By Cr Heath Paton

As the wheels of progress turn in the Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton and Eungella are gearing up for an exciting new chapter. The mountain bike project that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike is moving into its next stage, with council inviting the community to hear the latest updates.

Council will be providing a community update on the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Project in Finch Hatton and Eungella on Monday, December 1 from 4pm to 5pm at the Eungella Hub and 6pm to 7pm at the Finch Hatton Cattle Creek Admin Building.

These sessions will include an update on the stage two feasibility study, a project update and an economic development update. Online registration is required. Please go online to council’s Connecting Mackay website to register: https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/finch-hatton-mtb.

If you cannot attend the session, the presentation will be made available on Connecting Mackay after the session.

Council recently sought community feedback on proposed changes to its planning scheme that could reshape Finch Hatton and Eungella – two townships at the heart of the Pioneer Valley’s ambitious mountain bike project. The Major Amendment 3 to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme seeks to enable commercial and non-residential development in specific precincts of Finch Hatton and Eungella.

Two new precincts would be established in Finch Hatton – a town centre precinct (TS1) and a trailhead precinct (TS2) – plus a town-centre precinct in Eungella (TS3).

A key driver behind the amendment is the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail network. These changes will better support tourism and trail-related activities while still protecting residents, the environment and infrastructure.

Community planning for the two towns began with a Local Area Planning project, which examined their character, heritage, environmental constraints and infrastructure. The goal has been clear – to transition Finch Hatton and Eungella into thriving “trail towns” that complement the MTB network with amenities like accommodation, eateries and connectivity – without losing their small-town charm.

These townships will also serve as service hubs, offering shuttle services, tourist offerings and rider infrastructure. The Finch Hatton Trailhead, located in the town centre, features ample amenities: parking, bike racks, a water station, a wash station, rest areas, picnic spots and even historical features such as the old Kungurri turntable.

As the Pioneer Valley prepares to redefine adventure tourism in Central Queensland, the Finch Hatton MTB project stands as a bold example of how nature, sport and community can ride together into a prosperous future.

Let’s Chat – Council Connect

Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.  The next session will be at the Northern Beaches Community Hall from 5.30pm on December 3.

Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

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No business wants to look back and wonder whether a different decision may have led to a stronger outcome, yet it often surfaces the moment a competitor seems to be gaining momentum. What if we’d done it differently? What if we’d challenged the ‘that’s how it’s always been done’ playbook? What if we’d taken the risk? What if we made it ours? These moments often point to a deeper issue: whether a brand is using its unique voice or simply following familiar patterns because they feel safe. At redhotblue, we thrive in this space of questioning and love finding the balance between imagination and strategy, to help brands shine.

Quick solutions are tempting, but ‘easy’ and ‘effective’ rarely go hand in hand. Templated designs may offer convenience, but they come at the cost of distinction, the very thing a brand relies on to be remembered. When the same layout is used by a hairdresser, an electrician, and a café, it fails to convey any meaningful information. In a saturated market, this sameness makes it harder for customers to recognise, recall, or connect with a specific brand.

Trends create a similar challenge. They may seem exciting, but building your brand on a trend is risky. A brand that relies too heavily on a trending aesthetic can quickly appear outdated when the trend shifts. However, this doesn’t mean trends should be avoided entirely. They can be extremely useful in marketing, particularly for short-term campaigns or seasonal promotions. The key difference is that your brand story needs to remain consistent to build trust and familiarity, while your marketing can be flexible and adaptable to ensure maximum engagement.

Chasing trends comes with risk, but so does reaching for the lowest-hanging fruit. Playing it safe rarely stands out or moves a business forward. A professional graphic designer can craft a visual identity that’s unmistakably yours, one that works across media and customer touchpoints. Not settling for something generic or derivative can minimise regret later and increase the chances of standing out.

Defining a brand’s own path often requires businesses to take a more deliberate, strategic approach. Being bold doesn’t mean being louder or more dramatic; it means being confident in the values, visual cues, and messaging that set that business apart. At redhotblue, bold is in our DNA. We don’t play it safe or recycle what’s been done before; instead, we ensure each brand is authentic, memorable, and aligned with its story, values, and audience. So, decision-makers are never left wondering, “What if?”

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Up until my summer holidays a couple of years ago I didn’t know that cockatoos had quite a sweet tooth.

I knew they were friendly, smart and noisy and I was aware that feeding them was a no-no but until my trip to Hamilton Island that summer I wasn’t fully aware of their sweet tooth.

During that Hammo visit I also found out what happens when you leave the sliding doors open overnight to the balcony in the flash unit you have rented.

We had been on Hammo for four or five days in one of those beautiful two-level units with a huge balcony over-looking the Coral Sea.

The kids were 16 and 20 and had largely been doing their own thing so my wife and I were able to enjoy a few dinners and drinks with friends.

When it came to our last night we probably indulged a little more than we should have, in light of our morning departure the next day, and we ended up having late-night drinks on our balcony before crashing for the evening.

There is a strong suggestion among family members that I was the last one up and the last to leave the balcony and go to bed that night.

That was certainly the consensus the next morning when everyone awoke to the balcony doors wide open and the enormous downstairs living area looking like it had been ransacked by marauding primates.

Any food that had been left on benchtops had been attacked and sampled but it was those long, thin, straw-shaped packets of sugar provided for guests that attracted the most attention from our uninvited guests.

There were a few extra things I became aware of after emerging from the upstairs master bedroom: cockatoos are incredibly dexterous with their beaks, somehow they know that those cylindrical little paper packets contain sugar, a unit gets very hot and humid when the sliding doors are left open overnight and sugar granules create a horrible, sticky mess on  ceramic floor tiles in a humid environment.

I looked around for the kids but they had miraculously disappeared so I spent the next few hours on my hands and knees scrubbing the caked-on sugar granules off the beautiful white ceramic tiles. Those cockatoos had managed to spread the sugar over most of the tiles and it was hard work and pretty much the last thing I felt like doing in my final ours at Hammo.

But, of course, you can’t leave a place in that state so you do what you have to do.

It’s a bit like when a house is sold and the sellers clean up and leave it for the next owners. It’s not necessarily what you feel like doing but it’s the right thing.

It is a wonderful experience for the buyers when they open the door to their new home and the place is spotless. The walls are clean, the floors are mopped, the cupboards and draws have been wiped out, the oven has been cleaned properly and all the dust and grime that had been hidden behind furniture and other belongings has been vacuumed up and removed.

The alternative, when the place has not been cleaned properly, is a real disappointment for the buyers and can create a real let-down at what should be an exciting, momentous occasion.

We always remind sellers to clean the place and most people don’t need the reminder because, as a matter of courtesy, they want to do the right thing by the people they are handing the place over to.

And, in my experience, 99 per cent of the time sellers do the right thing and buyers get to enjoy the experience of moving into the home they fell in love with.

Leaving the place clean is good karma … but don’t expect the kids to help you.

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As 2026 draws near, the team at Century 21 Coast to Coalfields would like to extend our warmest wishes to all our clients, friends, and community members.

This year has been an incredible journey, and we want to take a moment to say thank you — to our amazing sellers, buyers, landlords, tenants, and everyone who has supported us throughout the year. Your trust and partnership have been the foundation of our success.

We’re proud of what we achieved together in 2025 — it’s been a great year of growth and teamwork. As we look ahead, we’re excited for an even bigger and better year to come, filled with new opportunities, new faces, and more success stories to share.

As a Christmas gift from us, we are offering 4 weeks of free property management! If you’re interested, please contact our team for more information.

From all of us here at Century 21 Coast to Coalfields, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year!

Here’s to an exciting 2026!

– The Century 21 Coast to Coalfields Team

hello.mackay@century21.com.au
07 4837 1788

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Turning the final corner with only a few kilometres to go, Whitsunday’s local Liv Compton fixed her eyes on the finish line and on a victory. When she crossed first among women in the brutal Coast to Kosci ultramarathon in New South Wales, she didn’t just finish, she reached a personal milestone.

Ultra running is far from ordinary. With relentless training, iron will determination, and unwavering support from her team, Liv carved her own path in the world of endurance sport, and not only that, she sprinted all the way to the top.

For Liv, who has been running since she was 13 and progressed from trail runs to ultramarathons, it has never been just about crossing the finish line. It’s about pushing through when it feels like she can’t.

The sound of cheers echoes across the verdant peaks of Charlotte's Pass, New South Wales, the wind howls, and a crowd waits in anticipation. Whitsundays local Liv Compton turns the last corner of Coast to Kosci effortlessly; it’s a sight she’s seen twice before: the finish line. After 28 hours of gruelling terrain and 240km, she has made it. As the distance closes rapidly between herself and the finish line, she breaks through the ribbon; she is the first woman in the race to cross.

This win was not one of luck, but one that has followed countless hours and years of training, since she first started running at the age of 13. For Liv, the advice she gives to those looking to improve their running is simple: “Keep running every single day, multiple times a day,” advice she follows herself, with her averaging 160km on some weeks.

“Marathons and ultramarathons are two completely different sports,” Liv explained.

Ultras require far more planning, especially when it comes to nutrition. Liv, unlike many other contestants, did not receive coaching. “I live alone with my two children and work full-time, so I just make time for it. I usually run in the mornings and the afternoons,” Liv explained.

“My [nutrition] plan often goes out the window.”

“This time around, I was mainly having fluids, like smoothies, gels and liquid carbs.”

After around 105km, Liv’s plan began to falter. She consumed too much too soon, and the resulting nausea allowed her to be passed by several runners. However, after this had passed, Liv felt “amazing” and pushed through to the finish. One thing she knows is that this feeling is temporary, “I know that from experience, right? I know it's going to pass, that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Liv then began to catch the leading woman, running neck and neck with her for most of the race, Liv taking her time and happy to chase; however, at the same checkpoint after 150km, the pair spoke:

“She told me she was struggling, but like I said, I know her, so I didn't really believe that.”

With only 60 invited contenders, simply finishing this prestigious event is an achievement. Winning your category is an honour few ever experience. Liv will never forget those final minutes:

“I was running on pure adrenaline the last I don't know how many kilometres, I've done it before, so I knew I was getting close, and it was just pure happiness."

“I can't describe it, it was just one of the best moments of my life, crossing that line,” Liv recalled.

It was Liv’s first time winning Coast to Kosci, beating her previous time by an extraordinary 4 hours. She said the biggest change from her last race was how she tackled the climbs. Rather than running the whole hill, she ran only the final 50 metres, giving her enough momentum to hold a seven-minute-per-kilometre pace.

The race for Liv, however, wasn’t about winning; she just wanted to be happy with her “own race,” and what made it special was the “team effort.”

“I had an amazing crew with me that helped me get to this point. I think that winning the race made the effort for them worth it as well.”

Doubting yourself is a regular part of any race, but Liv says the main lesson she learnt from the race is that she must “start believing in [herself], and [her] own capabilities:
“I'm 42, we can do anything, age is just a number, just stop that self-doubt and just go for it.”

Liv crossing the line in first place at Coast to kosci. photo sourced.

Liv Compton hugging her boyfriend Nathan Phipps. Photo sourced.

Hi everyone,

More than 200 people from across our community came together last Friday for a truly special occasion – the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

The dress code, Hi-Vis to High-Glam, set an inspiring tone for the night and I was delighted to see such an eclectic mix on arrival: a stunning 1920s tassel dress, some very sharp shorts proudly worn by the younger attendees, and even one guest who channelled Marilyn Monroe with sass and style. This combination felt so authentically “Whitsundays” – a region filled with tradies, self-starters, school leavers, beachside corporates, fun-loving hospos and everyone in between.

The inclusive dress code perfectly matched the spirit of the event itself. For a first-year awards night, it already felt vibrant, welcoming and truly representative of who we are as a region.

Inside, the cabaret-style setting, live music and delicious snack boxes created a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Radio personality Meecham Philpott emceed the evening with humour, energy and just the right amount of genuine enthusiasm.

Twelve of our team of twenty attended, after spending the day in training and choosing to unwind together at the awards that evening. Having so many of our team present made what happened next even more special – hearing our name announced as the winner of the Regional Game Changer Award.

We all leapt onto the stage to collect the award and, in my excitement to gather everyone into place, I managed to drop the solid glass object on the floor! It hit the stage with a thud, which was followed by a dramatic gasp from the audience. Thankfully it didn’t break, and I quickly scooped it up, dusted it off and tucked it safely back into its velvet box. Worried I might be remembered as “the girl who dropped the award,” I apologised into the microphone before offering a brief but heartfelt speech. Fortunately, the crowd was wonderfully kind – and forgiving.

Receiving this award means the world to our team. As many of you know, our central office is based here in the Whitsundays, with half our team working locally and the rest stationed across the regions our other newspapers serve. Five years ago, we launched our first paper, Mackay and Whitsunday Life. Since then, two communities have invited us to open newspapers in their regions, leading to Burdekin Life and Hinchinbrook Life.

We believe passionately in giving regional communities a free voice in print. Our mission is to share quality local stories, celebrate positive news, connect communities and document history as it unfolds. I genuinely feel our papers have been gamechangers for the towns we serve, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of this revival of community journalism.

To all the businesses who won or were nominated – congratulations. It was wonderful to celebrate alongside you. Business is tough, but together we make it shine.

You can read the full Whitsunday Business Award feature from page 17.

Rach

Quote of the week: "If your dreams don't scare you, they are too small" (Richard Branson)

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One of the greatest strengths of our region is how deeply people care about where they live. When something has the potential to change our community, you speak up - and I value that more than anything. Over the past few weeks, many of you have reached out about the proposed Mt Challenger Windfarm, and it’s clear there are genuine concerns that deserve straight answers.

After speaking with locals who felt blindsided or left in the dark, I released a have your say survey through my website to gather your views. Nearly 400 of you took the time to respond - an extraordinary effort that shows just how strongly our community feels.

Last Saturday, around 100 residents joined me at the Kelsey Creek Hall to discuss your concerns face-to-face. I want to thank everyone who turned up, asked questions, and spoke honestly about the impact this proposal could have on your properties, your livelihoods, and your way of life. I made one commitment very clear: I will always listen to you, and I will always put the interests of our community first.

Under the Crisafulli Government, the process for assessing wind-farm projects has changed significantly. There is now a stricter and more transparent pathway, including mandatory community consultation, public submissions, and a clear requirement that proponents demonstrate genuine engagement - not just tick-a-box meetings. These rules exist because communities like ours deserve honesty, early information, and a fair say.

There has also been confusion about which wind-farm is which. To be clear: the Mt Challenger proposal is separate from the Proserpine wind-farm which location is closer to the dam and further west.

In the coming days, I will be meeting with the Deputy Premier to ensure your concerns are raised and that the proposer understands its responsibility to communicate properly. I will keep you updated every step of the way. Our community’s voice must be central in this process - and I intend to make sure it is.

Contributed with thanks to Amanda Camm MP

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Finalist At AusTriathlon Awards

Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival organisers and race directors Michael and Val Kimpton will head to the Gold Coast this weekend as they await the results for the AusTriathlon Event of the Year: Under 500 Participants winner.

The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival was announced as a finalist last week and Michael and Val have been over the moon since.

"This is the goal I had three years ago when we started on our journey to kickstart our local triathlon festival," said Michael.

"We're just absolutely ecstatic, it's a dream come true.

"I said to the Management Committee during the week, that it was always my goal from day one to achieve the best we could.

"Val and I are so ambitious and we just wanted to put this triphot on the map, big time, and we've been able to achieve that."

The finalists are selected through a rigorous process, with each State Event of the Year winner automatically advancing, alongside additional nominations submitted through the public ballot or by AusTriathlon’s Executive and Awards Committee.

Securing a place as a National finalist is an exceptional achievement, given the high number of triathlon festivals across Australia.

"Being recognised as a National Finalist is a genuine recognition of the quality, impact and professionalism of the Event," said Michael.

"AusTriathlon deeply values the role our Event has played in the sport, providing athlete pathways and attracting visitors to our Region."

When Michael and Val attend on Saturday evening they are going in high spirits especially after their win at the AusTriathlon Queensland awards in 2023, where they won Club Initiative of the Year.

They won this award for reinvigorating the triathlon club and putting on a remarkable regional triathlon festival.

The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival attracts professional triathletes from throughout Australia and it has the second highest prize pool for an Olympic distance event in Australia. The total of $16k is spread across the first five male and female professional athletes.

The date for the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon 2026 is already set for the 24, 25 and 26 July.

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Michael and Val Kimpton will head to the Gold Coast this weekend hoping to take a win. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) 110 Squadron in Bowen marked a significant milestone last week as they gathered for their Annual Inspection and Passing Out Parade.

Held under clear skies and a sense of quiet anticipation, the ceremony served as the squadron’s final parade for the year, a moment where discipline meets celebration. Cadets stood proudly in formation as family, friends and community members looked on, reflecting the hard work and commitment shown throughout the term.

Before the squadron was dismissed for the year, a series of awards were presented, recognising outstanding achievement, leadership and dedication among the cadets.

AAFC 110 Squadron awardees -
Dux of Initial Stage - Daniel Szollos
Dux of the Junior Stage - Rory Anderson
Intermediate Stage Cadet of the year - Tyler Woodfield
Senior Cadet of the year - Cooper Parry
Most Improved Cadet (Initial Stage) - Isaac Pisaniello
Most Improved Cadet (Junior Stage) - Oliver-James Crawford
Most Improved Cadet (Intermediate Stage) - Finley Hepburn
Most Improved Cadet (Senior Stage) - Archie Yuskan
Encouragement Award - Sam Galios
Attendance Award - Cooper Parry
Top Shot Award - Riley McAllister
Commanding Officers' Award - Cooper Parry and Riley McAllister
Special Acknowledgement - Zeke Flavel

The AAFC 110 Squadron in Bowen meet every Friday evening and cadets learn a variety of subjects including aviation, field and survival skills, leadership and personal development, drill and ceremonial, and service knowledge about the Air Force.

The AAFC 110 Squadron is currently accepting cadets for next year, cadets interested in joining can visit the barrack at 18 Livingstone St in Bowen.

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Recognised In Our Region

On Sunday the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network hosted a ceremony for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day at Queens Beach in Bowen.

The event offers support to people affected by suicide and provides a space to honour lost loved ones. The communty came together to remember those lost and provide support to those in need.

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It was a busy weekend for BMA CQ Rescue, with seven calls for help received in just 48 hours. Saturday alone saw five missions, keeping crews in the air from before sunrise until well after dark.

The first call came just before 2am from Hamilton Island, where a man in his 20s required urgent care for a suspected snake bite. By 8:51am, the crew was airborne again, this time to Bowen to treat a patient with testicular torsion, who was flown to Mackay for further treatment.

A man in his 40s experiencing cardiac issues was the next patient, with the crew tasked to Proserpine so he could receive onboard medical care en route to Mackay.

At 2:40pm, the team flew to Hayman Island after a man in his 30s suffered heart problems, transporting him to the mainland for further observations.

The fifth mission came at 8:49pm when the night crew was sent to Collinsville to assist another man with cardiac issues.

On Sunday, the first tasking followed the activation of an EPIRB. The crew located two boaties whose battery had failed, leaving them without communication. Both were safe, and a radio was winched down so they could coordinate with Marine Rescue Queensland Mackay, who were on their way to help.

The final mission saw the team sent to Moranbah to assist a teenager suffering complications from diabetes. She was flown to Mackay in a stable condition.

BMA CQ Rescue General Manager Lisa Martin said the weekend was exceptionally busy, but exactly what the service is prepared for. “When our community calls, we answer.”

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Rescue on Prudhoe Island. Photo supplied

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The SSAA Bowen Branch have a started accepting gifts for their Christmas Raffle, so far the gifts have surpassed $5000 and will continue to grow.

President of SSAA Bowen Branch Marty Duggan said they will continue to accept raffle contribution prizes until the end of the month, and they can be dropped to Marty's store Hunting and Shooting Supplies Whitsunday at 27 Main St, Proserpine.

Marty said the current raffle consists of a chainsaw, toolbox, spotlights, a brewery kit, spray paint kit, rum, hats, stubby holders and more.

He also expressed his thanks to the businesses that contributed to the raffle prizes, he said he received overwelming support from other local businesses.

Tickets are $10 each or three for $20, and can be purchased either at the SSAA Bowen Branch or Hunting and Shooting Supplies Whitsunday.

Hunting and Shooting Supplies Whitsunday will also be particpating in this years Proserpine Christmas Market after last years success of selling over 200 tickets.

Last year the SSAA Bowen Branch raised $4,700 and were able to instal a disabled ramp into their facility, this year they are looking to ugrade their facilities including a new kitchen and meeting area.

The Raffle will be drawn on the 17th December at the Bowen Complex on Roddy Hughes Road at 5pm.

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Dingo Beach is set to come alive with festive cheer when the annual Mega Christmas Market returns on Sunday, the 14th of December, from 8am to 12 noon. Hosted by the Dingo Beach Progress Association, the much-loved event promises a morning packed with entertainment, family fun, and Christmas spirit.

One of the highlights of the day will be the arrival of Santa and his elf, who are scheduled to roll in at 10am aboard a big yellow fire truck—a sight sure to delight children and adults alike. The festive atmosphere continues at 10:30am with a special performance of Christmas carols by the Proserpine Citizens Band, filling the foreshore with traditional tunes.

In the true spirit of giving, the Market will once again support the Wishing Tree Appeal, encouraging locals to donate gifts for children facing a tougher Christmas this year.

Visitors can also enjoy a fabulous Christmas BBQ, try their luck in the Christmas hams and seafood raffles, and treat the kids to a morning of free activities, including face painting by Emily, super train rides, and plenty of free treats.

With something for all ages, the Dingo Beach Mega Christmas Market is shaping up to be a must-visit event to kickstart the festive season and bring the community together.

What: Mega Christmas Market
When: Sunday, the 14th of December, from 8am to 12pm
Where: Dingo Beach

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Who’s making decisions if you can’t?

Life is unpredictable. A Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unwell, away, or unable to manage things yourself.

It’s one of those documents people don’t think about, until they really need it. We’ll help you set it up properly and make sure it reflects your wishes.
Whitsunday Law – Helping you prepare for the "just in case."

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With over $1.5 billion in property sales and more than 40 years of combined experience across Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays, the Sotheby’s team—Wayne, Lynn, and Joe—offer an unmatched level of local knowledge, professionalism, and proven results.

Backed by the global prestige of Sotheby’s International Realty, we provide full-service coverage from both Hamilton Island and the mainland—ensuring no enquiry is missed and every opportunity is maximised.

We live and invest locally, and we’re committed to securing the best outcomes for our community.
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk.

Call us today to book your no-obligation appraisal. Wayne – 0416 024 168, Lynn – 0415 039 060, Joe – 0415 070 114

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