins said.

“So, when we’ve got the opportunity to put something new into the community it’s really valued, and that’s shown by the turnout we’ve had for the official opening of stage one of Collinsville’s pump track.

Bowen Rail Company funded the pump track and General Manager Brendan Lane said it was terrific to see Collinsville’s young and young at heart embrace their new community asset with fearless enthusiasm.

“We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from Collinsville and the greater Whitsunday region as we’ve built our railway and grown from a startup to a thriving rail operator,” Mr Lane said.

“Better playground equipment and new and more diverse activities for older kids were two things that resonated loudly in the 2021 Collinsville Masterplan, and the Pump Track is a perfect fit.”

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Bowen Rail Company General Manager Brendan Lane and children at the Collinsville Pump Track, Photo supplied

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Every year, in the winter months of June to October, whales – in particular, Humpback whales –migrate 10,000km from Antarctica to Tropical North Queensland and back. The Whitsundays is a birthing ground for the whales due to the warm and protected waters at the hub of the Great Barrier Reef.
Following the tremendous success of the inaugural event in 2023, and to stamp the beginning of whale season, The Whitsunday Regional Council and Yooribaya Cultural Experiences are hosting another NAIDOC whale welcome evening.
The event is sacred to Indigenous people, who hold a deep and cultural connection to the whales and are the Traditional Owners of The Whitsundays. The Traditional Owners kindly allow The Whitsundays community to participate in their formal welcoming of the whales and traditional practices.
The jam-packed evening will be full of cultural celebrations and community spirit. The evening will begin with a heartfelt welcome to Country, followed by a powerful Smoking Ceremony and mesmerising traditional dance and songs.
The event includes Ochre painting, the opportunity to taste authentic damper and also the chance to engage in a variety of free workshops and community artwork projects. There will also be a vibrant array of market stalls and food and drink vans to browse.
Later in the evening, there will be a movie screening of “Whale Nation”, followed by the beloved musical comedy-drama film “The Sapphires”.
Event organisers encourage all to join them in the traditional celebration. Head on down and welcome the whales with the community. The event has no entry fee’s.
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What: Whales Welcome Night
When: 5th July 2024, 17:00pm
Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore

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In light of the current challenging economic climate, on the 26th June, the Whitsunday Regional Council unveiled a cost-of-living budget focused on the community’s most critical needs.
Mayor Ry Collins said that the 2024-25 Council budget ensured the essential services that our community relied upon were maintained, while, also positioning the Whitsunday region for future growth and prosperity.
“The Council’s priority for this budget has been to maintain essential services, address legacy issues in our waste business and adequately plan for the future, while keeping rates as low as possible.” Mayor Collins added that they were presenting a 0% yield increase in general residential owner-occupied rates across the region.

“This measure is intended to dampen the impact of the huge variation in the new State Government valuations handed down this year”.

“Land valuations help determine your rates, so Council are appealing to the State Government for more clarity and certainty around the timings of these valuations to protect our ratepayers from significant spikes like we are experiencing in this budget.”

Mayor Collins continued, stating that some ratepayers will pay “less”, while others will pay “more”. He emphasises the importance for the council to not just think of short-term challenges but also remain financially sustainable long-term, however, councillors have worked hard to deliver a financially sustainable budget.

“The cost-of-living crisis has had a huge impact on the cost of running Council, and I’m very aware that it has also had a huge impact on residents and business owners.”

The mayor added that with the federal and more recent state budgets being handed down, it is apparent that cost shifting by higher tiers of government is seriously impacting the future sustainability of regional councils and their ability to deliver growth and services.

Since 2002, the financial impact of services, which have been shifted onto local councils over a 12-month period has risen from $47 million to $360 million.

The mayor met up with state opposition leader David Crisafulli last week, where he raised the impact of cost-shifting on their ability to deliver vital council services like roads, parks, gardens, swimming pools and libraries. He also stated that he is advocating to the premier and major parties to support local communities by undertaking a Parliamentary Inquiry into local government cost shifting.

Mayor Collins added that “Waste management has been a challenge with increasing compliance costs, so Council has had to increase waste service charges by six per cent to cover the costs of operations”.

Additional discussions included Water and Sewage utilities, which will also increase 8 per cent and 3 per cent respectively, to meet increasing service costs, support strategic network planning and deliver network upgrades.

Highlights of Council’s 2024/25 capital works program include Whitsunday Coast Airport treatment plant upgrade, resealing program to maintain rural roads, new solar at Bowen and Proserpine pools, sealing and lighting of Collinsville airstrip, Jubilee Pocket Road trunk water main and a major investment in waste infrastructure.

Mayor Collins said that himself and Councillors are committed to ensuring that Council’s financial decisions reflect the needs of the Whitsunday community. He continued that they must seek a reduction in costs and work smarter and grow their rate base and number of rateable properties, he added that new housing is “critical” to this.

“We will collaborate with and call on our state and federal governments, as well as private developers, to increase the availability and quantity of affordable housing in our region.”
Mayor Collins adds that they will use allocated funds for strategic projects to drive service, growth, innovation and create new community opportunities.
After the council meeting Mayor Collins added that, whilst the budget is something they can look at improving going forward, they also “need to have a broader view towards the future”, and how they can deliver their “services and infrastructure”.
“We've tried to really look at ways we can reduce expenditure in the organisation, yet, we still have to be able to deliver our services in their entirety”.
Visit the Whitsunday Regional Council website and Facebook page for a range of information and videos relating to the 2024-25 WRC budget.

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Mayor Ry Collins holding the 2024-25 Council budget. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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By Ruth Puddefoot

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At the weekend Bowen Fire and Rescue Station reached a blazing milestone of 100 years of life saving service. To celebrate the occasion, the station held an open day which included memorabilia, kitchen fire demonstrations, food and coffee vans and fire trucks, including an original 1920’s Truck.
Senior Firefighter Ian Patchett and Firefighter Ricky Skipper organised the day, and Ian expressed that he was “really pleased with how it turned out”.
“We are really excited, I mean, we are only 100 once” Ian added.
“It is a really good opportunity to showcase what we’ve done over the last 100 years and we’ve obviously got our original 1920 Ford Truck”.
Ian furthered on this, claiming that it is a really good chance to “show the community where we’ve come from, as to where we are today”.
Firefighter Ricky Skipper, has been at Bowen Fire and Rescue Station for 10 years, and expressed how the station’s centenary is an “amazing” achievement.
“It's an achievement, not many fire stations in Queensland, that I am aware of, have that milestone”.
“The fact that we have their original truck and original paperwork, is really fantastic” Ricky enthused.
Also in attendance at the event was Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Wilcox, Mayor Ry Collins and Member for Burdekin Dale Last.
Andrew Wilcox encouraged all to come down and “get an appreciation for the vital service” that the ladies and gentlemen at the station provide.
Mayor Ry Collins presented the 100-year anniversary plaque to the fire station; the mayor praised the “amazing milestone”.
“We throw numbers around, but 100 years is really something quite significant”.
Mr Collins, reflected on his family history “my grandfather’s, grandfather was the MP for Bowen this time 100 years ago, it sort of makes you think back to your own past as well”.
The mayor added that he’s sure that this sentiment holds for others in the community and that they also may have descendants that have “been part of the history”.
Senior Firefighter Ian Patchett expressed the station’s excitement for the plaque and explained that they “also have the 75th plaque at the station”.
Newly appointed Zone commander for Mackay and the new Queensland fire dept, Sven Diga commented on how it’s his first time ever being at a station that is 100 years old.
“I've done the 50 years quite regularly, but to do a 100-year celebration is just quite amazing”.
The fire fighters all mentioned their appreciation for the community:
“We're here to support the community, not the community support us. We are basically here to ensure that communities are safe” Ian Patchett added.
The day was busy from the start at 9am, and all the firefighters and attendees expressed how much they had enjoyed the event. A big congratulations to the Bowen Fire and Rescue Station, we are all getting fired up for the next 100-year celebration.

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Mayor Ry Collins and Member for Burdekin Dale last standing with the local firefighters. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot
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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox standing with the 1920’s Fire Truck. Photo supplied

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Who doesn’t love a good cane fire? Many visitors to our district are keen to witness a burn and farmers often receive phone calls asking if /when there is going to be a cane fire. While a cane fire is a magnificent sight to behold, they generate an incredible amount of heat. Caution is important for both farmer and onlooker alike.
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To burn or not to burn?

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Initially, most of the sugarcane crop was cut green, with residual trash (green leaf matter) burnt on the ground. Burning prior to harvest was allowed in some mill areas where there was a high infestation of rats to reduce the exposure of hand cane cutters to leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), a potentially fatal disease spread by rat urine. But, after mass industrial action in August 1935 when 2000 sugar cane cutters and mill hands in North Queensland went on strike for nine weeks, burning became commonplace.
Labour shortages during World War Two led to widespread use of pre-harvest burning to speed up harvesting. Rising post-war labour costs saw burning become a standard practice to increase the output of manual (hand) cutters. This left only the stalks and tops thereby reducing the leaf matter, making it easier to cut by hand and to load the cane. Early mechanical harvesters in the 1960s were designed for the burnt system and were not well adapted to harvesting green. Burning persisted as standard practice until 1976 when a very wet season delayed harvesting operations in North Qld. This prompted growers to experiment more with mechanically harvesting green cane to avoid deterioration of burnt cane where it can be condemned if left too long in the paddock (5-7 days in our district depending on conditions). This deterioration of sucrose or CCS (Commercial Cane Sugar) reduces the commercial value of the cane making the milling process unprofitable. In Proserpine, this remains a significant consideration due to highly unpredictable weather patterns.
Soil is another factor resulting in the decision to burn or not. Some soils are difficult to manage if the cane is not burnt. If cane is harvested green and then it rains, heavy soil can become sour or waterlogged as the residual trash holds in the moisture. The wind and sunlight can’t penetrate the trash to dry the soil out. For the same reason, a farmer may also choose to burn paddocks that are low and/or not well-drained. Increased moisture retention can result in yield loss or poor regrowth of cane (ratooning). Farmers who plan to plough out and replant the same paddock immediately after harvesting will often burn the cane to get rid of the trash thus making replanting much easier.
Districts with high yielding crops, such as the Burdekin, have largely avoided green cane harvesting because of harvesting difficulties in high yielding, lodged crops. A substantial amount of water applied when irrigating also somewhat negates the benefits of retaining a trash blanket for moisture retention in this area.
Resistance to the practice of burning cane has mounted over the years. The “Proserpine Guardian” (June 25 1998) reported that the region’s sugar industry was under siege with the increasing threat of court action due to excessive smoke and ash fallout (referred to as “black gold” by locals for obvious reasons) allegedly affecting people’s health. These days only 5-10% of the Proserpine crop is burnt. While the cost of harvesting green cane is greater than burnt cane, the subsequent soil health advantages and moisture retention benefits of green cane harvesting remain important for long-term sustainable sugarcane growing.
Having said all that, a “good burn” does eradicate lots of vermin! And there is no doubt that it IS spectacular!
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Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and Brendon Nothard (Canegrowers Proserpine).

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Originally from England, Ruth came to Australia to restart her journalism career and was thrilled with the opportunity to pursue her passion in one of the most beautiful locations in the country.

Ruth brings a whole lot of experience to the team; she studied a Social Research Masters at University and an Undergrad in Politics, then covered the UK General election for Sky News in London.

Having fallen in love with the fast-paced nature of the newsroom, Ruth said it was a lot of fun to be back in a deadline driven environment.

“It’s similar to here but slightly different because Sky News was more TV based but I am definitely enjoying writing for a newspaper,” she expressed.

In her spare time Ruth loves to scuba dive and she is looking forward to experiencing new adventures during her time in the Whitsundays, especially while out on the water.

Before her position at Mackay and Whitsunday Life, Ruth worked in Sydney for MG Motors as an office manager.

She has only been in the Whitsundays for two weeks but is already meeting members of the community and loves writing full-time.

“I’ve landed a job that I really wanted and I’m really happy with that,” Ruth added.

The team at Mackay and Whitsunday Life are happy to have Ruth on board too and would like to warmly welcome her as part of the team. If you see her out and about, we hope you do the same!

Ruth Puddefoot Mackay and Whitsunday Life new Cadet Journalist, Photo credit: Norina Jane

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Earlier this month, Zonta Club of the Whitsundays hosted a changeover meal to appoint Marlene Reiffel as their new President over the 30 members in the charter. The meal was followed by Zonta’s monthly meeting, where Marlene chaired the meeting for the first time.
Marlene mentioned her predecessor Dianne Truman, who provided “three years of wonderful service to the club and community”.
Marlene also expressed excitement for the wonderful, but busy year ahead and enthused that she is “really looking forward to facing the challenges in the charter”. She continued, stating that she was “very honoured”, but also, “aware of the large responsibility” that comes with being the president of Zonta.
In Zonta’s monthly newsletter, Marlene emphasised that she hopes the year to be fun and rewarding, knowing that they are, “working together to improve the lives of other women and girls out there who can use a helping hand.”
Marlene stated that she enjoyed the change-over meal, revealing how it was a “beautiful evening”, and everyone is “very dedicated to Zonta”.
The change-over happens once a year, and a nomination committee appoints the new president. The nomination committee gauges interest in the position and then has a formal vote, if there is more than one candidate. Whilst Marlene was the only candidate up for election this year, the whole club had to agree on the nomination—a huge congratulations to Marlene for becoming this year's president.
If you are interested in becoming a member of Zonta, Marlene encourages you to get in touch with her: marlene@cpq.com.au.

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New President of Zonta Marlene Reiffe.

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This month’s Ask An Expert with Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry asks: What is the one thing I need to know about financing my small business? 
 
Chamber members responded:
 
Fiona Erquiaga of Smooth Sailing Financial Consulting says “You need a solid understanding of your business cashflows – your current position, historic financial performance, future plans, and cashflow forecasts – so to highlight your finance requirements and how they will be managed.”
 
“Also be mindful of your credit score. Ensure your accounts are always within limits, bills paid on time (including the ATO). This demonstrates to lenders that you are a reliable and low risk borrower,” said Fiona.
 
“Don’t be in a rush to obtain debt” says Gus Walsgott, of the North Queensland Small Business Financial Counselling Service.
 
“In an ideal world, your small business will be able to sustain itself through free cashflow. Use savings to start your business. As the business matures, cashflows should become more predictable so obtaining and servicing debt will become a more tenable proposition.”
 
“Once operating, if you are dipping into savings or obtaining short term loans, a serious review of your business is required. Ask yourself, what is the demand for your product or service and how can your businesses deliver at a price point that creates suitable profits? These points are critical for new and potential businesses,” says Gus.
 
Both Fiona and Gus urge business owners to always seek professional advice to get a solution tailored to your needs.

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Fiona Erquiaga of Smooth Sailing Financial Consulting
Gus Walsgott, of the North Queensland Small Business Financial Counselling Service. Photos supplied

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The Your Say Whitsundays portal is an essential tool used by the Whitsunday Regional Council to gather community input on a wide range of initiatives, from infrastructure projects to policy changes. Your thoughts and feedback help shape the decisions that affect our community, leading to better, more informed outcomes. Join the #OurWhitsunday community today by registering on the portal and have a say in shaping a better, more informed Whitsunday. https://yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/

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Have you ever stopped to think what would happen if your family’s income stopped due to someone dying, getting sick or having an accident?

The loss of wages might be manageable for retirees or people later in their working lives who have brought up their kids, paid down their debts and built up their super and passive assets.  For families with younger kids, bigger debts and lower super balances it may well be disastrous.  Centrelink benefits don’t cover home loan payments and hungry mouths to feed, let alone building for eventual retirement.  You may have some basic cover in your super, but have you ever sat down and worked out if it is enough or even too much?

There are solutions to the problem in Personal Insurances.  These are separate to Health Insurance which covers medical costs, these provide money to the family to keep going.  There are two main types of Personal Insurances, Lump Sum Cover and Income Protection.

Lump sum Cover provides a large lump sum of money to sort out your finances in the event of something major happening.  You can insure for a payout in the event of Death, Total & Permanent Disability (TPD) and Major Medical Trauma, things like cancer, heart attack and stroke.  You need to work out how much is required to keep a roof over the family’s head and provide for ongoing income to get through in the event of each of these things happening to either partner.  The amount required is always different as it is based on your personal situation regards debts and existing super balances and family situation.  You need to consider covering not just the working parent but also any non-working parents as if something major happens, the worker may need to come home or change their job.

Income Protection provides an ongoing monthly income in the event of being off work due to sickness or accident.  The variables are how much you will be paid per month, how long you have to be off work to start getting paid and how long you will be paid for if off work for an extended period.  Considerations are how much sick leave and cash reserves you have and if you have TPD cover.

The key with personal insurances is to know where you stand.  What cover do you have now, and do you need to top it up or reduce to save premium and know how things will pan out.  Like all insurance you hope you’ll never need to claim but you sleep better knowing you have some cover in place, especially at that stage of life where you have lots of financial commitments.

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp.com.au   There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.

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I am excited to announce that Council has partnered with Jobs Queensland in launching Workforce Planning Connect.
 
This initiative brings a range of workforce planning data and resources to help our local businesses and organisations develop effective workforce planning strategies.
 
In today's rapidly changing economic landscape, having a robust workforce plan is more crucial than ever.
 
Our partnership with Jobs Queensland aims to provide the tools and insights needed to access the skills and workforce our region requires to thrive.
 
Workforce Planning Connect will support our Whitsunday community by assisting businesses to have the right people in the right roles, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
 
By utilising these tools, our local employers can build a resilient and adaptable workforce, positioning the Whitsunday region as a leader in economic growth and innovation.
 
I encourage all business owners, HR professionals, and community leaders to take full advantage of the resources available through Workforce Planning Connect.
 
Together, we can ensure that our workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive our region forward.
 
By investing in our workforce, we are investing in the future prosperity of the Whitsunday region. Let's seize this opportunity to build a stronger, more dynamic community that is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.
 
The Whitsunday Regional Council is also now one of 48 organisations who have joined the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program to enhance the operating environment for small businesses.
 
For more information on how your business can benefit from Workforce Planning Connect, please visit the Whitsunday Regional Council website or contact our Economic Development team.

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