Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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Jason King. Photo supplied
Business owners and managers across the Whitsundays are being encouraged to build their confidence in handling workplace complaints and misconduct matters at the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry's July Business Breakfast Briefing, When Things Go Wrong: Practical Lessons from Real Workplace Investigations, on Thursday 23rd July.
The practical session will be presented by Jason King, Director and Principal Investigator of Regional Queensland Investigations, who brings decades of experience investigating workplace misconduct, fraud, bullying and harassment complaints, corporate risk, cyber-related matters and other sensitive organisational inquiries.
A former Australian Federal Police Federal Agent and Victoria Police member, Jason olds postgraduate qualifications in Law, Intellectual Property Law and Computer Science, and is Queensland Chapter President of the Australian Institute of Professional Investigators.
Drawing on real-world investigations, Jason will provide practical guidance to help businesses identify early warning signs, respond appropriately to workplace complaints, preserve evidence, ensure procedural fairness and reduce the legal, financial and reputational risks that can arise when matters are handled poorly.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Allan Milostic said the session addressed an issue relevant to every employer.
"Whether you employ two people or 200, every business is likely to face a workplace complaint or misconduct issue at some point," Allan said.
"The biggest risk is often not the complaint itself, but how it is handled. Having the right processes and knowing how to respond early can protect your staff, your business and your workplace culture."
Allan said the breakfast was particularly relevant for regional businesses, where close working relationships can make workplace matters more complex.
"Regional businesses often operate in close-knit communities where professional and personal relationships overlap. This session will give employers practical tools and greater confidence to deal with difficult situations fairly, consistently and professionally."
Attendees will leave with practical, real-world strategies they can implement immediately, helping them respond confidently when workplace issues arise before they become major organisational challenges.
The upgraded boardwalk is now open. Photo source: Facebook.
Residents and visitors can once again enjoy the full length of the Bicentennial Boardwalk, with the final stage of the foreshore upgrade officially opening on June 25th.
Whitsunday Regional Council celebrated the milestone with Councillor Jan Clifford joined by the project's manager and representatives from Plants Whitsundays, Matt Stokes and Dylan Blackwood, the team responsible for delivering the final stage of the upgrade.
The completed boardwalk is one of the first major projects delivered under the Airlie Beach Masterplan, a long-term vision to build-up the township for future generations while strengthening its reputation as the "Heart of the Great Barrier Reef."
The upgrade improves connectivity along the foreshore, making it easier for people to walk between key areas while enhancing the experience for both locals and visitors.
With the project now complete, locals and tourists alike can take in the scenic coastal views, whether walking, running or simply enjoying one of the Whitsundays' most iconic waterfront attractions for years to come.
Dr Sofia Fortunato. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
After Venezuela was rocked by a powerful earthquake last week, leaving thousands injured or still missing, a Whitsundays resident who grew up in the country is doing everything she can to help those affected.
On July 24th, twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela, with the tremors felt from San Felipe to Caracas. The disaster has left parts of the country in ruins, claiming more than 1,700 lives; a number that is still climbing.
With telephone services disrupted and chaos unfolding in the wake of this disaster, many families have turned to online databases to report missing loved ones. Some of these databases have recorded as many as 50,000 people as missing.
“After the earthquake, all the help the Venezuelans have got has been from international rescue teams and things like that,” said Dr Sofia Fortunato, Venezuelan Lab Technician currently working at St Catherine’s College.
“Imagine that it's a country that already is going through such a hard time, and then you've got an earthquake that destroys thousands of buildings, there's a lot of people at the moment without a house.”
Dr Fortunato has called the Whitsundays home for the past seven years and has lived in Australia for a decade. She grew up in Venezuela before leaving in 2004 in search of a better life, moving to Norway to study biology, where she later earned her PhD.
While Dr Fortunato has built a life far from Venezuela, the crisis remains immensely personal. She still has relatives there, currently struggling to cope amongst the rubble around them.
“My cousin is there and she can't return to her apartment, she lives on the 10th floor,” Dr Fortunato said.
Feeling helpless from thousands of kilometres away, Dr Fortunato has instead focused her efforts on directing people to trusted organisations providing emergency relief on the ground.
She is encouraging the community to support the Venezuela earthquake appeals through Caritas and UNICEF, both organisations delivering targeted assistance to families and children affected by the disaster.
“I understand there's a crisis in Australia too and people are really struggling but anything will help,” Dr Fortunato said.
“$5 to just buy a bandage, that is enough.”
WSPN group photo. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith.
The Whitsunday community showed its strength both physically and emotionally at the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network's monthly breakfast, where participants tackled The Push-Up Challenge in support of better mental health.
“The purpose of this morning is to get around people,” said WSPN team leader Matt Stokes.
The great turn out of around 100 people was much needed, as the WSPN challenged participants to wake up with exercise as part of Australia's Push-Up Challenge.
“We’re trying to achieve 3,307 push-ups, which signifies how many people died to suicide in 2024,” Matt said just before the challenge started.
“There are some people that’ll do 5, there are some who will do 60 but that’s our goal for today.”
On top of the push-ups, the event also featured guest speakers Anton and Dan from Whitsunday Martial Arts, who spoke about the benefits of taking up martial arts and encouraged people of all experience levels to give it a go.
“The sense of community that it brings and you find that there’s really good opportunities to have a chat with your peers while you're suffering on the mats,” Dan Zealand said.
“For those moments,the rest of the world shuts out.
“Whatever stuff you’re carrying into the gym, you leave it all on the mats.”
WSPN hosts these BBQs on the last Friday of every month at 6.30am at Shirtfront Solutions. All are invited, and encouraged, to attend.
Photo sourced from Shutterstock
A 59-year-old woman has died following a single e-bike crash on Hamilton Island on Friday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Melaleuca Drive at approximately 1pm after reports the woman had collided with a tree while riding an e-bike.
Paramedics and other emergency responders provided immediate medical assistance at the scene, however the woman was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased.
A Hamilton Island spokesperson said the incident was a tragedy.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of a member of our Hamilton Island community following a fatal bicycle incident on Hamilton Island yesterday," they said.
"Our sincere condolences are with the individual's family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
"Queensland Ambulance Service personnel responded immediately, with support from Hamilton Island's emergency response teams."
Police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Queensland Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Policelink online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Investigations into the fatal crash are ongoing.
Ryan and Nikki Woodall with their shitbox at parliament. Photo supplied
By Zach Houtenville
A cheap car, some of Australia's most turbulent roads, 31 one hours driving and a cause that everyone can get behind.
That's the challenge Ryan and Nikki Woodall are taking on as they return to the Shitbox Rally this July 10th to July 17th, hoping to build on last year's impressive $33,000 fundraising effort for Cancer Council Australia.
“It was probably easily the best thing that I've done that I've felt that I've given back to,” Ryan said.
“It's quite an emotional journey.”
The Shitbox Rally brings together hundreds of teams with one goal in mind: to complete the journey from Port Douglas to Melbourne in cars worth no more than $1,500.
Over the course of the seven-day voyage the convoy stops at schools and communities, holding special events and spreading its message.
The challenge is not a race to the finish line but a battle of endurance, with hope of just making it to Melbourne.
“This is across some of Australia's most formidable roads,” Ryan said.
“There'll be car trailers there to take the poor cars that didn't make it but we get everyone to the finish line, whether we put them in our car or vice versa.”
The rally is all in the name of charity, with over 2 million dollars already being raised on behalf of the Cancer Council Australia.
“Most of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another,” Ryan said.
“Whether it be parents, family, close friends, people we know or ourselves that have battled, it’s an awful disease.
“So we not only want to raise awareness and money for the Cancer Council, but also to offer support and a friendly ear to those that have suffered or who are suffering currently.”
Ryan himself has been deeply affected by cancer, having lost all four of his grandparents, his aunties, an uncle and two close friends to the disease.
Unsure how to give back, he and his fiancée Nikki entered the Shitbox Rally for the first time last year, raising an impressive 33,000 dollars and finishing 10th out of 225 teams for fundraising thanks to their mining themed car.
Now, with this year's "Where's Woody" Toy Story themed car, the pair are hoping to top that effort while continuing to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Cancer Council Australia. So far, they’ve been able to raise over 13,000 dollars.
Businesses can sponsor the team by having their logo displayed on the car, while community members can also support the cause through donations before the rally begins on July 10th.
Community members can still support Ryan and Nikki’s “Where’s Woody” fundraiser by donating at autumn2026.shitboxrally.com.au/wheres-woody
A woman has been thanked for her act of kindness after handing out flowers in Cannonvale this week. Photo source: Shutterstock
Several members of the community had big smiles on their faces this week after being gifted flowers from a lady handing out blooms for seemingly no reason, except her desire to spread cheer.
“Getting in my car at Coles this afternoon, this lady approached me. Had no idea who it was, but she decided to give me this flower,” said Jeff Baker.
“I asked why, she said, "because its Wednesday" then she just took off with other flowers to give to others.”
Jeff took to Facebook to see if any others had a similar experience.
“Who is this obviously kind soul making people feel loved?” He mused.
“[I was] so happy to receive. I have it in a special place to remember her kindred spirit for people.”
Several locals responded to say their days had also been brightened by this mysterious lady, calling her ‘gorgeous’, and a ‘special person’.
The deed stands as a reminder that anyone one of us is capable of brightening the lives of those around us – all it takes is deciding that today is the day.
Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
Three artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives are part of council's new budget to be adopted next week.
These initiatives are the latest proactive steps from council to help mitigate significant financial pressures while continuing to deliver reliable, high-quality services to the community.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2026/27 Budget reflected both the challenges facing local government and council’s commitment to modern, efficient service delivery.
“Like many councils across the country, we are facing rising costs and reduced external funding,” he said.
“Our focus is on finding smarter, more sustainable ways to deliver services without compromising quality for our community.”
Council has seen a startling increase in a costs over recent years, including:
These pressures highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability for residents with the real cost of delivering essential services.
To help offset these impacts, council is investing in practical, targeted AI solutions that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
A key initiative is the introduction of a new after-hours digital assistant, LUNA, which will operate from 4.30pm to 8.30am daily and all weekend from July 1.
Replacing a previous afterhours model which used an outsourced, third-party call centre, LUNA will provide consistent, auditable responses using council-approved information.
It will improve how afterhours calls are triaged, especially urgent and emergency enquiries, and will allow routine requests to be handled without delays or manual intervention.
The transition follows changes in the external provider market and is expected to deliver about $80,000 in annual savings, while maintaining service quality and improving response consistency.
Mayor Williamson said this initiative demonstrated council’s commitment to innovation while managing costs.
“We’re using proven technology to deliver services more efficiently while maintaining the high standard our community expects,” Mayor Williamson said.
Council is also expanding AI use in key service areas to address increasing demand and resource constraints.
In Development Planning, automation of high-volume, low-complexity administrative tasks will reduce processing backlogs and allow skilled staff to focus on more complex work.
A similar outcome will be achieved by using Agentic AI to enhance internal corporate services, allowing council’s staff to tackle more complex issues.
This will help council maintain service levels despite workforce and cost pressures.
Mayor Williamson said council was adopting a scalable approach to AI, building on existing systems to deliver improvements across multiple service areas rather than one-off solutions.
“This approach ensures responsible and sustainable adoption of new technologies,” he said.
“By reducing repetitive manual work and improving consistency, we can better manage costs while maintaining strong governance and oversight.”
While efficiencies from these initiatives will be realised progressively, council’s immediate focus is on improving reliability, reducing inefficiencies and supporting a sustainable workforce model.
These actions form part of council’s broader commitment to ensuring services remain efficient, accountable and future-ready, even as financial pressures continue to grow.
Mayor Williamson said innovation would be key to navigating future challenges.
“Innovation is essential to navigating the challenges ahead. By investing in smarter ways of working now, we are helping protect the services our community relies on into the future while putting downward pressure on rate rises.”
Set on the elevated hillside of this 21-acre property, the beautifully crafted, fully airconditioned residence enjoys a breathtaking north-facing 27m x 4.2m covered deck, offering ample room for entertaining or peaceful contemplation while taking in the stunning ever-changing vista. A large covered tiled patio adjoins the deck and living area, creating additional outdoor space overlooking the firepit and orchard.
The home is set within a fully fenced house yard, complete with a secure electric front gate at the road. There is an abundance of water across the property, including four dams, a bore with solar-operated submersible pump (not currently connected), three rainwater tanks with a combined capacity of 62,000L, and town water to the residence. Water is also plumbed to the orchard, stables and other areas throughout the property.
Additional features include fully covered walkways connecting the carport to the home, wireless NBN and full mobile signal coverage.
Optional machinery includes a Fiat 750 tractor with slasher and rotary hoe, 2000 SE5 backhoe, Hustler 54" zero turn ride-on mower, assorted tools and other plant and equipment.
This stunning property is a true gem in the heart of the beautiful Pioneer Valley, offering the opportunity to settle in, relax and enjoy, or get creative and explore the endless possibilities on offer.
Gargett is located in the Pioneer Valley, just 15 minutes from the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail and the beautiful Finch Hatton Gorge. The local Gargett Store is only a short drive away, while the nearest shopping centre is 20 minutes to Marian and 50 minutes to Mackay. It is also an easy drive to the Bowen Coal Basin, Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays, with ample opportunities nearby for fishing, crabbing, prawning and boating.
Makinex Renewables is setting an ambitious target, saving 100 million litres of diesel in five years.
In an industry long reliant on traditional diesel generators, the Australian-made and owned company is helping reshape how remote and off-grid operations power their sites.
Focused on Hybrid Power Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and deployable solar arrays, Makinex Renewables is working with customers to lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, while maintaining the dependable power their operations require.
“The 100 million litre target gives us a clear and measurable objective to work towards while highlighting the impact renewable energy solutions can have across industries that traditionally rely on diesel power,” the company said.
“It’s a goal that keeps us focused on developing practical solutions that deliver real-world results for our customers.”
Designed for businesses operating in remote environments, Makinex Renewables’ modular systems can be deployed as standalone units, integrated together, or incorporated into existing site power setups.
The company’s solutions are already delivering measurable results in mining. Following a trial installation, a mine site adopted Makinex Renewables’ Hybrid Power System and additional solar arrays, reducing generator runtime from 24 hours a day to approximately six to seven hours. Since the HPS45 was deployed in February, the site has cut generator fuel use by 125 litres a day, delivering annual diesel savings of around $91,000 and projected savings of $640,000 over the site’s seven-year life.
Brad Cliff, Director of Generator Services Australia, said the project highlighted the benefits of continuing to challenge traditional ways of thinking and finding better solutions to longstanding industry challenges.
To learn more about Makinex Renewables’ solutions, visit the team at the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition in July.
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Photo supplied
Most Reverend Daniel Meagher, the 11th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, made his first visit to St Patrick's College on Wednesday, beginning the day alongside students and staff at the College's Brekky Van outreach service.
The visit provided an opportunity for Bishop Daniel to experience the College's commitment to living its Catholic values through service to the wider community before officiating the blessing and official opening of newly completed building and refurbishment works.
During the ceremony, Bishop Daniel addressed those in attendance.
“We really are here to pray and bless the students and teachers who will use the buildings,” he said.
The redevelopment has delivered contemporary learning spaces designed to support learning, wellbeing and faith formation while reflecting the College's commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities.
Assistant Principal: Mission, Mrs Andrea Crocker, said the occasion was a proud moment for the College community.
“We’re finally getting to showcase our wonderful new facilities and the way the hard work of so many different people has come to fruition,” she said.
The blessing and opening marked the culmination of years of planning and investment, with the new facilities set to benefit Mercy Campus students for years to come.
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Photo credit: Mikey Bartlett
Piles of black smoke smothered Bucasia skies last Friday morning as emergency services raced to a shed fire on Downie Avenue.
Emergency services were called to the address at approximately 9.20am on Friday 19th June 2026, after reports a carport had ignited, with a boat and vehicle also engulfed in flames.
Residents gathered along the roadside as crews worked to bring the blaze under control and de-escalate the situation.
Authorities confirmed all occupants were accounted for, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
At the time of reporting, the carport, boat and vehicle were fully engulfed, with emergency services continuing operations at the scene.
Updates may follow **
Before and after photos of the river clean-up. Photos: Mackay Regional Council
A number of derelict vessels have recently been removed from the Pioneer River in Mackay as part of Maritime Safety Queensland’s Keeping Our Waterways Safe initiative.
The operation forms part of an ongoing program aimed at improving safety, navigation and environmental conditions across the region’s waterways.
Since 2018, more than 150 derelict and abandoned vessels have now been removed from Mackay waterways, with all highly visible wrecks in the area now cleared.
Officials say the removal of abandoned vessels is a complex process requiring specialist contractors, detailed planning and environmental management to ensure waterways are safely restored for community use.
The latest clean-up was supported by Mackay Regional Council, helping deliver a cleaner, safer and more accessible river environment for locals to enjoy.
Nearly 50 Year 12 students celebrated the end of their schooling journey in style at the VMR Hall in Cannonvale last week. The elegant formal gathering brought together students, families and the wider community for a memorable evening of music, food and festivities.
Styled with black, crystal and dusty pink décor, the event featured live music from Ash Smith, a student-themed trivia competition, a DJ-led dance floor and even non-alcoholic champagne to add to the air of celebration.
Standout contributors were the VMR event organisers, and Deputy Principal Kate Moreto, who personally prepared the evening's dinner service. Spending the day cooking, Kate put together a delicious spread for the students to enjoy.
“That was a massive hit with the kids,” said Year 11 and 12 Pastoral Leader Natalie Hazleton.
“She actually cooked all day long on Thursday, making three different meals and three different sides and desserts, and the kids loved it.”
The 2026 Show Whitsunday Cane Exhibit brought together growers from across the district to celebrate the skill and pride that goes into producing some of the region's best sugarcane.
A longstanding feature of the show, this year’s exhibit highlighted 100 years of Canegrowers, whilst providing an opportunity for growers to showcase their crops and compete across a range of categories, from plant and ratoon cane to sugar content, district exhibits and youth competitions.
“It went really well, despite it being a bit wet,” said Brendan Nothard from Canegrowers Proserpine.
“It was good to see growers turn up and put their best cane forward.”
The competition continues to be an important part of the show, not only recognising excellence in cane production but giving opportunity for the agricultural community to share knowledge, celebrate achievements and support one another.
One of the highlights of this year's exhibit was the inaugural Schools’ Sweetest Cane Program, which saw five schools from across the district grow and manage their own cane crops on school grounds.
Supported by their mentors, Canegrowers Proserpine and Sugar Services Proserpine staff, students were involved in every stage of the process, from planting and growing through to harvesting, juicing and testing their cane to determine which school produced the sweetest crop.
Proserpine State High School was named the program’s first winner, with organisers encouraged by the strong support shown by participating schools and hopeful the initiative will continue.
“The school seemed really supportive of the program, and hopefully we can continue with it into the longer-term future,” Brendan said.
A special thank you goes to the judges, volunteers, sponsors and industry partners including Sugar Services Proserpine, Sugar Research Australia and Canegrowers Proserpine for their ongoing support.
Watts Farming had an impressive year, winning Champion Six Stalks of the Show and taking home CANEGROWERS Proserpine Insurance Trophy.
Dale Holcombe was another standout exhibitor, claiming Champion Stool of Ratoon Cane, the Overall Heaviest Stalk with a weight of 4.25kg, Highest Quantity of CCS in Plant Cane, and first place in the CANEGROWERS Young Farmers Trophy.
In the District Exhibit competition, Lethebrook was awarded first place, followed by Kelsey Creek and Town. Jeppesen Farming won Champion Stool of Plant Cane, while John Casey secured the award for Highest Quantity of CCS in Four Stalks of Ratoon Cane.
The next generation of cane growers showcased their promise, with Emily Holcombe taking out first place in the Kids Cane Under 18s section, ahead of Connie Linneweber and Max, Bella and Vincent Orr.
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