Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
At just 18 months old and weighing 17kg, Obi is a happy little guy with plenty of love and enthusiasm for life. Getting along well with children, other dogs and visitors, he has plenty of potential to become a much-loved member of his new family. Obi had a rough start to life and can still find the world a little scary at times, so he is looking for a patient and understanding family willing to help build his confidence and show him the ropes. He already knows his basic commands and walks confidently on the lead, making him a great companion for someone happy to continue guiding him as he settles into his new life. Once Obi gets to know and trust you, he will become an unshakeable little shadow, following his favourite person wherever they go. If you have the time, patience and love to give Obi the fresh start he deserves, contact his carer Char on 0402 540 612 to arrange a meeting. Alternatively, email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to find out more.
Read the full story
No city or region in Australia has been unaffected by the property market changes that have become obvious ever since the Federal Government introduced its budget in May, removing negative gearing from established housing and changing the capital gains tax rules. But some have been hit harder than others. The latest property market review by valuers Herron Todd White gives an extensive rundown of where particular regions sit as well as the nation as a whole. HTW chief economist Cameron Kusher pointed out in the September review that inflation continues to be a factor, not only in cost of living but also projected interest rate rises in the months ahead. He said: “National dwelling values fell by 3.1 per cent over the three months to August 2026, with capital city values 3.7 per cent lower and regional values falling by 1.2 per cent.” He said property market analyst Cotality estimates that over the three months to August 2026 “there were 14.6 per cent fewer property sales than the same period last year”. “Transaction activity has seen a much greater decline in the capital cities than in the regional markets; however, falls are broad-based,” he said. “Every capital city except for Hobart is seeing a higher volume of properties available for sale relative to a year ago, and only regional Tasmania and regional NT are seeing fewer total listings. “Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra have historically high listing volumes, and although they aren’t at historic highs elsewhere, Brisbane and Perth have seen annual increases of more than 50 per cent, and Adelaide has seen an annual increase of more than 40 per cent. “The heightened volume of stock for sale at a time in which there are fewer active buyers in the market means that those who are buying have less urgency and more choice. In turn, this means that they have greater scope to negotiate on price, and there are many properties that will take a long time to sell in this market or simply won’t transact. “In the regional areas, the longest median days on market are in NT, NSW and Victoria and the lowest are in WA, Queensland and Tasmania.” The HTW monthly review includes their very interesting property clock, in which they categorise where particular markets are in the property cycle. Sitting at 3 o’clock on the property clock in a declining market are Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Sitting in the “starting to decline” category includes cities such as Alice Springs, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Several Queensland cities are included in the “peak of the market” category; Gladstone, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. And cities in the “approaching the top of the market” category include Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and the Whitsundays. What about the cities still sitting at 9 o’clock, the “rising market” category? Well, there aren’t nearly as many cities in that category as there were a few months ago but it still includes Mackay, Rockhampton and Emerald, among a few others. HTW can only go on the data in front of them, however agents on the ground experience the market as it happens. It is true that the Mackay market is behaving nothing like the free fall being felt in major cities like Sydney. The economy is going well, unemployment is virtually non-existent, rental vacancies are low and properties are selling. However, no agent in Mackay will tell you that right now Mackay is in a rising market. It’s still active and people are still buying but at the moment it’s not going up … it represents a great opportunity for those wanting to get into the market and investors seeking one of Australia’s best rental returns.
Read the full story
Locals gathered in Mackay last Saturday for the annual March For Life, which brought together supporters of the pro-life movement. The march began at Harbour Road before finishing at Caneland Central Park, where attendees heard from guest speakers and community representatives. Among those attending was Cherish Life Queensland CEO Matthew Cliff, who travelled from Brisbane for the event. Operating since 1970, and formerly known as Right to Life Queensland, Cherish Life is one of Queensland's longest-established pro-life organisations, with branches throughout the state, including Mackay. Mr Cliff, who has been CEO for around four and a half years, said the organisation's work centred on two key areas of education and advocacy, aiming to encourage greater understanding of its pro-life position, while engaging with elected representatives and participating in public discussions about abortion. Mr Cliff said the organisation also connected women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with other services that could provide practical and emotional support. Though Cherish Life do not offer direct assistance themselves, they refer women to services like Hope's Dream, a Christian-based, non-profit charitable organization which provides pregnancy counselling and support. “The rallies are really a good way of bringing public awareness,” Mr Cliff said. “It's an opportunity for people who support the pro-life movement to demonstrate why this is important to them.” Mr Cliff said his own Christian beliefs played a role in shaping his position, with his views centred on the belief that human life is valuable from conception. “The Christian method in which I believe as the CEO of Cherish Life Queensland is to walk in grace and truth, and truth in love, and that all human life from conception is valuable,” he said. The Mackay event featured several speakers and representatives, including Mr Cliff, Australian Christian Lobby Assistant Director Daniel Adsett, Family Voice Australia Queensland Director Andrew McColl, Lighthouse Church Mackay Pastor Jai Wright and St Joseph's Catholic Church Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Raju Mandothparambil. While Cherish Life advocates against abortion, other organisations take a different view of reproductive rights. CEO of Queensland pro choice organisation Children By Choice Anjulee Singh shared: “Children by Choice believe all people have the right to make decisions about their own body and health care. “Abortion is legal healthcare and should be accessible without barriers regardless of where you live.” The organisation advocates for accessible reproductive care in regional communities, claiming that stigma and privacy concerns can make it hard to ask for help, and can prevent women from pursuing the healthcare they are entitled to. “Everyone has the right to make their own decision about their pregnancy, whether that means continuing, ending, or considering adoption,” the organisation states. “Support should be non-judgemental, confidential, and respectful.” The differing perspectives come amid ongoing public and parliamentary debate about reproductive rights in Queensland, including discussions involving Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, who earlier this year crossed the floor in opposition to restrictions on parliamentary debate about abortion. Photo source: Cherish Life QLD - Mackay Branch
Read the full story
Mackay beachgoers are encouraged to put their photography skills to good use, with the arrival of two new monitoring stations giving community members a hands-on role in tracking changes to the coastline. Eimeo Beach and Lambert’s Beach are the first locations to introduce the newly installed CoastSnap poles, which feature a phone cradle where residents and visitors can position their phones, capture an image of the coastline and upload it through the CoastSnap app. Photos taken from the same position over time will help build a long-term record of sand movement, beach erosion and recovery, providing valuable information to support future coastal management. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project, led by the University of New South Wales, would give council access to valuable monitoring data while allowing the community to get involved. "It's easy to use. You just follow the barcode. And you can do it anonymously, you don't have to put your name on it," he said. Mr Williamson said the photographs and accompanying observations would help build a detailed picture of how the region's beaches change over time. "If everybody does that every day, just imagine the record that we're going to have via the University of New South Wales to manage this in the future," he said. "This is just another tool for us to be able to effectively manage the 31 beaches we've got in our region." Council's Coordinator of Waterways and Coastal Planning Robyn Burkett said the initiative formed part of the Mackay Coast Our Future project, helping council better understand coastal conditions and plan for future changes. "It's about monitoring our beaches, and community education, so that's why we're encouraging people to come along, snap a photo, and learn more about coastal hazards and how our coastal processes work in the Mackay region," she said. Ms Burkett said ongoing monitoring would help determine how much sand was lost during storm events, whether beaches recovered naturally and when intervention might be needed. "Having good information now, when we experience a storm event, looking at what those changes are, and how much sand is lost, whether it will recover over time, or whether it needs intervention is really important." The CoastSnap initiative was founded in 2017 as a pilot project by the University of New South Wales, with more than 100 poles now installed across 16 countries. The two Mackay stations were funded by council, with further locations being considered for the region. To learn more, visit www.coastsnap.com or visit connectingmackay.com.au/mackay-coast-our-future. L-R - Robyn Burkett, Coordinator Waterways and Coastal Planning for Mackay Regional Council, Kylie Cauchi, Waterways Planning Advisor for Mackay Regional Council and Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council, testing out the new CoastSnap pole at Eimeo Beach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara The impact of tropical cyclone Debbie in 2017. Supplied by Mackay Regional Council
Read the full story
Collinsville Hardware is a proud independent hardware store, providing a comprehensive selection of home improvement and hardware products for all your home and weekend projects. Last Saturday, the business celebrated a significant achievement by winning a silver award for Collinsville Business of the Year at the Whitsunday Business Awards.
This is the first time that Collinsville Hardware has received an award, and they explained that they were extremely happy and proud to have received the award.
Peter, John and Joey Bosca of Collinsville Hardware explained that what makes their business grow is the continual support from the community.
Collinsville Hardware has been owned and operated by the Bosca Family for over 40 years.
“We are very grateful to the people of Collinsville and the surrounding areas who continuously support our store.”
While the team were not able to attend the Tourism and Business Awards at the weekend, they explained how they are happy to see that small towns like Collinsville are being recognised for their contribution to the tourism industry within the region, especially with initiatives like the 72-hour free camping at the Collinsville Showgrounds.
Coral Sea Resort recently celebrated a remarkable achievement at the prestigious Tourism Awards, where it proudly earned a Silver 4.5 Star designation for its exceptional Deluxe Accommodation. Additionally, the resort was honoured as the Whitsunday Business of the Year for Marina Resort, further highlighting its commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first award won under the management of Dawn Romanella:
“It’s a testament to the dedication of our team and our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests. This achievement inspires us to continue delivering outstanding service and unforgettable stays at our resort,” Dawn explained.
There were 20 people from the team in attendance across both businesses on the night and they were all very excited to receive their award.
Dawn explained that what makes their business shine is their unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for creating memorable moments:
“We focus on quality, personalized service, and celebrating the natural beauty of our surroundings. Our team’s commitment to excellence, combined with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensures that every guest feels special and valued, making their stay truly unforgettable.”
Dawn Romanella explained what makes their venue unique:
“Coral Sea Resort is more than just a place to stay—it's a destination that celebrates the natural beauty and vibrant community of the Whitsundays.”
“Beyond our luxurious amenities and stunning views, we’re committed to creating memorable experiences, supporting local businesses, and fostering sustainable tourism. We’re not just about hospitality; we’re about connecting our guests with the heart of this incredible region.”
Coral Sea resort wanted to thank their dedicated team for their hard work and passion, alongside the local community and guests who continually support them, and their partners who help them create unforgettable experiences.
Dawn stated that other tourism industry operators looking to enter the awards, should definitely do so:
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your achievements and inspire growth within your business. The experience of being recognized and sharing your story is invaluable. Go for it!”
Coral Sea Resort explained how they are grateful for the Whitsundays community and explained how it was an enjoyable night seeing the rest of the tourism industry’s achievements:
“We’re honoured to be part of such a vibrant and supportive tourism community. It’s truly inspiring to see the passion and innovation across the Whitsundays, and we’re excited about what the future holds for all of us."
Coral Sea Resort with their awards
The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors received notable recognition at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards over the weekend, winning Gold for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group.
Volunteer Cruise Ship Coordinator Lyn Blanche Woodham attended the awards and really enjoyed the evening:
“It was an extraordinary evening,” she said.
“We were thrilled to win the Gold Award. It means so much to all the volunteers to be recognised.”
The Cruise Ship Ambassadors’ aim is to greet every cruise ship that comes to Airlie Beach and engage with as many visitors as possible:
“We want to ensure that every passenger has the best experience in their short time here,” Lyn shared.
Alongside winning the prestigious award it is also their 20th anniversary year:
“This was a very special present.
“We also greeted our millionth cruise ship visitor earlier this year!”
Lyn Blanche Woodham said the Cruise Ambassadors would like to thank the Whitsundays Regional Council for their ongoing support, and Tourism Whitsundays for all their practical help on a day-to-day basis, including Dea who goes above and beyond for the group.
Dea Huvonen, Visitor Services Manager at Tourism Whitsundays stated that people looking to enter the awards, should definitely do so:
“It is a beautiful and great way to showcase the fantastic work your team is doing the whole year long!”
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Volunteers Cruise Ship Ambassadors will celebrate their 20th anniversary at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. All current and past stakeholders and volunteers are invited to join the festivities.
For details, contact The Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre: info@tourismwhitsundays.com.au or call 07 4945 3967.
Cruise Ship Ambassador Lyn Blanche Woodham and Dea Huvonen from Tourism Whitsundays accepting the award.
Cruise Whitsundays is proud to announce its Gold wins for Tourist Attraction and Unique Accommodation at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held at Daydream Island. These wins also mark Cruise Whitsundays' induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame for Unique Accommodation, following three consecutive Gold victories in this category.
The Tourist Attraction award recognises Cruise Whitsundays' iconic Reefworld Pontoon and the incredible experiences it offers, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The Unique Accommodation award celebrates the exceptional Reefstays experience, which includes Reefsleep and Reefsuites, offering guests the rare opportunity to sleep under the stars or beneath the water, surrounded by the beauty of the reef.
General Manager, Renee Branton-Brown, emphasised the critical role of the team in achieving these awards.
“These awards are not just a recognition of our products but of the people behind them. The passion and dedication of our entire team are what truly make these experiences special for our guests. Whether it’s the welcoming guests on board, ensuring smooth operations, or the staff on the pontoons delivering memorable reef experiences, every individual plays an essential role in our success.
“I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Our team has faced challenges, adapted, and continued to deliver exceptional experiences year after year. These awards, and our induction into the Hall of Fame, are a testament to their hard work and resilience. I feel fortunate to lead such a talented group and look forward to what we’ll continue to achieve together.”
Sales and Marketing Manager, Liza Muller, reflected on the significance of these wins for both the business and the wider tourism industry.
“Winning Gold in these categories and being inducted into the Hall of Fame for Unique Accommodation is an incredible milestone for us, especially as we celebrate 20 years in this remarkable region. It demonstrates the value of what we offer in the Whitsundays and reinforces our commitment to consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences. This recognition solidifies our place as a leader in the region, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Liza continued, “We also want to acknowledge the effort that goes into the submission process. It’s no easy task, and it’s done alongside the demands of daily operations. We congratulate everyone who dedicated their time and effort, and a special congratulations to our fellow award winners. These awards truly highlight the talent and strength of the Whitsundays tourism industry. We’re excited to cheer on all the Whitsunday operators and businesses at the upcoming Queensland Tourism Awards!”
As Cruise Whitsundays celebrates its 20th year of operation in the region, these prestigious awards are a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to delivering world-class experiences at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Whitsunday Tourism Awards was a vibrant and invigorating affair where the movers and shakers of the local tourism industry came together to celebrate their successes.
Held at Daydream Island, the event was Emceed by winner of ‘the best job in the world’ Ben Southall and in attendance on the night were Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox with his wife Raylene, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Mayor Ry Collins and his wife Mel and Candidate for the One Nation Party, Julie Hall.
Photo credit: R Jean Photography
The Great Barrier Reef Festival has reached Hall of Fame level after winning the Gold award for ‘Festivals and Events’ at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards last Saturday.
Festival Chairwoman Margie Murphy said four long-term committee members attended the event but did so on behalf of everyone that help put the festival together.
“We were incredibly proud to accept the awards on behalf of all the volunteers, sponsors, artists, council personnel and community members who all work together to bring this festival to life every year,” she said.
“We are particularly proud to have the festival inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is a great achievement for our small but dedicated committee and a testament to how important the event is to our region.
“It was great to share the moment with many of our sponsors who were also award winners which goes to show the calibre and number of people who work on bringing this beloved event to life every year.”
The Great Barrier Reef Festival’s uniqueness shines as it is the only Great Barrier Reef Festival in the world. It is an important event because it showcases the Whitsunday community and highlights all that our region has to offer, as being at the ‘Heart of the Great Barrier Reef’.
The Great Barrier Reef Festival is a not-for-profit event run by a small volunteer committee who contribute countless hours in the planning of the event annually, providing locals and visitors alike with an exceptional festival that the Whitsunday community can be proud of.
Great Barrier Reef Festival Team win gold!
At the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards Grand View Hotel in Bowen came away with a Bronze prize in the ‘Contribution by a Volunteer or Group’ category, and were also a finalist in the ‘Excellence in Food Tourism’ category.
It’s not the first time Grand View Hotel has been nominated for the prestigious awards, in 2019 they were a Finalist in the ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group’. In 2022 they won Silver in ther same category.
Grand View Hotel Manager Emma Heiniger said the nominations showcase how hard the team work.
“It’s an absolute honour to be nominated for the awards as it showcases and gives recognition to just how hard the team has worked throughout the year to provide amazing customer service and fabulous produce,” said Emma.
“We had three staff members attend Daydream Island, and were very proud to receive the awards that we were nominated for.
“The customer service at Grand View Hotel is always a step above with the staff always being vibrant and inviting.”
Grand View Hotel has an outstanding location, including a grand view of Bowen’s spectacular front beach and iconic jetty.
The food at Grand View Hotel offer a taste of the Whitsundays and they go a step above the average pub meal by using local produce.
The inside décor of the hotel matches the location and gives off a costal meets country aesthetic that is extremely inviting.
Iconic Whitsunday Adventures was honourably recognised for their exceptional levels of customer service and operations at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards evening on Saturday where they were awarded the Gold title for Tour and Transport Operator.
Having celebrated winning the same award in 2023, receiving the outstanding title for the second time last weekend was an honour Nicole and her team are beyond proud of their achievement.
“We had a small contingent of crew join us on the night, which was wonderful to share this win with them,” explained Nicole.
“As a small business, this achievement means so much as it’s a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our team and winning this award for the second year in a row reinforces our commitment to creating unique guest experiences and inspires us to continue building our business.”
A small family business, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures sees Nicole and her dedicated team wear many hats each day to ensure smooth sailing across the board whilst delivering exceptional experiences for their customers to enjoy.
“Our business shines through our commitment to creating exceptional, personalised experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests,” said Nicole.
“We offer a diverse range of adventures, from sailing on the heritage yacht, Lady Enid, to exhilarating jet boat rides on Viper, and relaxing sunset cruises on Sundowner.”
In understanding the tastes of each guest, Nicole and her crew work to ensure each tour is carefully crafted to ensure guests have an enjoyable, and memorable experience during their visit to the Whitsundays, whether they are seeking tranquillity or adrenaline.
“What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and the passion our team brings to their work.
We take pride in going above and beyond to exceed guest expectations, from the quality of service onboard to the knowledge we share about the beautiful Whitsundays and its rich culture.
This dedication coupled with our drive to innovate and improve continuously, is what we believe helped us win this award.”
Along with providing guests with unforgettable experiences, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures operates with a deep commitment to supporting the local community and protecting the natural environment.
“As a business, we priortise sustainable tourism practices and strive to minimize our environmental footprint, whether through our eco-friendly operations or by raising awareness about the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands.”
Nicole believes winning the Gold title for Tour and Transport Operator perfectly captures and recognises the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices herself and her crew have made along the way, with the award standing as a reminder to continue reaching new levels of success each day.
“It reminds us why we push so hard every day, fuelling our motivation to continue pursuing our goals, and growing our business, and this accolade is not only a personal triumph, but a testament to the passion of our entire team as it’s not only a recognition of our success but also a reminder of the importance of engaging our team in everything we do, ensuring they feel valued and part of the journey.”
.jpg)
The Whitsundays original and most awarded tour operator, Ocean Rafting, continues to shine gold over the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays after taking home several awards at the 2024 Whitsundays Tourism Awards!
Ocean Rafting celebrated its 28th birthday at the gala industry awards on Daydream Island, winning gold in 'Major Tour & Transport' and silver in 'Adventure Tourism.' The team was also recognized as the Whitsundays favourite tourism experience in the consumer-voted 'People’s Choice Award.' With three consecutive golds in 'Major Tour & Transport' and three in 'People’s Choice,' they entered the Hall of Fame.
Peter and Jan Claxton, owners of Ocean Rafting for 28 years, and sons Cole and Kerr Claxton alongside 34 passionate Ocean Rafting staff represented the family owned and operated business at the celebrations.
Kerr, Ocean Rafting's operations manager, explained, "Tourism is an amazing industry; however, it is a seven-day-a-week operation, and a lot of time and effort is required to ensure operation runs as smoothly as possible. This operation would not be what it is today without a fantastic team.
"I'd also like to thank and acknowledge Tourism Whitsundays, and everyone involved for putting on yet another fantastic Tourism Awards event. It allows us operators to get together and celebrate an incredible industry."
Jan Claxton, owner of Ocean Rafting, “Could not be prouder” of the Ocean Rafting Teams efforts at the 2024 awards.
“Being family-owned and operated allows us to be agile and efficient when making on-the-go decisions. This translates to our team feeling empowered and responsible for their choices, ideas, and actions,” said Jan.
Good things come in three’s – Ocean Rafting enters the Hall of Fame!
Party Cakes Whitsunday won gold in the ‘Excellence In Food Tourism’ category at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards.
It isn’t the first time Party Cakes Whitsundays has won an award, they were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
Owner Vhari Kelly said to win this year meant a lot to her, especially because she runs a small business.
“I am very proud of what I have achieved as the sole employee and operator of my business,” she said.
Vhari is a qualified pastry chef and defines herself as a perfectionist and she will not supply a customer with a product unless she is happy with it herself.
“I will not deliver a cake to a client that is not 100% quality inside and out,” said Vhari.
“Even if it means starting a whole cake again from scratch to achieve that.
“I will also go above and beyond to make the whole process from ordering to eating of your cake as easy and enjoyable as possible.”
All her hard work is a testament to the value she brings to the Whitsunday food space.
“I would like to thank my many returning customers who come back each year to order their kids birthday cakes. But a lot of thanks also goes to my family who support me and my business, and often assist with deliveries and cake pick-ups when I am unable.”
Party Cakes Whitsunday creates delicious cakes for every occasion, with gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free options. They also offer sweet treat platters featuring sugar cookies, biscuits, indulgent slices, and profiteroles.
Enjoy your next event with a cake from an award-winning bakery.
Owner of Party Cakes Whitsunday Vhari Kelly with her award accompanied by her husband Zak Kelly
“It’s like winning a Grand Final,” shared Paul Tuddenham, manager of Peninsula Airlie Beach, and beyond proud and grateful recipient of the Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2024 Best of Queensland Accommodation title.
Peninsula Airlie Beach proudly welcomes families and tourists to their 5-star establishment to enjoy a memorable visit to the Whitsundays. Paul, Francine and their dedicated staff have been honourably awarded numerous titles over the past 3 ½ years in recognition of their exceptional levels of customer service and the experience they provide their guests.
This includes; ARAMA Resident Manager of the Year (2022), Tourism Whitsunday Customer Service Award (2022), Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award (2022, 2023 and 2024), the Queensland Tourism 2024 Gold List of Australian Accommodation 5 Star Rating, and now the 2024 Best of Queensland Accommodation Award.
“We are really thrilled to win this award, to receive any award is a real achievement,” said Paul.
“All successful service businesses set out to provide excellent customer service,to be the best they can be, and to keep improving to maintain that level of service.
To receive an award is an achievement for all the work that gets done, the time, and money invested in the business, it is a real highlight for us, and something we can proudly display to our owners and guests.”
Paul and Francine believe receiving this award perfectly highlights the work of their staff, explaining they are extremely fortunate to have people like Lex, Dorothy, Martie and her team at Eco Clean, working hard every day to ensure the grounds, administration, and accommodation reflects the highest possible standard.
Delighted and proud winners!
Pinnacles Airlie Beach was celebrated for their commitment to upholding exceptional levels of hospitality and customer service at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards where Therese and the team received the Gold Award for Self Contained Accommodation.
“This year, we achieved the Hall of Fame with three consecutive wins in this category, and we were over the moon to receive the Gold Award,” shared Therese.
The luxury accommodation facility is situated on Golden Orchid Drive, and prides itself on operating with each of their apartments individually owned. Located 300m from the heart of Airlie Beach, the accommodation serves as a popular destination for honeymooners and couples, with many enjoying the magnificent views and touch of romance fostered by the balcony’s jacuzzi.
“We recognise that every one of our guests have different requirements to make their holiday experience the best for them,” she shared.
We are continually trying to evolve and be innovative with the experience we offer our guests, and in the last two years in particular, we have had a huge focus on sustainability.”
Pinnacles Airlie Beach shared a warm thank you to all their staff who endeavour to make each and every guest’s stay with the facility memorable, explaining this award perfectly captures the level of service they work to achieve.
“The awards process although can seem a little daunting, is very rewarding and it continues to make us review and improve our processes,” said Therese.
“The awards night is a whole lot of fun and a great way for industry to get together and celebrate.”
The SeaLink Whitsundays team celebrated outstanding success at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, bringing home a remarkable collection of accolades. Red Cat Adventures was named the region’s top choice for Adventure Tourism, winning Gold in this category and Silver for Major Tour and Transport Operator.
Whitsunday Jetski Tours also shone brightly, earning Silver in the Tour and Transport category and Bronze for Adventure Tourism.
Asher Telford, General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays and co-founder of Red Cat Adventures, expressed his excitement about the wins. “These local awards validate our staff's hard work and dedication, showcasing the quality of our offerings. We’re thrilled to expand our range of experiences in the region,” he said.
In the past year, SeaLink Whitsundays continued to provide unforgettable experiences aboard our custom-designed ‘Thundercats,’ the stunning sailing vessel ‘Tongarra,’ and a fleet of exciting jet skis.
The team has embraced innovation through marketing campaigns, conducted an accessibility audit and upgrade, and introduced new experiences, including an outer reef snorkel adventure aboard the state-of-the-art vessel Wildcat, as well as guided jet ski, snorkelling and beach tours for guests at Intercontinental Hayman Island.
Julie Telford, Business Development Manager, highlighted that the awards reflect the unwavering commitment of their dedicated team.
“This recognition belongs to our incredible staff, who are the backbone of our businesses, our supportive local community, and everyone who has ever experienced our products—these awards are for you,” she remarked.
The SeaLink team excited to start the night
Last Saturday at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards Scamper celebrated a Bronze winner award in the Eco-Tourism category
A small team from Scamper attended the events and were thrilled when they were announced Bronze and heard the room roar.
Owner & Manager at Scamper Sarah Vickery said “Only gold winners get on stage, though the cheer from the crowd when our awards were mentioned felt really special that so many people in the industry were happy and proud of us.”
“To be only our second year in the awards and 5th year on owning our own business we are so proud of what we have achieved so far.
“From being just skippers to business owners, we really appreciate the judges for acknowledging how far we have come, and to know we are on the right path.”
Scamper is a unique business in the Whitsundays that not only offer daily transfers for people that wish to do an overnight camp on the islands, hire camping equipment, and kayaks for transport, but they also offer transfers to South Molle Island for half day walks and mountain biking on the island.
Camping transfers run daily, and you don’t need to have you own equipment or worry about cleaning it, Scamper will take care of all of that for you.
Locals also receive a nice discount.
Go camping with the award winner Scamper today!
Let’s go Camping!
Scamper team receiving their award!
SeaLink Whitsundays has won the Best of Queensland Experience Award at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards!
SeaLink achieved the highest score across the region based on customer reviews and overall guest satisfaction.
In just over 12 months, SeaLink Whitsundays has proudly earned a 100% five-star rating, a testament to their commitment to exceptional customer service and unforgettable experiences.
This achievement places SeaLink at the forefront of Whitsunday businesses, further cementing their reputation for excellence in the region.
Asher Telford, General Manager of SeaLink in the Whitsundays pointed out that SeaLink’s success is built on a foundation of customer-centric service:
"It doesn’t get better than 100%! Winning the same award for Wildcat at the Mackay Tourism Awards just a week ago shows how committed we are to our customers. From the first phone call to the last bus drop-off, it takes everyone to achieve these results. Massive congratulations to the whole team!”
SeaLink Whitsundays attributes its win to a combination of modern vessels, smaller group sizes, unique tour offerings, and an unyielding commitment to guest satisfaction. With a dedicated, knowledgeable crew, the company continues to create memorable and eco-friendly experiences that showcase the natural beauty of the Whitsundays.
Reservations and Sales Coordinator Heather Thatcher said what makes SeaLink stand out is the unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction and our passionate, knowledgeable crew who go above and beyond to provide memorable experiences,”.
As they celebrate this impressive win, SeaLink Whitsundays is looking forward to continuing their growth alongside their other award-winning ventures, Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours. With their sights set on the future, the team remains committed to offering world-class experiences for visitors to the Whitsundays.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
