This week is National Volunteer Week, and Tourism Whitsundays is celebrating the incredible Whitsunday Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors.

Since 2004, their tropical shirts and warm smiles have become synonymous with arriving in Airlie Beach.

These passionate volunteers are the first to greet cruise ship passengers, offering a wealth of local knowledge and ensuring a smooth start to their Whitsunday adventure.

These volunteers have already welcomed over 44 cruise ships and nearly 77,000 passengers in 2024 alone. 

Their dedication goes far beyond their cruise ship duties. With a love for their region that shines through, they also volunteer at the Whitsunday Visitor Information Centre. You'll also find them lending a hand at community events like the Lions Markets, the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, and the Great Barrier Reef Festival. 

The Cruise Ship Ambassadors are a testament to the true spirit of The Whitsundays, they are welcoming, knowledgeable, and deeply invested in their community, ensuring every visitor feels welcome within our region.

This National Volunteer Week, we offer a heartfelt thank you to the Cruise Ship Ambassadors, and all volunteers who dedicate their time and passion to making our region a vibrant and unforgettable destination. 
 

Contributed with thanks to CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton
 

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Fuel your sense of wonder and excitement at Coral Sea Marina, where every visit promises unforgettable experiences.

Nestled in the wondrous Whitsundays, Coral Sea Marina is the heart of adventure and relaxation for travellers seeking an extraordinary winter escape. Renowned as the region's premier tourism hub, this marina is a treasure trove of experiences, promising endless adventures and unforgettable memories. As the temperatures drop elsewhere, Coral Sea Marina emerges as a vibrant tropical haven, teeming with life and excitement.

In 2023, Coral Sea Marina celebrated a decade under the visionary leadership of Paul Darrouzet, marking a milestone of transformation and innovation. Awards such as "Best Community Support" and recognition as a finalist for "Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the Year" elevated the marina's commitment to excellence. These accolades are a testament to Coral Sea Marina's unwavering dedication to providing unparalleled experiences and fostering connections, both locally and globally.

One of the marina's most captivating initiatives is the Superyacht Donation Hub, which returned in 2024 following a successful pilot scheme. This program embodies Coral Sea Marina's ethos of giving back, facilitating the collection and distribution of essential supplies to remote island communities in the South Pacific. From sporting goods to medical supplies, these donations provide much-needed support and solidarity, bridging the gap between communities and fostering a sense of global responsibility.

Coral Sea Marina's commitment to education and engagement is exemplified by the Coral Sea Academy, an innovative platform designed to connect people with the wonders of the Whitsundays. Through digital expansion, the Academy offers enriching experiences, from virtual tours to educational resources, ensuring that visitors can immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

But perhaps the true magic of Coral Sea Marina lies in its atmosphere—a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations that captivates the senses and ignites the spirit. From the moment you set foot in the marina, you're enveloped in a sense of wonder and possibility. The waterfront pathways, shaded meeting areas, and lush marina gardens beckon you to pause and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.

For boat owners, Coral Sea Marina offers a premium range of shore-based facilities and services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. From world-class berthing facilities to attentive guest services, every aspect of the marina is designed to exceed expectations and provide a home away from home.

For visitors, Coral Sea Marina is a gateway to adventure and discovery. Whether you're embarking on a day tour to explore the Whitsunday Islands or chartering your own vessel for a week-long odyssey, the possibilities are endless. Thrill-seekers can indulge in jet ski rides or scenic helicopter flights, while those seeking relaxation can simply watch the boats go by with a drink in hand.

And let's not forget the culinary delights that await at Coral Sea Marina's array of cafes, restaurants, and bistros. From waterfront dining to sunset cocktails, each venue offers a tantalising array of flavours and experiences to savour. Live music and vibrant ambience add to the allure, creating the perfect setting for unforgettable moments with loved ones.

This is where you discover that Coral Sea Marina is more than a marina.

It’s a sanctuary of serenity and a hub for excitement where dreams are realised and memories are made.

With so many award-winning businesses calling Coral Sea Marina home, it really has become the tourism mecca of Airlie Beach, and the ultimate base from which to explore the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.

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Observed on 18 May every year, International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) International Day for Women in Maritime celebrates and recognises women in maritime, with this year's theme "Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety".

As a multi award-winning, high standard marine operator, Ocean Rafting has been showcasing the Whitsundays for 27 years, always with women at the helm, so to speak, in some shape or form.

International Day for Women in Maritime celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector, raise the profile of women in maritime, strengthen IMO's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and support work to address the current gender imbalance in maritime. 

Owned by long-term locals, Peter and Jan Claxton, not only is Ocean Rafting 50% female owned, but the ratio of female staff to male staff stands at 58% to 42% respectively.  
 
From Skippers, Eco Hosts and Master Reef Guides to Front Office, Accounts, Sales and Marketing, Groups, Catering, HR and Maintenance, females are peppered throughout Ocean Rafting’s core structure.
 
“Our ratios are very complimentary, which creates a dynamic and gender equal workplace, where support and encouragement for growth and development is strongly supported at all levels of employment,” said Jan.
 
“We promote internally and truly believe it is based on the individual’s personality, performance, passion and desire for growth. This mindset has allowed us to support the personal development of our female staff, who work with us in both shore-based and sea-going posts.
 
“Our structure and values reflect a strong culture of gender equality, and we are proud to support women with their unique capabilities. It goes without saying that we are extremely proud of all our staff,” said Jan.
 
For enquiries and bookings, call Ocean Rafting on 4946 6848, email tours@oceanrafting.com.au or visit your local agent.

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The amazing team at Ocean Rafting. Photo supplied

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It’s time to celebrate sunsets, sea views and decadent dining with two of the best local Whitsundays’ restaurants both marking five years in business this year. The iconic Italian inspired eatery, Sorrento's, and the enchanting Garden Bar, both located at Coral Sea Marina, and both owned by the same family, are popular with locals and tourists alike.

In April, Sorrento Restaurant and Bar reached its five-year milestone and it was time for owners, husband and wife Iyas and Mandy, and sister Penny to reflect back on how far the business had come. The renovation of the Ocean Deck was a highlight, enabling Sorrento’s to welcome guests for an à la carte dining experience with ultimate uninterrupted 180-degree waterfront views of the Coral Sea. This newly upgraded space also opened opportunities to offer a function space which has become popular for everything from weddings to events.

Over the years, awards have also been won including 2nd place at the Australian Wedding
Industry Awards (1st in The Whitsundays/Mackay) this year and 5 Star Certificates of Excellence four years running, Best of Qld Experience Program and Best Italian Restaurant.

While the upstairs Ocean Deck is a refined dining experience, the downstairs bar area offers a more casual atmosphere where stunning views of the Whitsundays are accompanied by live acoustic music daily.

The Garden Bar, located just a short stroll from Sorrento’s overlooking the Marina’s super yachts, offers a similar high standard of delicious cuisine, stunning sunsets, marina views and vibrant atmosphere, but with its own unique twist. This venue, which was featured on Jetstar, celebrates five years in November. Since the family took over they have completely transformed the menu, provided casual, intimate dining and also expanded to offer function spaces, specialising in group bookings and now offering Weddings in The Garden.

A contemporary cocktail bar set right on the waterfront, Garden Bar offers fresh, signature cocktails and a simple yet superb menu infused with influences from across the globe. Blending comfortable seating and stylish design, lush tropical greenery and incredible marina views, Garden Bar is simply a special venue.

Iyas, Mandy and Penny would like to thank the Coral Sea Marina for their constant support, as well as the venues long term Managers, Chefs and Staff; it’s a team effort.

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Mandy, Iyas and Penny celebrating their 5 years. Photo supplied

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For just over a decade, Airlie Boat Hire has been giving its customers the freedom to explore the Whitsundays independently by becoming the captain of one of the vessels they have for hire.
Their exceptional personalised service, selection of quality vessels and the convenient extras, such as their range of water activities and eskies, make Airlie Boat Hire an easy, exciting and affordable way to get out on the water.
Airlie Boat Hire sits securely at the heart of Coral Sea Marina surrounded by floating pontoons and an efficient floating office.
This rapidly expanding business began with two boats in 2014, and now operates with over 10 vessels in their fleet.
Customers possessing a recreational boat license are able to hire a vessel on a self-hire basis to enjoy a day on the water or an extended hire period, which can include multiple days indulging in all the Whitsundays has to offer.
Those without a boat license can still join in on the fun with relaxing day trips and fishing excursion in the protected waters of the beautiful bays running alongside the mainland. Airlie Boat Hire conveniently hires out fishing rods, tackle boxes, snorkeling equipment, stinger suits, solar powered phone chargers, sunshades, and much more to further ensure both their travelling and local customers get the most out of their experience.  
New to the fleet are the McLay CrossXover and an impressive 7-meter Yellow Fin which stand as luxurious boats to provide an elevated environment with closed cabins and extra shade covers for long days spent in the open ocean.

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One of the boats available for hire from Airlie Boat Hire. Photo supplied

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On International Nurses Day hospitals and nurses were awarded for their hard work and contribution to the world of nursing, with Bowen Hospital recognised amongst the winners.

James Cook University (JCU) awarded Bowen Hospital for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning for Nursing and Midwifery.

Students from JCU said they experienced great opportunities, were treated respectfully, encouraged to be involved and felt supported by the registered nurses (RN) at the hospital, whilst completing their placement at Bowen Hospital.

The hospital staff do not know who nominated them for the award, but they imagine it was the students.

Since the early 1990’s Bowen Hospital has welcomed JCU students to their hospital to complete their placement.

Placements are essential and have to be completed by the students in order to get their degrees.

On placement, students see and learn from real life experiences.

At Bowen Hospital, the small size and rural setting provides students with a broader range of practical services, more than what they would experience in a CBD hospital.

“You’re a jack of all trades here, you don’t just get to do one area of health,” said Director of Nursing Facility Manager, Julie Minogue.

“You’re working with mental health, paediatrics, adults with respiratory disease, you're working in trauma and emergency, cardiac and resuscitation.

“We try to expose them to everything we possibly can.”

Bowen Hospital understand that it can be quite confronting but say it is important for the student nurses to learn as much as possible while they study.

Nurse Student Manager, Anne Buckingham said they train over 10 student nurses a year and that the students become a real asset to the team, helping to ensure smooth operation of the whole hospital.

In addition to students taking their placement, Bowen Hospital offers them paid work.

“At Bowen, we actually encourage students to work here during their time, while they’re doing their training,” said Ms Minogue.

“Once they've done their first year, they can come here, as a student in nursing, they're employed like an assistant in nursing, and are paid for their hours.

“They work at a lower level, so they can't make the decisions they make when they're registered nurses, but in third year, they start to get some patients allocated to them under the supervision of a registered nurse and we start to develop them.”

Director of Nursing Facility Manager, Julie Minogue and Nurse Student Manager, Anne Buckingham holding the award from JCU.

Clinical Nurse Jayde Knight, previous JCU Student and RN Georgie Guest, previous JCU Student and RN Stacey Harrex, RN Amanda Glazebrook, RN Amy Cunningham and Nurse Student Manager, Anne Buckingham. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Experience the thrill of a Red Cat Adventures, an award-winning tour orbiting the Whitsunday Islands in a single day. Explore iconic destinations like Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout as well as snorkeling spots on the Great Barrier Reef. Departing from Airlie Beach, this all-inclusive package welcomes families, couples and groups seeking unforgettable adventures.

Meet Reece Fearnside, a seasoned skipper with Red Cat Adventures, who has spent the last 18 months orchestrating memorable maritime experiences.

For Reece, the decision to pursue a career on the water was a calling deeply ingrained in his soul.

“I’ve always wanted to work on the water, I absolutely love the ocean – it’s where my heart is at,” he shared.

Since joining Red Cat Adventures in September 2022, Reece has witnessed the business flourish, particularly with the introduction of the new Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure, where he took on the pivotal role of skipper.

At Red Cat Adventures, he excels in the realm of underwater knowledge, specifically in relation to coral and aims to showcase the vibrant underwater life while providing a personalised experience for all involved.

Originally from North Stradbroke Island, Reece's journey to the Whitsundays was fueled by the allure of paradise and the chance to merge work with recreation.

"What brought me to the area was the opportunity to work and play in paradise," he enthused.

When he’s not at the helm of the waves, he’s back in nature, engaging in adventurous hobbies such as camping, freediving and seeking out hidden treasures in waterfalls.

Reece describes his personality as "Patient, driven and honest," which undoubtedly contribute to his success as a skipper along with his ability to create memorable experiences for others.

Now that you’re acquainted with the skipper, jump on board and take an exhilarating journey around the Whitsunday Islands, that promises adventure, scenic marvels and unforgettable encounters with the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

So what are you waiting for? Book a Red Cat Adventure today!

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Reece Fearnside

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The Whitsundays was on show at the Townsville Expo last weekend.

Three team members from Bowen Tourism and Business and a representative from Tourism Whitsundays all attended the expo, along with several Whitsunday operators.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said all expos and trade shows were a great way to showcase what we have to offer in the region.

“We spoke to thousands of people who were interested in visiting our piece of paradise,” she said.

“Growing the drive market is a very important part of what we do.

“We were able to provide people from Townsville and surrounds with information about Bowen, Collinsville, Airlie Beach and Proserpine.”

The expo is held annually and is the region’s largest and most successful event of its kind.

There were more than 100 exhibitors at this year’s Townsville Expo.

The Mackay Expo is being held this weekend, May 24-26, at the Mackay Showgrounds.

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Glenn Womal representing Bowen Tourism and Business and Carolyn Bromley representing Tourism Whitsundays. Photo supplied

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The winners of North Queensland Bulk Port’s (NQBP) ‘Design your Dream Jetty’ art competition were announced last week.

There were close to 100 entries in the competition, with the youth of Bowen submitting their designs in a special art competition which invited them to highlight ideas for a future jetty.

There were three categories - Lower Primary, Upper Primary and High School, and each category had two winners, the Winner and the Encouragement Award.

Piper from Bowen State Primary School won the Lower Primary School award.

From Queens Beach State School, Matilda won the Upper Primary School award and Elsie won the Lower Primary School Encouragement Award.

Ella from St Mary’s Catholic School won the Encouragement Award in the Upper Primary category.

Winners of the High School category were Sarah and Isaac.

All winners received a cash prize.

NQBP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brendan Webb said the competition provided Bowen youth with an opportunity to create artwork to represent their ideas for a future Jetty.
 
“We’ve received fantastic ideas from the young people of Bowen,” Mr Webb said.

“The entries showcased not only creativity in their designs but also practical safety and accessibility features, such as lighting,”

The competition is part of the government-owned port authority’s project to develop a concept design for the Bowen Jetty.

NQBP have been utilising the Bowen Jetty for tugboat operation for some time but are soon due to move this service away leaving the Jetty redundant.

To future proof this historic community asset, they have kindly coordinated a variety of outreach projects to source ideas for its next purpose in life.

Mr Webb said acknowledging history, public amenities and the opportunity for recreational activities will be core considerations in the design.

“Dating from the late 1860s, the current structure is nearing its end of life,” he said.

“However, thanks to a $50 million commitment from the State Government, the future of the jetty has been assured.”

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NQBP CEO Brendan Webb with Lower Primary School winner Piper and Bowen State Primary Principal Christien Payne.

NQBP Senior Advisor Stakeholder Engagement Stacey Gibson with Upper Primary Encouragement Award winner Ella and St Mary's Catholic School Principal Alicia Ninnes.

Queens Beach State School Acting Principal Nadine Gibbons, NQBP CEO Brendan Webb and General Manager Infrastructure Tim Lewis with Upper Primary School winner Matilda and Lower Primary School Encouragement Award Elsie.

High School winner Sarah and Encouragement Award winner Isaac with NQBP Project Director Nawar Spear, CEO Brendan Webb and General Manager Infrastructure Tim Lewis.

Photos supplied

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Gizelle Lee, a beautiful young Whitsunday resident is about to head to Paris Fashion Week, having been selected by a Sunshine Coast Based modelling agency to represent their brand.

Gizelle is just 16 years old, and, for over a year, she has been pursuing a career in modelling.

Following her first modelling experience with Belle Le Chic, Gizelle was selected to be their signature model at the widely known fashion week.

Belle Le Chic also included a picture from the shoot on a billboard in Times Square, New York, and Gizelle has truly hit the ground running.

Modelling comes naturally for Gizelle who has been praised for her work in front of the camera.

Travelling to Paris Fashion Week, however, is a self-funded experience and Gizelle needs to raise money for herself and her mother as she is underage and cannot travel alone.

Determined to raise as much funds as possible Gizelle has been working at Little Vegas Burger & Bar to save for the travel costs.

To help her in her endeavours, Little Vegas Burger & Bar owner, Tristan, is preparing an in-house fundraiser whereby a portion of every special Gizelle burger sold will be donated towards her trip to Paris.

In addition, Gizelle has already organised car washes at her family business BASE 51, sausage sizzles and an event, all in hopes to raise enough for her to feature in the fashion week, which would be a huge scouting opportunity for her.

Gizelle is also in the development stages of creating a juice stand at the Airlie Beach Markets.

Called Coco Hut, Gizelle will be selling tropical drinks to thirsty customers.

In addition to all of Gizelle’s hard work, a GoFundMe has been started to further help with funds if needed.

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Gizelle Lee on billboard in Times Square, New York

Gizelle Lee

Photos supplied

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When it comes to transport today, we are fortunate to have considerable choice in our means of travelling from point A to point B but not so in the early 20th century.
In the 1920s, there were initially only two cars in Proserpine – one belonging to Mr A J (Jack) Setter and one to Mr Laurie Fox. It is said that lots of school children paid 6 pence to have a ride in Mr Fox’s car.
Mr Setter had the first car in 1913 – a Studebaker and later two others including an Overlander. He established a livery stable in a two-storey building next to the Great Northern Hotel (now Metropole) where cars, horses and sulkies could be hired. It was usual in those early times for taxis to meet every train that pulled into the Proserpine Railway Station. On one occasion, Mr Setter picked up a southern couple who were not very impressed with his driving and complained. Imagine their horror when, while driving along, he lifted off the steering wheel, handed it to them and told them to drive. What they didn’t know was that the steering wheel was on a groove sprocket and could be lifted off. Setter had welded on a bar just below this by which he could steer the car. Not surprisingly, the couple reported him to the police.
Percy N Cornish, a forward thinker who saw a need in the district for more flexible transport options, was possibly the first to make car hire a full- time job beginning his business in 1922 driving a 1921 Overlander.
His father came to Proserpine where he bought the ABC Café which he later sold and moved to Home Hill to retire, however, Percy stayed on in Proserpine with his hire car business.
In those early days when the railway line was under construction, the railway workers would come in to Proserpine to enjoy their weekends. On their arrival, they would deposit a couple of pounds with the publican to pay their car hire. This was to ensure they would return to work on time, by way of Percy’s Hire Car.
Percy also transported most brides to church. One past local recalled a particular wedding where the groom was very agitated as the bride was half an hour late. She lived on the other side of town and the taxi had been held up by a train across the road.
Mr Cornish was renowned for his steady, safe and dependable driving which earned him the nickname of Second-Gear Percy, quite an achievement when one considers how rough the dirt roads were in those earlier times. Percy Cornish served for 27 years before ill heath compelled him to retire in 1949.
On December 22 1948, the “Proserpine Guardian” published details of the district’s businesses who advertised in the paper. Among those listed was Mr Jim Fraser, son of Mr and Mrs W Fraser. Jim took on farming in his early career then cane-cutting and dairy farming but owing to an accident to his hand, was forced to give up farming. He subsequently took over the taxi business from Mr Sorohan.
Also listed was Mr Bill Usher, another of Proserpine’s well-known taxi drivers. Bill arrived in Proserpine in 1925 and after varied jobs from cane-cutting to undertaking, took up the job in March of that year.
No doubt these forerunners in the car hire “industry” would be astounded at the availability of the hire car options we have today.  Hats off to them for their enterprise.
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Story and photos courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Percy Cornish and his hire car
Bill Usher’s advert

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Mackay's social calendar sparkled with generosity and community spirit as the Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball unfolded at the MECC last Saturday evening. The event, a cornerstone of philanthropy in the region, saw more than 400 guests gather in support of two vital local charities: Grapevine Group, dedicated to suicide prevention across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions, and the Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP).
This year’s Ball was all about celebrating Iconic Mackay – its features, history, events, and people. A highlight of the night came early in the form of a surprise performance by none other than Mackay's own musical luminary, Graeme Connors. As the audience swayed to the melodies of Connors' timeless tunes, the theme of celebrating iconic Mackay was brought to life with every chord, enhanced by Connors walking along a bright blue centrepiece to mimic Mackay’s Pioneer River.

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The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball is the night of nights on the region’s social calendar, raising much-needed funds to support local charities. L-R: Cr Namarca Corowa, Cr Nathenea Macrae, Cr Heath Paton, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Mackay Life Editor Amanda Wright, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan, Cr Ash-Lee Johnson, Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball Lights Up The Night

In keeping with the spirit of celebration and giving back, funds raised throughout the evening were destined to make a tangible difference in the community. Mayor Williamson shared that the event, which has raised over $1 million since its inception, aimed to support two deserving charities over a two-year period to maximise its impact.
This year, the spotlight shone on the Australian Street Aid Project, founded by Mackay nurse Kayleigh Brewster in 2018, and the Grapevine Group, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Brewster expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support, emphasising the critical role of funding in providing essential services to the homeless population.
For Edie Weiss, training coordinator at Grapevine Group, the ball's significance extended beyond monetary contributions.
"This donation will enable Grapevine Group to offer medium and large businesses the opportunity to have their own in-house safeTALK Trainers on staff to help train more locals in suicide prevention," Weiss explained, highlighting the organisation's commitment to expanding its reach and impact.

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More than 400 people gathered at the MECC for the annual Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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While the budget brings welcome relief in the form of minor boosts and tax cuts, does it fall short of addressing the fundamental issue of the widening wage gap in Australia? While households may receive modest sums weekly due to the tax cuts, the stark reality remains: the cost of living continues to soar, outpacing any marginal increase in disposable income.
Not to mention, as ordinary Australians struggle to make ends meet, major banks continue to rake in billions in profit, much of which is funnelled overseas, exacerbating the economic disparity plaguing our nation. Is this a factor we continue to ignore?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasised the budget's commitment to providing relief to Australian households while promoting economic growth, However, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, voiced reservations about the budget's neglect of regional priorities and infrastructure projects. He argues that while the budget promises relief for some, it fails to address the broader challenges faced by regional communities, leaving them economically disadvantaged and overlooked. Read more on page 3.
By the looks of things, we shouldn’t be holding our breath for the ‘Bruce’ to be fixed to an acceptable standard any time soon.
Now, while I don’t want my weekly editor’s note to read as a ‘dear diary’, I have felt your outpouring of support following my cancer diagnosis and I will do my best to keep you updated on my journey. I’ve been admitted back to hospital early to top up my blood levels, my haemoglobin was a shocking 59. With less than a week to surgery, I’m counting down the days and admittedly am a bit nervous about the journey ahead.

Amanda

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As the nation eagerly awaited Treasurer Jim Chalmers' budget address on Tuesday evening, anticipation mounted over the proposed measures to alleviate the economic strain gripping Australian households. The Federal Budget unveiled a multifaceted approach aimed at easing the burden of cost-of-living pressures while steering the country towards financial stability and prosperity.
At the heart of the budgetary agenda was meant to be a resolute commitment to provide "responsible relief" to Australian households grappling with escalating expenses. Treasurer Chalmers underscored the imperative of striking a balance between fiscal prudence and compassionate support, setting the stage for a budget focused on delivering tangible benefits to everyday Australians.
Central to the government's strategy was the announcement of a $9.3 billion surplus for the 2023/24 financial year, marking a significant milestone in Australia's economic trajectory. This surplus was noted as the first of its kind in nearly two decades.
In addressing rising electricity costs, each Australian household will receive $300 off their power bills, paid in $75 quarterly credits, from July 1. In combination with the State Government’s $1,000 lump sum, this means Queenslanders will receive a total of $1,300 over the next year.
The stage three tax cuts were a focal point of the budget, providing relief across all income brackets. Effective from July 1, the tax rate for the 19% bracket will decrease to 16%, while the 32.5% bracket will be lowered to 30%. Additionally, income thresholds for the two highest tax brackets will be raised. On average, taxpayers can expect a $1,888 tax cut or $36 per week in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
In a scathing assessment of the budget, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has lambasted the government for what he said is as a blatant disregard for regional Australia, particularly the Dawson electorate. Willcox asserts that the budget has failed to allocate adequate funding for essential infrastructure projects crucial for the region's growth and prosperity.
“To say that I am totally underwhelmed would be the understatement of the century. Not once was Dawson mentioned in the budget. Nowhere in my electorate of Dawson was mentioned within this Budget,” Mr Willcox said.
“The Prime Minister said when he was elected two years ago, ‘no one would be held back, no one would be left behind’, but that’s only if you live in a capital city and not in Dawson,” he added.
“This year’s Budget has demonstrated again that not only has regional Australia had critical infrastructure ripped away, but will also bear the cost of higher mortgages, higher energy bills and higher food prices.
“Regional families will feel the pain in their wallets. Under Labor, regional Australians in Dawson are poorer and being hit with higher taxes, higher mortgage repayments and higher grocery and energy bills.”

He said that Labor spent $1.6 billion less on road and rail projects this year than it promised just five months ago in its Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook.

“The Prime Minister and his Treasurer promised that this budget would be the “budget for the Bruce,” but disappointingly, the most dangerous section of the Bruce has been left out of this budget completely, with the $467 million promised just days ago going to the Southeast corner.

“Dawson has been betrayed in this Budget.”

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Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson, holds up the budget with disdain, labelling it as nothing short of rubbish, highlighting a disregard for regional Australia and the Dawson electorate. Photo supplied

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Across Australia on May 10, individuals along with schools and businesses alike participated in Dolly’s Dream to honour the late Dolly Everett, a young girl who sadly took her own life due to ongoing bullying.
Inspired by the tragic loss of their daughter, Dolly's parents initiated anti-bullying measures, aiming to empower and educate communities on kindness and bullying prevention which has since sparked a nationwide movement against bullying.
Mackay locals, students, teachers and businesses took part on the day by wearing the colour blue and donating to the cause.
Cheeky Little Monkeys Play Centre Mackay happily jumped on board to support the cause by encouraging locals to pop in, wear blue and make a bracelet or donate, with an additional offer to give back $2 for every entry made into the centre over the course of three days.
In an attempt to spread awareness and raise ongoing funds for the foundation, the Mackay play centre made a Facebook post to inform locals of the opportunity to get involved, with an emphasis that “together we can make a difference.”
Protech Mining & Maintenance also made the kind decision to support the Do It For Dolly Day by announcing that their office staff will be wearing the colours in honour of Dolly.

The company posted to Facebook, “Whether it’s a kind word or a helping hand, each small act of kindness could simply bring someone joy or make their day a little bit brighter.”

The sea of blue within classrooms and local businesses symbolised a united front against bullying.
May we remember this day, every day, and be kind always.

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In loving memory of Dolly Everett, a 14-year-old girl who tragically took her life due to ongoing bullying.

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