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.
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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.
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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
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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
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By Hannah McNamara
Sworn into the Queensland Police on July 2, 1948, Constable First Class Roy Doyle began his career in Cairns before being transferred to Mackay in 1952. His dedication to the community and commitment to his duties were evident throughout his career, but it was on March 30, 1956, during one of the region’s most devastating floods, that he demonstrated the true weight of the badge he wore.
It was on a gruelling Friday afternoon, where heavy rains had caused the Pioneer River to rise dangerously, flooding the Mackay area. Doyle, along with other officers, worked tirelessly to maintain order and ensure the safety of the community. As the river's waters peaked and began to recede, the situation appeared to be under control. However, the unexpected occurred when a man under the influence of alcohol, emerged into the floodwaters, attempting to swim across the raging river. Despite the dangers, Constable Doyle, alongside his colleagues, jumped in to save him.
In the chaos, Doyle’s decision to assist another officer in rescuing the man tragically cost him his life. Diving into the roaring waters of the Pioneer River, Doyle then struck his head on a submerged block of concrete. The impact left him significantly injured and despite efforts to save him, he passed away on April 1, 1956.
His sacrifice was recognised when he became the first Queensland police officer to be awarded the Queen’s Medal for Gallantry.
Just last week, on the 27th of September, former and current police officers as well as family members gathered at the Mount Basset cemetery to unveil Doyle’s refurbished headstone.
What was once a faded tile of memorabilia, has now been refined into a restored place of remembrance, where work colleagues, friends and family members can pay their respects to a man of bravery and might.
In attendance was Doyle’s two daughters Diane Jeff’s and Judith McGrath, who greatly appreciated the ceremony and unveiling of his new headstone.
“Diane and I are so proud of our father,” Judith said.
“Even though it’s been 68 years, we still have the feelings…we still miss him terribly and we wish he’d been here with us.”
The sisters were the first to unveil the restored plaque, which they then laid a reef in loving memory of their Father.
Secretary for the Mackay and Whitsunday Branch of Retired Police, Andre Wijtenburg said, “I ask each of you to remember all police officers who have given their lives in execution of their duty, and the families that they have left behind.”
He emphasised the importance of honouring the officers who sacrificed their life, not just on Police Remembrance Day, but for years to come, setting Constable First Class Roy Doyle as a remarkable example of the selfless spirit that gave his life to save others.
Constable Roy Doyle, 1948 Image No. PM1791 Courtesy of the Queensland Police Museum
Former work collegues, friends and family members of Constable Roy Doyle gathered at the Mount Bassett Cemetery to honour the enduring legacy that he left behind, even 68 years later.
Mr Doyle’s two daughters Diane Jeff’s and Judith McGrath. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Queensland’s Premier Steven Miles, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, and local Labor candidates Belinda Hassan (Mackay), Bauke Hovinga (Whitsunday) and Susan Teder (Mirani) gathered with supporters at the Souths Suburban Bowls Club last Tuesday to discuss Labor's future plans.
The room was a sea of bright red as locals enthusiastically cheered for Premier Steven Miles and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, who promised cost-of-living relief, improved housing, energy bill reductions and greater economic fairness.
Premier of Queensland Steven Miles
Deputy Premier of Queensland Cameron Dick
Candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan
Candidate for Whitsunday Bauke Hovinga
Candidate for Mirani Susan Teder. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
From addressing common electoral issues to confronting topics often deemed "controversial" by critics, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party continues to be a vocal advocate for what it sees as the pressing concerns of everyday Australians. The party has made a name for itself by tackling issues that many believe are overlooked by the major political parties, positioning itself as a defender of traditional values and fair working class.
Last Saturday, One Nation candidate for Whitsunday and former Whitsunday Mayor, Julie Hall, welcomed Pauline Hanson to Mackay for a dinner event with local supporters at the Blacks Beach Tavern. The evening offered an opportunity to discuss pressing national matters and the party’s vision for the future.
The room was filled with applause as Hanson and Hall touched on a range of topics.
Whether it's championing stricter immigration policies, supporting pro-life initiatives, or advocating for greater investment in local industries like farming and mining, the party seeks to address what it sees as the key issues impacting the lives of Australians in rural and regional communities.
“I will continue my journey in representing the people and giving the people a say, and that’s what One Nation stands for…because we need change,” said Julie.
Pauline Hanson, Senator for Queensland, was pleased to be in Mackay and expressed her confidence in Hall, commending her dedication to the region.
“Julie is working tirelessly to bring strong representation to its people.
“I know she will be a powerful voice for this important part of Queensland.
“I have conservative values… I believe in a hard days work for a fair days pay and I also believe in reaping the rewards of hard work like the farming sector and our defence forces… these are things that are close to my heart.
“One Nation is standing up for the people who’ve been left behind and now is the time to fight for our future.”
Pauline Hanson highlights One Nation’s dedication to improving local industries, as Julie Hall pledges to bring a powerful voice to Mackay and the Whitsundays. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
The Proserpine Entertainment Centre hosted the elegant and colourful 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball over the weekend.
Over 200 people attended the evening, and it was a night of delicious food, generous fundraising and merriment.
Mayor Ry Collins selected two charities this year, BMA CQ Rescue and Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), two charities that do important life-saving work in our region.
Over $60,000 was raised for these great charities through ticket sales, raffles, and an auction.
It was a spectacular event.
Blair Vea Vea, Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, Melanie Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Annette Williamson, and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Mayor Ry Collins’ first Mayor’s Charity Ball was a high-class evening, with a touch of sparkle.
This year the event had two options, the Gala Experience, complete with a three-course meal and charity auction.
This was followed with the After Dark Experience which started at 8pm and guests could dance the night away in front of the amazing 1RAR band and DJ Cue.
Deputy Mayor and Councillor Michelle Wright, Councillor Gary Simpson, Councillor Clay Bauman, Mayor of the Isaac Kelly Vea Vea, Mayor of the Whitsundays Ry Collins, Melanie Collins, Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson, Councillor Jan Clifford and Councillor John Collins.
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Collinsville Men’s Shed could get an upgrade if plans to enhance its facilities with a proposed $400,000 extension go ahead.
Under the leadership of Club President Philip Higham, the shed has served as a vital gathering place for local residents since its inception eight years ago.
Higham, who has been president for five years, emphasises the shed's role as a sanctuary where members can engage in meaningful projects, vent their frustrations, and foster camaraderie.
The shed is known for its community initiatives, including timber projects for local schools, fundraising raffles, and casual gatherings. However, as demand for its services grows, so does the need for more space.
Higham is working with Member for Burdekin Dale Last to install a larger shed, which will allow for better timber storage and the installation of an overhead dust extraction system.
“We currently have nowhere to build and store larger projects safely,” Higham explains.
The Men’s Shed has been fortunate to receive substantial support from the mines and the council, which owns the building. With upgrades to electrical systems and machinery, the shed has transformed from a small room into a well-equipped workshop. Higham acknowledges that while running the shed takes organisation and dedication, the impact it has on members is immeasurable.
“It's absolutely critical,” he states. “This space provides mental health benefits as members connect with like-minded individuals.”
Currently operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays with around 20 members, the shed plans to expand its hours to include Thursdays once the new extension is completed.
The Collinsville Men’s Shed. Photo supplied
Hi Everyone,
Over the weekend I had the honour of listening to Matt Stokes from Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) speak to an audience of over 200 people at the Mayor’s Charity Ball.
He was on stage to thank the Mayor and attendees for donating half of the proceeds of the ball to WSPN, but his message was so much bigger than that.
The suicide rates in Australia are heartbreaking to witness and one so recently here in our own community was undoubtedly on the minds of many as they listened to Matt speak on Saturday night.
To think an individual would feel so lost and without hope that they choose to take their own life is so shattering and so difficult for many to comprehend.
Despite suicide being so often misunderstood the incredible team at WSPN are doing such amazing work to change this stigma, to let people know that they are not alone, it’s ok to say you are struggling, everyone finds life hard sometimes.
Having such a public platform at the Mayor’s Ball opened the conversation even further and Matt’s impassioned speech really resonated with me, and I expect many others in the room.
He encouraged us all to connect, for when we connect and ask ‘are you ok?’ or take the time to check-in with others, look for signs that someone is struggling – we may just help save a life.
Suicide is not something that is happening behind closed doors, it is happening to people we all know right here in our community and, while sadly it can sometimes be too late, there is still so much hope.
If you are struggling right now reach out, talk to a friend.
Or perhaps attend a free WSPN sponsored Breathing Class – held weekly in Bowen and Cannonvale these classes are incredible – I know this from personal experience.
Rach
Quote of the Week “There’s not an expiration date on needing help, or needing people. You don’t get to a certain age and it stops.” - Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life
Meet Darcy, a kind-hearted gentleman who generously donates his homegrown pumpkins to the Proserpine Community Centre for those in need.
In today’s world, fresh and healthy food can be a luxury, and sometimes, just one pumpkin can make a huge difference in someone’s day.
Ingrid Ruck, coordinator of Proserpine community centre commented on how amazing Darcy had been for the centre:
“He is well respected within our community, and I think he has been overwhelmed with the response.”
Many community members rallied together on the Facebook post, which was posted by the centre to thank Darcy for his generosity.
The Proserpine community centre’s free food trolley is there for community members to enjoy and they encourage everyone to stop by and say hello, for a free item or for one of their amazing events, such as the sausage sizzle, Latin dancing and more.
A huge shout-out of gratitude to Darcy for providing the seasonal treats to the community centre. if you could use a pumpkin or some other goodies, the Community Centre encourages anyone to stop by anytime Monday to Friday, between 9am and 3pm.
Darcy generously donating his homegrown pumpkins, Photo supplied
The search for missing man, Joel Pringle, sadly came to an end when his body was discovered last week.
The 40-year-old man was last seen on Monday 19 August at 4.30pm at the Lagoon in Airlie Beach and, when he did not return home, was soon reported missing.
A massive search ensued with emergency service personnel and dozens of regular people all involved in a desperate effort to bring him home alive.
Teams of people scoured the areas he was known to frequent by land and by air, but there was no sign of Joel for almost three weeks.
His last known location was at 6am near Conway Range, the day following his disappearance.
Despite the intensive search to find him alive, Joel Pringle has tragically been found deceased and his death is believed to be non-suspicious.
Joel’s partner Eve Houghton shared the devastating news via her ‘Find Joel Pringle’ Facebook group.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Joel was found late yesterday evening. Unfortunately, he has passed,” the post said.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come together in the search for Joel – family, friends, and the many people who travelled from far and wide to help.
“We are incredibly thankful to the police, water police, SES, and local businesses that displayed flyers and posters.
“To everyone who offered their support and kindness - your love and care will forever be treasured by Joel’s family and close friends.
If this article has been a trigger for you, please reach out to LifeLine on 131144. Help is available and this service is open 24 hours a day. Locally, you can call Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network if you are worried about yourself or someone you are close to: 4945 2858.
Congratulations to Steve Pilcher from Pilcher’s Mitre 10 Bowen who won the Mackay and Whitsunday Life 2024 NRL Footy Competition.
It was an extremely close contest, with Steve winning by just one point with 132 points and Bruce Spannagle from the Metropole Hotel in Proserpine and Stacey Gerhart from Leader Group in joint second place with 131 points each.
Steve said he has been watching football on and off his whole life and his knowledge of football plus checking weekly stats helped him reach the win.
Additionally, since entering the competition Steve has tried to watch as many matches as possible to understand the teams and see how they were performing.
Since winning Steve said he has already been bragging to his friends that are also in the competition.
Steve considers himself a Bronco’s fan but being in North Queensland he has started to root for the Cowboys too and watches them play at least two times a year in Townsville.
Although the competition is over, Steve is already thinking about the final.
“I think it's going to be a Storm vs Panthers final,” Steve said.
“I think the Panthers will just tip them, their consistency and their structure has been very impressive so far this year.”
For winning the competition Steve receives Two Grand Final Tickets, $1000 cash, a one-page profile in Core Life Magazine (valued at $1895), and a full-page advert in Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper.
Well deserved, congratulations – let’s see if you can back it up next year!
Steve Pilcher winner of our 2024 Footy Tipping Competition. Photo supplied
4-year-old Theo Large is described as an easy-going and fun-loving kid, who always has a bright smile on his face. Sadly, little Theo’s life changed on the 14th August 2024, when he was diagnosed with Childhood Leukaemia.
Theo was taken to the Proserpine Hospital on 14 August, as it was clear to his parents something wasn't quite right. He was taken by ambulance to Mackay hospital that evening. Theo was then flown to Brisbane by Life Flight on the 15th of August and his treatment began at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane on 17th August.
The news has been devastating for Theo’s family. As the middle child of three, Theo's family has been temporarily divided, with Theo and his parents staying in Brisbane while his siblings are with their grandparents in Proserpine.
With the need for the community to rally around them for support, the family, alongside The Hangar Cafe and Bar have organised a community raffle to help them raise much needed funds, to help mitigate the mounting bills for ongoing treatments and travel and living expenses the family are currently enduring.
Every contribution counts. Whether you make a small donation or purchase a $20 raffle ticket online or from The Hangar Cafe and Bar, you can truly make a difference in this little boy's life. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win amazing prizes, from an acrobatic flight to a thrilling skydive over the stunning Whitsundays.
Family friend and manager at The Hangar Cafe and Bar, Dan Shoebridge, stated that the money raised from the raffle will help relieve the pressure for the family.
“It will help give some stability and normality to them, while their life's been turned upside down,” he shared.
Despite the devastating news, lovely Theo still has a smile on his face, and seems to be remaining positive.
Dan commented on how amazing the Whitsundays community has been in the midst of such turmoil, and in just 24 hours of the fundraiser being live, the community had helped raise over $9000.
“It's so overwhelming, to see the amount of support that everyone rallies together and brings, especially in the trying, tough times we're all experiencing at the moment with financial hardship, it's amazing to see people giving.”
Theo still has a long journey ahead, and with the raffle continuing on until October, you still have plenty of time to enter.
“Any funds that come through are extremely appreciated on behalf of the family.”
Help support Theo’s journey and his family by donating anything you can through this extremely difficult period.
The Whitsundays are thinking of you Theo.
Head to The Hangar Cafe and Bar Facebook page to donate or call the cafe to find out more: 0487 006 929
Four-year-old Theo battling through with a smile
Help raise funds for Theo and his family
Equipped with all-new, state-of-the-art facilities, the brand-new Airlie Beach Fire Station has opened its doors and is ready to serve its community members.
The stunning new space has replaced the older and smaller station that was located in Jubilee Pocket, near PCYC.
With Airlie Beach’s continued population growth, the decision to upgrade and expand the local fire station was in order to better help serve the community, with the old station having been in operation for the past 45 years.
Fourth class firefighter, Jay Steele mentioned how the new station offers modern facilities and a dedicated training room for firefighters.
He also stated that the new location on MacArthur Drive in Cannonvale enables improved response times.
It allows for better coverage of areas like the highway and maintains service to existing areas.
Firefighter Blair Mitchell also spoke about the new facilities and their improvement on response times:
“It means much better response times, we are in the centre of the community now, rather than all the way out in Jubilee Pocket.”
Station Officer, Kevin Tomas, expressed his excitement about the new facilities and how they will improve the firefighters' operations:
“It allows us to respond a bit more towards the highway as well, so we can reach a lot more jobs.”
The move will enable firies to get to the residential areas quicker and more efficiently, in turn, better serving the Airlie Beach community.
Senior fire fighter Blake Broadwood explained how the brand new large and open space, allows for more expansion opportunities within the station itself including it becoming a 24/7 fire station.
“It is capable of harbouring a 24/7 fire station,” he shared.
An official opening ceremony was held last Thursday, and in attendance was firefighters and their families alongside special guests, Amanda Camm MP and Councillor Gary Simpson, although the official operations began on Monday 16 September.
The fire station is also looking for any new potential Auxiliary Firefighters that can help assist at the station. At present the station has 11 Auxiliary firefighters and maximum capacity is 20.
If you are looking at getting in the red truck and being Airlie Beach’s newest firefighter, make sure to enquire at the brand-new station which is actively hiring, or head on down to take a sneak peak of the shiny new facilities in Cannonvale.
Firies showing off their brand-new station
Blair Mitchell, Jay Steele, Blake Broadwood and Kevin Tomas with the fire truck.
Amanda Camm MP visiting the new facility.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP is calling on Whitsunday residents frustrated with the lack of decent boating infrastructure in our region to have their say and register their support for boat ramp upgrades.
“We have the highest boat ownership per capita in the state and our boating infrastructure is not sufficient to meet demand,” Ms Camm stated.
“And the infrastructure we do have is not only under par but in some cases dangerous.
“Shute Harbour boat ramp is a prime example of a government refusing to undertake proper community consultation on design and leaving our community with an unsafe ramp, not fit for purpose”.
The boat ramp has been a point of contention for boat-owners within the Whitsunday community since it opened in 2021.
The $1.8 million state-owned structure has been called an “engineering disgrace” and becomes submerged at hightide, with many boaties calling it dangerous and not fit for use.
Ms Camm is calling for safer ramps with more all-tide access, more trailable carparks, better lighting and security and for more local consultation on design and planning.
“It’s time the government got serious about our infrastructure. Instead of just patchwork upgrades, it’s time to look at the big picture and look at new infrastructure, like at Shute Bay,” Ms Camm stated.
“For the last four years I have been standing up for our local boaties, but this government has refused to listen.
“It’s time for locals to have their say on what boating infrastructure improvements they want in our region and call on this government to make a commitment ahead of the election in October”.
Ms Camm invited the community to go to www.betterboatramps.com.au to register their support.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP fights for local boaties
The Shute Harbour boat ramp has been labelled an “engineering disgrace”
Last week in this newspaper we incorrectly stated that Julie Hall ran against Amanda Camm in the last state election.
Please note, this information was incorrect.
Julie Hall in fact ran for the One Nation Party in the Federal election.
We apologise to Ms Hall and look forward to featuring more about her current election bid as a candidate for the role of Member of the Whitsundays in the upcoming state election due to be held on October 26th.
Direct flights from Adelaide to the Whitsunday’s started earlier this month, and the flight path has been an instant success.
In just two hours and 20 minutes people from Adelaide can get to the region, whereas previously visitors would have to catch a connecting flight, equalling approximately an eight-hour journey.
CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner said the new route is making it much easier for people from Adelaide to get here to the Whitsundays and beyond.
“For a long time, it's been so difficult for people from Adelaide to get here,” said Craig.
“It was expensive, inconvenient, and it was a long way to get here, going via Melbourne or Brisbane, whereas now it's cheaper, it's faster, and it's direct.
“1.2 million people from South Australia can now access the Whitsunday coast effectively and conveniently.”
To display this new route, Jetstar the airline supplying the service, and Whitsunday Coast Airport have been advertising everywhere.
Advertisements in this paper, posts on social media, digital billboards in Adelaide and Whitsunday Coast Airports plus on radio are just some ways the route has been advertised.
Whitsunday Coast Airport are thrilled the Adelaide flights are up and running but they won’t stop there.
“We're really happy, we will continue to monitor the flights. We are also active in the market to make sure that these flights are sustainable, and they last,” said Craig.
“Just because we've got the flights in, doesn't mean the jobs done.
“There's still more to do to make sure people know where they can fly to or from when they're in the Whitsundays.”
The new flights are great for local tourism and also supplies local residents with another potential route.
“The airport services the whole region, from tourism, visitors, mining, agriculture – everyone in our community!” said Craig.
“The airport is the funnel to drive the economy for the Whitsundays.”
Skytrans Airline has been operating a flight from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Cairns for over two years and they want more people to know about it.
Why fly south and spend up to six hours in transit, when in just 1 hour and 25 minutes you can get from the Whitsundays to Cairns, and still enjoy that wonderful tropical weather?
Whitsundays to Cairns is over 600 kilometres and a takes several hours to drive, which is a long drive and too long for some.
The direct flight from Whitsundays to Cairns connects people in Cairns and the Whitsundays, allowing people to fly seamlessly between the two, without having an expensive and longer flight connecting from Brisbane.
In Cairns you can experience the iconic Skyrail, Indigenous tours and white-water rafting, or explore the greater area such as Port Douglas or the Daintree.
During Pre- Covid times the Whitsunday Coast Airport visitors would be 45% international.
International customers would arrive via Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, but they did not have international customers arriving from the north.
CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport Craig Turner said “People can fly now into Cairns and then straight to the Whitsundays directly.”
“It was strategically important because it opened up a northern international entry point for us as a destination,” he explained.
“We are already seeing more and more international tourists coming in on that flight.”
Seeing more and more international visitors coming directly from Cairns is encouraging and is on trend with the State and Federal Government forecast of international visitation reaching its full strength and pre-covid levels at the end of 2025.
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