Last week, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched its Advisory Group, bringing together regional business leaders to drive strategic discussions and strengthen the united voice of the Whitsunday business community.

“The Advisory Group will serve as a strategic think tank, reinforcing the Chamber’s position as the ‘go-to’ source of regional business expertise for all levels of government,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic.

In its inaugural meeting, the Advisory Group reinforced the need to tackle pressing business challenges, including red tape reduction, road quality and safety, and workforce availability and productivity.

Looking ahead, the group encouraged the Chamber to explore future-focused initiatives such as championing tradies, supporting young entrepreneurs, establishing special interest groups to advise on specific issues and precincts, and strengthening the region’s support of a university hub and research centres.

Queensland Small Business Month event

Registrations are now open for the Chamber’s Queensland Small Business Month event to be held 7:30am-9:00am Thursday 13 May in Airlie Beach.

Guest speakers include Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioner and Mayor Ry Collins. They will explore the following with the region’s business community, including ways we can increase collaboration to drive positive change:

Election Promise Report Card – Progress updates on road improvements, red tape reduction, and small business priorities.

Lessons from TC Alfred – Exploring the impact of recent weather events and strategies for future resilience.

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L-R Andrew and Jaide Paranomos (McDonalds), Judy Porter (Shiift), Julia Wheway (TAFE Queensland), Bernadette Porter (Proserpine State High School), Mark Henry (Bendigo Community Bank), Adrian Bram (WCBIA) and Allan Milostic

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Last week, I was on the road championing our incredible region on a national stage.

It was an honour to Chair my first Queensland Regional Tourism Network (QRTN) meeting on Monday, where we discussed how we can work together to strengthen tourism across the state. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and what we can achieve as a collective.

Next stop: the RTO Forum, which brought together tourism marketing organisations from across the country. We had insightful presentations from Tourism Australia on emerging travel trends, discussion panels on data and social media, and guest speakers covering everything from AI to innovative ways to gather new tourism insights. These conversations shape how we market our region and ensure we stay ahead of the curve.

From there, Laura and I travelled to Adelaide with Marianne from Whitsundays Regional Council to visit six Phil Hoffmann Travel stores, South Australia’s leading travel agency brand. As a business, we had the opportunity to train approximately 40 travel agents on The Whitsundays, providing key updates on attractions and experiences. With the direct Jetstar flight from Adelaide to Whitsunday Coast Airport, we’re working hard to make sure South Australians have The Whitsundays at the top of their travel list.

Finally, I was lucky enough to attend the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on Friday night, where The Whitsundays absolutely shone! A massive congratulations again to BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Pinnacles Airlie Beach, and Ocean Rafting for taking home gold, silver, and bronze. These achievements help keep The Whitsundays on the map and reinforce why our region is such a special place to visit.

Contributed by Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

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As Mayor of the Whitsundays, I hear firsthand from residents about the challenges they face every day. One of the most pressing concerns I continue to hear, time and time again, is the shortage of doctors in our region.

Right now, too many people in our community are struggling to get a timely appointment with a GP. Families, seniors, and workers are waiting weeks, sometimes even months, for basic medical care.

This is simply not good enough. Our residents deserve access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live.

With the federal election on the horizon, I am calling on all sides of politics to commit to better GP funding and real solutions to bring more doctors to regional communities like ours.

The Whitsundays is a growing region. More people are choosing to call our beautiful part of the world home, and we are experiencing record-breaking tourism numbers. But our healthcare system is not keeping pace.

I’ve spoken to local GP clinics, and the reality is clear—they are at capacity. Some have closed their books to new patients. Others simply don’t have enough doctors to meet the demand. This puts enormous pressure on our hospital system, forcing people to seek emergency care for issues that should be treated in a GP clinic.

Regional communities like ours should not have to compete with big cities to attract doctors. We need better funding models and incentives to encourage more medical professionals to live and work in places like the Whitsundays.

I am advocating for stronger federal government investment in regional healthcare, including a commitment to medical workforce planning, ensuring that regional Australia is not left behind when it comes to doctor shortages.

The Whitsundays is a world-class destination and a fantastic place to live. But access to quality healthcare is not a luxury—it’s a basic right.

As Mayor, I will continue to push for these critical changes in the lead-up to the election. I encourage our community to make their voices heard by asking your local candidates where they stand on regional healthcare, and demand action.

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If you're looking for a peaceful escape, Whitsunday Gold Coffee is the perfect place. The plantation is famous for its locally grown coffee, and there’s nothing like sipping a cup made from beans grown right there on the property. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking to relax, it’s a wonderful experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the owner, Nikki, who is currently in the process of upgrading their aviary with new mesh and creating a serene nursery with a seated area. The charm of the plantation is undeniable. I can’t wait to see the finished space, it’s sure to become a fantastic spot for birdwatching and taking in the surrounding beauty.

For families, there’s an indoor play area and beautifully decorated kids' party rooms, making it a great place to bring the little ones.

I was also lucky enough to try one of Chef-Gus's incredible signature dishes; a mango and calamari salad. It was light, colourful, and packed with flavour, with tender calamari and fresh local mango.

Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation is a true treasure for Proserpine, offering a peaceful sanctuary to enjoy great coffee, delicious food, and nature. Whether you're stopping by for a coffee or a quiet day out, it's definitely worth the visit.

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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Hi Everyone,

Thank you to everyone sharing stories for the paper. This week, we’re featuring some exciting whale research.

Whales hold a special place in my heart. Last year’s whale season gave me so many incredible moments, but one that stands out is hearing whale songs while scuba diving.

Happy reading!

Ruth

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” ― Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth

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Everyone in the community is invited to come on down to Coral Sea Marina at 7.30am this Sunday for the inaugural Whitsunday Epic Walk for DV. Bring your walking shoes, dress in your active wear, grab your kids and your dogs, and get your mind and your body moving for a good cause.

Organisers are encouraging participants to walk and talk as a group, creating a steady flow of conversation to start connecting about the important topic of domestic and family violence in our communities.

THIS SUNDAY, 7.30am, CORAL SEA MARINA GARDENS
EVERYONE WELCOME!

Team Whitsundays Host Inaugural Epic Walk

Over the past six months four local businesswomen-turned Dancing CEOs – Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit) and Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental) – along with their team mentor, Katelyn Aslett-Collins (Taste Whitsundays) – have been building a movement to raise funds and awareness for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ), an organisation that helps women and children escape domestic violence and reclaim their lives.

It was two former Dancing CEOs – Brendan Smith (Network Ten) and Brendon Mann (Epic Hair Designs) – who founded the Epic Walk for DV.

“The entire meaning behind this is gathering as a community,” Brendan Smith explained.

“We always say ‘it takes a village’ to either solve a problem or to raise awareness, and the Epic Walk for DV is about starting that conversation around domestic and family violence, getting rid of the stigma that’s attached to it – and of course raising as much money for WLSQ as we can,” he said.

Coral Sea Marina CEO, Kate Purdie, stressed the walk was epic in name rather than nature, and therefore open to all of the community regardless of fitness levels or age.

“This scenic walk along the Bicentennial Boardwalk will be two laps from the marina gardens to VMR and back; it’s a community event and we invite you to bring your friends, your workmates and your family along,” she said.

“The important thing is that rain or shine, we get as many people together as possible to unite in a visible show of support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.”

Participants are asked to sign up for the walk at www.epicwalkfordv.com.au - either as individuals or with friends, family, or colleagues as fundraising teams.

Kids and fur-kids all walk free, however the registration fee of $24 per adult covers a purple ‘Epic Walk’ T-shirt and a sausage sizzle cooked up by the Airlie Beach Rotary Club, with food supplied by Woolworths Cannonvale.

Walkers can muster in the marina gardens from 6.30am, with hot coffee available thanks to Chasing Te Ra. A pre-walk warm-up by Maggie Spark (Spark Life) will get everyone in the groove, while the kids (and big kids) receive their free bubble sticks courtesy of Big W.

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The Whitsundays shone brightly at the Australian Tourism Awards which were held in Adelaide last weekend, with three local businesses receiving national accolades.

Raising the profile of the Whitsundays on a national stage, these local businesses are leading the way for local tourism and shining a spotlight on our region.

The illustrious awards ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia celebrated four decades of tourism excellence while showcasing the industry's finest.

Tim Booth, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays says it was an incredible night for The Whitsundays:

"Winning Gold, Silver, and Bronze across different categories shows just how amazing our tourism offerings are. I couldn't be prouder of our operators and seeing BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort winning gold was definitely a highlight.

“These awards aren't just trophies on a shelf, they represent the heart and soul that our tourism businesses pour into creating unforgettable memories for visitors. It's this dedication that keeps people coming back to The Whitsundays time and again."

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins congratulated BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Pinnacles, and Ocean Rafting for doing the region proud.

"Tourism is the beating heart of The Whitsundays economy, and these national awards highlight the strength and resilience of our industry.

“Being recognised on such a prestigious platform showcases the outstanding work being done by our local businesses and sends a clear message – The Whitsundays is not just a beautiful place to visit, it’s a leader in Australian tourism."

This remarkable achievement across all three medal tiers reinforces The Whitsundays status as a premier tourism destination and highlights the exceptional experiences awaiting visitors to this stunning part of Queensland.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel has officially landed at Whitsunday Coast Airport. Mayor Ry Collins says it is “the perfect fit” for a region shaped by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and driven by a passion for protecting it.

Made from renewable resources like waste oils and crop residues, SAF cuts carbon emissions without compromising performance — marking a major step towards cleaner, greener air travel in the Whitsundays.

Mayor Collins praised Virgin Australia and Viva Energy for their leadership in the aviation industry and for recognising the Whitsundays as an ideal location to showcase the benefits of SAF.

“It makes absolute sense that Virgin Australia would choose Whitsunday Coast Airport as the launch site for its first ongoing SAF-powered services,” Mayor Collins said.

“We are located in one of the most pristine and ecologically significant regions in the world, and as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, we have a responsibility to embrace innovative solutions that reduce our environmental footprint.

“The Whitsundays region has long been a leader in biodiversity initiatives, with strong community-driven efforts to protect its reefs, marine life, and natural landscapes.

"The adoption of SAF at Whitsunday Coast Airport is a significant step forward in the broader sustainability journey.

“Virgin Australia and Viva Energy should be commended for their commitment to driving positive change in aviation."

Whitsunday Coast Airport CEO Craig Turner emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

“500,000 plus passengers transit through our airport each year, and with tourism as the backbone of our economy, we need to do everything possible to protect the very natural wonders that draw people here in the first place,” he said.

“The introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an important milestone in reducing aviation-related carbon emissions, and Whitsunday Coast Airport is proud to be at the forefront of this transition in Australia.”

Mr Turner credited the strong partnerships between Whitsunday Coast Airport, Virgin Australia, and Viva Energy as the driving force behind securing this national first for the region.

“This partnership between Virgin Australia, Viva Energy, and Whitsunday Coast Airport is a testament to the close relationships we have with our airline partners and stakeholders,” he said.

Virgin Australia has entered an agreement with Viva Energy to obtain Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for its services departing from Whitsunday Coast Airport, marking a significant milestone as the first major Australian airline to use SAF on an ongoing basis at a commercial airport in the country.

Viva Energy’s General Manager for Aviation, Nick Adams, said the initiative would help establish the supply chains needed for SAF to become more widely available across regional Australia.

“It is clear that SAF is going to play a bigger role for commercial airlines in this country as they move towards a more sustainable future,” Mr Adams said.

“Through this collaboration – and drawing on the strengths of Viva Energy’s national distribution network and experience with high-quality fuels and aviation operations – we will be working with Virgin Australia to establish the supply chains that will be critical to the future of the aviation industry.”

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Left to right:  Amy Humphries WCA Acting Operations Manager, Shaun Cawood Manager Aviation, Tourism, Marine, Craig Turner Director Commercial Business, Daniel Dott (Virgin), David Mann (VIVA), Greg Atkin (VIVA), Robert Cavicchiolo (VIVA), Michael Nixon WCA. Photo supplied

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Pinnacles Airlie beach is, as their name suggests, taking tourism to new pinnacles both in the Whitsundays and right across Australia. Last weekend they took their place on the podium among Australia's top tourism operators, proudly taking home the Silver medal in the “Self Contained Accommodation Category in the prestigious 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Adelaide.

Since inception, these awards have stood as the pinnacle of excellence across Australia's vibrant and thriving tourism sector. Pinnacles Marketing Manager, Therese Moran, expressed her elation over the victory.

“We came home with the silver, we are over the moon and extremely proud to be recognised on a national level for the hard work and dedication of our small team, it's really all been about their commitment to delivering a wonderful holiday experience” said Ms Moran.

Managers of 14 years Susan Watson and Brent Jones expressed great gratitude towards their dedicated staff, loyal guests and the broader Whitsundays community as a whole.

Overlooking Airlie Beach and providing guests with lavish, fully self-contained apartments which have sweeping views across the Coral seas, Pinnacles continues its commitment to offering exceptional relaxation as the gateway to the iconic Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

The Pinnacles team also congratulates fellow operators honoured at the Australian Tourism Awards, showing their appreciation of the collective spirit which elevates tourism within the Whitsundays and across Australia as a whole.

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Pinnacles Marketing Manager, Therese Moran, with fellow staff member, Lee, holding their award. Photo supplied

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March 30 1925 was a significant date in the history of the Proserpine Ambulance. On this day, a meeting was held at which Superintendent of the Mackay Ambulance, Mr Culverhouse, announced that the Mackay Centre had decided to make Proserpine an Honorary Centre. This marked a turning point for the town and its district after years of efforts to establish a much-needed service.

Fourteen years earlier, an ambulance centre was established in Proserpine by Mr W Morse, Superintendent of the Mackay Ambulance Brigade towards the end of November 1911. The first meeting was held in December with President Mr W Waite; Vice-President Mr F H Cross; Secretary Mr J Nancarrow and Treasurer Mr R Taggart.

It was twelve months before the first annual meeting was held (February 1913). At this meeting, Mackay Centre announced that it was prepared to advance £60 for the erection of a casualty room and a place to keep the litter (a stretcher used to carry injured or sick patients).

All seemed to be progressing very well so the Mackay Centre was approached to supply a sulky with rubber tyres. However, by April 1913, the ambulance was defunct and funds were transferred to the Proserpine Hospital to be given to the ambulance should it become active again. This would be another twelve years!

When the honorary centre was finally announced, a provisional committee was formed with Mr W Worthington as Chairman and Mr T Treacy as honorary bearer. Local chemist, Mr Harkness, offered to lend his car for brigade transport. Tom Treacy had been a bearer in World War One and recognised the need for a first aid post in the town. He had an Ashford litter at the mill and was always available for those needing attention.

There was division in the town as to the need for an ambulance centre. Some were sceptical because of the previous failed attempts; some felt the town was already keeping a hospital with doctor and staff; others pointed out that with 100 cars in the district any one of the owners would be prepared to help and then there was the concern about an amateur instead of a doctor attending a case. There was also opposition to the committee with the suggestion that certain people wanted to make themselves important. But thanks to the efforts of Tom Treacy, the townspeople came to realise the need for an ambulance centre.

The committee worked hard and by May 30 there were 98 subscribers. The government was approached about purchasing land and a quarter of an acre belonging to the mill, facing Main Street was made available. In October, it was announced that a car, an Overland, would be purchased and a temporary shed erected to house it.

In April 1926, Mill Manager, Mr Murray Gibson, officially opened the building and the centre progressed despite opposition to committee members by some of the public. The volume of work eventually necessitated erection of a two-storey building in Chapman Street on land donated by Mr Jupp. This was opened in mid 1931.

The ambulance continued as a sub-centre until January 1934 when it was taken over by a local committee as a full centre responsible for the area from Mikoolu in the south to Longford Creek in the north and embraced all the islands and west to the Clarke Range. Over the years, committee members worked tirelessly to maintain this service in the district.

Fast forward to January 28 1998 and a new centre was opened on land adjacent to the building that had served the district for 66 years.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Hi Everyone,

It’s not every day that we have multiple stories vying for the front page of this newspaper, but this week is definitely one of those occasions!

Even in our low-key little region, we still manage to make state, national, and even global headlines from time to time.

This week, we made international news with the incredible announcement that some of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics will be hosted right here in the Whitsundays!

This means world-class sailors will compete in our turquoise waters, tens of thousands will flock to the Whitsundays to spectate, and we can all look forward to an electrifying atmosphere during the event.

Equally exciting for our region—and for our state—is the funding that host locations will receive in preparation for the Olympics.

Our region is now part of a dedicated funding stream, and in the lead-up to the event, our sporting complexes may be upgraded, brand new facilities could be built, and infrastructure improved.

These assets will serve as legacy pieces that will benefit the region for generations to come, and this is wonderful news for all of us.

This week, our region also made national headlines when three local tourism operators brought home accolades from the Australian Tourism Awards, held in Adelaide over the weekend.

A huge congratulations to the winners, and also to everyone who entered the awards. Every spotlight on the region helps boost our vibrant tourism industry.

Finally, one little team here in the Whitsundays is certainly making waves—and soon, those waves will become "dance moves" when they compete in the 'Dancing CEOs' competition in Brisbane this May, performing in front of over 1,000 people.

This weekend, they are hosting the inaugural Epic Walk for DV. Make sure you head down to Coral Sea Marina on Sunday morning to take part in this important movement!

Rach

Quote of the week: "If you’re not making waves, you’re not under weigh” (Chester Nimitz)

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Big things are developing in Bowen, and the Whitsunday Regional Council wants your say on the future of the foreshore.

Mayor Ry Collins said the Masterplan presents exceptional possibilities for the area - “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Bowen’s foreshore into a vibrant, well-connected destination,” Mayor Collins said. “By defining priorities for staged delivery, we aim to improve public spaces while attracting investment that benefits both locals and visitors.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the public consultation was an important step for Bowen's future.

“An upgrade and beautification of the area, all the way to Bowen Harbour, would be great for both tourists and locals." She said, “We encourage everyone to attend the consultation sessions and participate in the survey so the Whitsunday Regional Council can understand what people would like to see in this area.”

The Foreshore Masterplan is a critical component of Bowen’s growth strategy. Before the works begin, have your say on what you think Bowen needs by sharing your insights via the online survey below or attending upcoming consultation events to help shape the Masterplan.

You can be part of guiding the design and development of projects that will benefit the community for generations to come. Help set an aspirational vision for the Bowen Foreshore, to inspire and define priorities for public space upgrades that enhance vibrancy and liveability of Bowen over 15+ years.

Bowen Markets Information Stall, Hansen Park, Sunday 30 March, 7am-12pm.
Bowen Centre Point Plaza Information Stall, Richmond Road, Thursday 3 April, 12pm-4:30pm.

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The Proserpine Entertainment Centre is planning ahead for next year and they want to hear from you! PEC, with the Whitsunday Regional Council, have released an entertainment questionnaire to find out what the community wants to see most coming to the Whitsundays in 2026.

The survey has options to choose what type of acts and activities you would like to see being brought to the PEC From music concerts to comedy nights, there’s options across the broad spectrum of talented live acts the PEC could provide and host. Theatre, dance, magic, seminars, and interactive experiences, your feedback will help shape the future line-up. And it’s not just about live shows, they want to know what movies you want to see too!

Check out the QR Code, it will take you directly to the survey page or visit the Whitsunday Regional Councils website and tell them exactly what live shows and performances you would love to see at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. The PEC is all about creating unforgettable entertainment experiences right here in the Whitsundays. The survey closes April 30th, so have your say today!

https://yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/proserpine-entertainment-centre-community-feedback-questionnaire

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A group of local children has shown an incredible sense of generosity and community spirit at a young age. With their hearts in the right place, they raised nearly $100 from selling old toys to donate to the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. It’s a beautiful reminder of how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

Rather than spending the money on lollies for themselves, these kids chose to donate the $97.05 toward a cause that impacts their community in a powerful way. Their decision to donate the funds demonstrates maturity and compassion beyond their years.

This is just the beginning for these young changemakers with their next project already in the works - A deliciously enticing cupcake stall aimed at raising even more funds. It’s exciting to think about the positive impact they will continue to have as they grow and develop, fuelled by a mindset rooted in giving back.

Locals couldn't help but feel inspired by their initiative, with many just stopping by to drop off a fiver to their stall. It’s a bright future ahead for them who are already making a difference, the young children’s sense of community and responsibility truly shines. Thank you for fundraising for such an important cause!

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Local children selling their old toys to raise money for the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. Photo Sourced: Rob Murphy's Facebook Page.

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The Whitsunday Regional Council want to inform the community about a recent scam involving a fraudulent QR code on a parking meter in Airlie Beach. The code directs users to enter their credit card details, which is part of a scam. If you've scanned a QR code on a parking meter recently, we strongly encourage you to check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions.

Please be aware that Airlie Beach uses ticketless parking machines and only accept coin payments or direct card payments at their machines, and do not require the scanning of any QR codes.

To ensure a safe and easy parking experience, the Council recommend using the official EasyPark app, which allows you to manage your parking payments online securely. Simply download the free EasyPark app today via: http://app.easypark.net or through your device’s app store to avoid being caught out by scams like this.

The Council urges everyone to use official payment methods and to be vigilant about potential scams. If you believe you have fallen victim to fraudulent activity or spot another QR code on another parking meter, please report it to Council immediately to help protect the community.

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The affected parking meter at the beach-side parking lot, near the Airlie Beach Lagoon.
For the close up image. Photo sourced: Whitsunday Regional Council Facebook page.
For the wide-shot. Photo sourced: Google Maps.

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