Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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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.
Jannah Baker, Emma Murphy, Giulian Grasso
Local business owners and professionals gathered recently for the Whitsundays Chamber June Business Breakfast Briefing presented by Emma Murphy of nbn Co., gaining valuable insights into internet connectivity, technology options, and network upgrades available across the Whitsundays.
One of the key discussion points was the difference between residential and business-grade internet services. Attendees learned that eligible premises across the Whitsundays have access to a range of residential, business and enterprise-grade fibre options, with business-grade services offering faster upload speeds and enhanced support.
The briefing also addressed some of the most common questions received by nbn Co. representatives.
Many attendees were surprised to learn they have access to a wide range of retail service providers and are not limited to a single provider.
Another topic of strong interest was fibre upgrades. More than 12,000 premises across the Whitsunday region are currently eligible to upgrade to full fibre. Unlike ageing copper infrastructure, fibre is less susceptible to environmental factors such as water ingress, corrosion, and temperature fluctuations, providing a more reliable and weather-resilient connection.
Attendees also heard that older Wi-Fi routers can often contribute to poor internet performance, while router placement within a home or business can also significantly impact connectivity. Upgrading equipment or introducing a mesh Wi-Fi system can often improve performance.
The session reinforced the importance of reliable digital infrastructure in supporting local businesses.
Andrew Willcox MP, Lucas Purdie and School Principal Andrew Wheaton. Photo supplied
A passion for politics, regional advocacy and Australia's future has earned Whitsunday Anglican School student Lucas Purdie the title of Dawson's Youth Representative for the inaugural 2026 National Youth Parliament, where he will represent the electorate in Canberra this August.
Selected from more than 2,000 applicants competing for just 150 positions nationwide, Lucas will travel to Canberra in August to join young leaders from all over Australia in debating national issues and gaining firsthand experience of the parliamentary process.
“It will be especially interesting to talk about the issues we are currently facing as a nation with other students from around Australia and with Members of our Federal Parliament,” Lucas said.
“I am looking forward to representing our electorate, and creating connections as my aspiration for the future is to go into politics.”
This achievement comes with the support of Lucas’s school and local community, who are proud to see what the aspiring young politician will bring to the National Youth Parliament.
“This achievement is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and passion for making a positive difference in the community,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Mr. Andrew Wheaton.
“We wish Lucas every success as he embarks on this exciting journey, serving as an inspirational advocate for our region!"
A strong advocate for regional Australia, Lucas is particularly passionate about securing greater investment in the Bruce Highway, which he believes remains critically underfunded despite its importance to communities across North Queensland.
“Our national highway is a major issue, as thousands of people rely on this crucial infrastructure every day,” Lucas said.
“This isn’t a new topic, but the fact is it needs further investment now.”
Alongside pushing regional issues, Lucas has a keen interest in international affairs and emerging technologies, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
“I believe that how we integrate AI will be crucial to growing the Australian economy into the future and we should focus on augmentation, not automation, which will allow workers to do more,” Lucas said.
Lucas’s interest in politics has been shaped by a unique international upbringing. Born in the United Kingdom to a British father and an American mother, he moved to Australia with his mother at the age of seven following the death of his father.
Now holding both British and Australian citizenship, Lucas said growing up across different countries and cultures has given him a broader perspective on world affairs and Australia's place within them. That experience sparked a strong interest in international relations and the role Australia plays on the global stage, helping fuel his ambition to pursue a future in politics.
“I have come to truly realise why people say we live in the best country in the world,” Lucas said.
“My goal is to affect positive change to benefit all Australians into the future.”
The 2026 State Budget was handed down on Tuesday, with the Queensland Government focusing on stability amid global uncertainty while laying the foundations for the state's future growth and prosperity.
Delivered by Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, the budget aims to ease cost-of-living pressures while delivering record investment in health services.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said the Queensland Budget has delivered significant investment for the Whitsundays, welcoming the budget and saying it provides tangible benefits for local families, businesses and communities.
“The Treasurer has just handed down the Government’s second Budget and there is great news for Mackay and the Whitsundays,” Ms Camm said.
Among the headline announcements is increased investment in health services with a major expansion of Mackay Base Hospital announced.
There will be at least 128 additional overnight beds under the Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan and the budget also funds growth in the hospital workforce, increasing staffing levels to almost 3,000 full-time equivalent health workers across the Mackay and Whitsunday region.
Road users across the region are also set to benefit from increased infrastructure spending.
The Budget locks in Queensland’s historic 80:20 funding agreement with the Federal Government to deliver $9 billion in Bruce Highway upgrades, including projects aimed at improving safety, flood resilience and freight efficiency along one of Australia’s most important transport corridors.
Ms Camm said the Government remained committed to working towards long-term solutions for the flood-prone Goorganga Plains section of the Bruce Highway, an issue that regularly disrupts tourism, freight movements and supply chains during severe weather events.
“Continued investment in the Bruce Highway and progress on the Goorganga Plains project is critical for our region,” Ms Camm said.
The Budget also includes continued investment in frontline policing and community safety measures, supporting the Government’s broader focus on reducing crime and improving community confidence across regional Queensland.
“Local leaders have long argued that regional Queensland deserves infrastructure investment that matches its contribution to the state’s economy,” said Ms Camm.
“This year’s Budget responds to that call, with significant funding directed towards healthcare, safer roads and stronger frontline services that will benefit local families, businesses and communities for years to come.”
Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the Budget delivered practical investments that would strengthen the Bowen community while providing relief for families facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“This Budget is about delivering for local families and ensuring our communities have the infrastructure and services they need now and into the future,” Mr Last said.
“Reliable services are essential for our region. These investments will ensure local residents, growers and businesses can continue to access safe, secure and reliable services.”
“We know families are still feeling the pressure of higher household costs,” Mr Last said.
“That’s why we’re continuing to deliver targeted relief while also investing in the services and infrastructure our communities rely on every day.”
Whitsunday Skyway At Airlie Beach
Supporting construction of the tourist Skyway in Airlie Beach with $5 million over two years.
Shute Harbour boat ramp
Investing in a new four-lane boat ramp at Shute Harbour. Part of the Safer Roads, Better Transport Initiative.
Proserpine Replacement Police Facility
Replacement of the police facility in Proserpine to support frontline policing services and enhance community safety.
Rural Fire Brigade Stations
A replacement rural fire brigade station at Abbot Point to support fire and emergency services to the community.
Generational Infrastructure Upgrades
Restoration of the heritage-listed Bowen Courthouse and replacement of the Bowen Wharf.
Local Sports Club Upgrades
Investing in local club facility improvements for Airlie Beach Bowls Club, Bowen Seagulls Rugby League Club, and Whitsunday Brahmans RLFC.
Residential Activation Fund
Delivering essential infrastructure and utility connections to support residential development in Bowen South, Cannonvale and Proserpine.
More social and community housing
Expanding and improving social and community housing across the Mackay Whitsundays region, with 121 homes in construction or under contract.
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