By Rachael Smith

While Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) are excited about the upcoming upgrades, they are also concerned by the changing political landscape that they believe is creating an uncertain future for VMR’s right across the state.

President of the Whitsunday VMR, Paul Martin, explained that the state government is introducing a new funding model that he believes could hinder the operation of our local VMR.

There are plans for VMRs across Queensland to become state funded and all revenue streams are set to come through the government which means any localised fundraising avenues could become redundant.

Mr Martin said that to date, the Whitsunday VMR has been given very little detail on the funding changes and this uncertainty is causing the organisation to feel vulnerable.

Whitsunday VMR needs $500,000 per year to operate.

This sum comes from sponsorships, memberships and call out fees.

They have 1,500 members, each paying $100 per year.

Mr Martin says that without this money the VMR would cease to operate in the way it currently does.

“We’ve got it organised and it’s working – why change it?” he said.

“We own our two vessels, and we look after the maintenance and insurance – with this new funding model will the state government purchase the vessels or are we expected to donate them to the state government?”

With lots of unanswered questions, Mr Martin says he is looking forward to a meeting with other Queensland VMR Presidents on August 19, where he hopes they will get some answers.

“The NSW model is run by the state, and it took 18 months to implement – here in Queensland we’ve been talking about it for five years!”

Whitsunday VMR was the first VMR in the state and will be celebrating 60 years next year.

As one of the larger and more established facilities it is operating successfully, fully supported by its independent funding streams, 1,500 members and over 150 dedicated volunteers.

Mr Martin says that there are undoubtedly other smaller VMRs in the state that are struggling and would definitely benefit from state funding, but that the larger sites that are functioning well should be left alone.

“I am worried that when people find out that we are becoming state funded, our costs will go up because people will think we are getting paid by the government,” he said.

“We could lose our sponsors overnight, but we might not see any of the funding for five years!”

“We may also see membership loss and cuts on little things like hosting open days.”

When asked how he would like to see a state government funding model work, Mr Martin explained that he would prefer to see a lease agreement in place.

“A leasing agreement for our vessels that would take care of the maintenance, fuel and projected replacement costs could work,” he said.

“But all this would take away our flexibility and result in the rise of overall costs that we can’t forecast.”

With the Whitsundays boasting the highest number of boat registrations in Queensland, this issue is at the heart of the community and it is clear that more information is desperately needed to ensure the future and stability of one of our most valued local institutions.

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President of Whitsunday VMR, Paul Martin with volunteer Dick Filewood. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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With funding now in place, work on the $400,000 upgrades to the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) building are expected to commence in October and be completed by mid-2024.

The upgrades will expand the training and operations area so that it is nearly three times its current size, giving crews a larger working space when conducting search and rescue missions.

“The police often come here and use our facilities during a search and rescue mission” said VMR President, Paul Martin.

“Previously we’ve had very little space and when the VIP’s drop in to take a look at things it’s been bedlam!”

Mr Martin said he is thrilled with the announcement and that it will completely transform operations and capabilities for the VMR.

The space upstairs will be expanded into two large training rooms which can be sectioned off to hold smaller meetings when required.

“Once it is complete, we are looking forward to opening it up and inviting the public in to come and take a look,” said Mr Martin.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that with the level of boat use in the Whitsunday region, he feels this is a vital piece of infrastructure that is well-deserving of an upgrade.

“If you’re out fishing, snorkelling, or just relaxing, it’s comforting to know that if something goes wrong, the team at VMR are there for you,” he said.

“This is an important community development project, and as a local, I’m proud of the amazing work these volunteers do, often in high pressure situations, to support our region and keep our waters safe.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, with representatives from the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue team. Photo supplied

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Budget airline, Bonza, has announced a new flight route for the Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Before the start of summer, Whitsunday residents will be able to holiday in the Gold Coast, as well as the 10 other locations serviced by the Gold Coast Airport, which include Melbourne, Mildura, and Albury.

There will be two aircrafts to service the 11 locations, and while no exact times have been confirmed, the fares will range from $49 to $79 per person one way.

“Today’s announcement is about creating more depth in our network by connecting existing Bonza destinations with the Gold Coast and also the gateway from there to Northern NSW,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.

“It is a huge boost for the economy and allows people in our existing destinations the opportunity to book an affordable flight to Gold Coast Airport and take a much-deserved holiday or long-awaited visit to friends and family.”

The airline says there will be additional and new destinations that will connect with the Gold Coast and those will be revealed when the time is right.

“We are absolutely delighted to have this route,” said Craig Turner, Chief Operating Officer of the Whitsunday Coast Airport.

“We have been working for over two years with a variety of airlines to secure this route for the Whitsundays.

“It aligns perfectly with domestic and international connectivity, with the Gold Coast being one of the biggest destinations, and now people can pop up to the Whitsundays for a few days on holiday.”

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New locations announced for the Whitsunday Coast Airport, opening up holiday routes just in time for summer. Photo supplied

Theft Of Excavator And Trailer, Collinsville

An individual has stolen an excavator and a trailer from a business compound in Collinsville overnight on July 30.

Entry was gained into the fenced compound by damaging a padlock on the gate.

The machinery stolen included a yellow coloured 2008 model Komatsu excavator (track) registration number 44319C and a 2008 model Auswide pig trailer, registration number 870 PQX.

Banning Order Enforced

A 19-year-old woman was charged with breaching a banning order, after attempting to gain entry into a number of licensed premises within Airlie Beach.

She had previously been issues with a banning order and is excluded from licensed premises.

She will now appear before the Magistrates Court in relation to breaching the banning order.

Dangerous Drugs In Licensed Premise

Three men were found by police in the bathrooms of a licensed venue in Airlie Beach, at 1.15am Saturday July 29.

Police allege that the men were in the process of consuming dangerous drugs, suspected to be cocaine.

Two of the men have been charged, and an investigation will be conducted into the third.

Drink Driving Across The Region

A 22-year-old Bowen woman was intercepted on Waterson Way with a blood alcohol level of 0.54 per cent, at 3am on July 29.

At 12.50am on July 29, a 22-year-old Mount Julian woman, who has a provisional licence with a zero-alcohol limit, returned a reading of 0.36 per cent.

Both women will front the Magistrates Court in relation to these charges.

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In May 2022 45-year-old Whitsunday man, Paul Malcom Henderson, barricaded himself in his Jubilee Pocket home, after local police attempted to make a welfare check.

A four-day siege at the Erromango Drive property unfolded, and police alleged that Mr Henderson armed himself with a compound bow and shot at police multiple times.

A 100-metre exclusion zone was established, and heavily armed Special Emergency Response Team officers were dispatched to the scene.

Following his arrest on May 23 at 7.30am, Mr Henderson was initially charged with six counts of attempted murder.

He has remained in police custody since his arrest, with his charges being reduced to two counts of malicious act with intent.

His case has now been adjourned until December 2023.

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The 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Talent Search has concluded, with a massive effort raised by the participants for the vital service.

Organised by Brooke Hargrave, owner of Brooke Lee Modelling, the event was backed-up with the chance to be discovered by an international modelling agency.

“This year’s event attracted about 40 competitors and raised more than $33,000 for RACQ CQ Rescue, bringing the total amount raised in the last nine years to about $200,000,” explains Brooke.

Taya Rush raised $13,028.50 for the cause and was crowned the Overall Charity Princess.

She held a popular charity golf day earlier this year, which raised $11,000 in total.

Runner up for the competition was Charlotte Nielsen who raised $7294.50 for the service.

“I’m so proud of all the contestants and their families as it was an incredible effort this year to raise this record figure of $33,000,” said Brooke.

“We’ve been holding the talent show for nine years now and year on year the donation to CQ Rescue has increased, so we are so thrilled to be able to contribute to such a vital service which has touched the lives of so many people in this community.”

Australian Director for Miss World, Deborah Miller and Top Model International, Sienna-Rose Jerak attended the competition and awarded two contestants, Annabelle Munt and Chelsea Hore, into the Top Model Queensland State Final in 2024.

The even was primarily a fundraiser as well as a talent search, Brooke said, and each entrant over the age of four had paid an entry fee or raised the entry fee and above through sponsorship and fundraising activities.

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CQ Rescue Talent Charity Princess Taya Rush and Runner Up Charlotte Nielsen with Brooke Hargrave and RACQ CQ Rescue crew office Ben McCauley

By Bronte Hodge

Dozens of locals rushed to the aid of a beached humpback whale last Friday afternoon, but despite dedicated efforts, the whale sadly died a few hours after it was discovered.

Conway locals noticed the whale on Friday morning, many of whom organised themselves with shovels and buckets in an effort to get the mammal back to water.

Jubilee Pocket locals, Ti Hokins and family, were enjoying a day off when they saw the news on the Whales of the Whitsundays Facebook group.

With wife and daughter in tow, Ti attended the scene with two buckets and a shovel.

They were some of the first people on the beach.

All the first responders had were two good buckets, one broken bucket, a serving dish, towels and shovels, which were all used in a desperate effort to save the whale.

“It was quite beautiful to see the community come together to help the whale,” explains Ti.

“The whale was groaning and grunting and blowing water from its blow hole, as well as flicking with its tail.”

The rescuers soon realised, however, that the tide was far out from the whale’s position, and Ti said it would have been a “miracle for the whale to survive that long” waiting for the tide to come back in.

“It was alive for two hours, until it just stopped,” said Ti.

“Everyone kinda just realised at the same time that it had stopped moving or making noise.”

By that time, numerous community members and even representatives from ZigZag Whitsundays were on the ground, splashing the whale and towelling it.

“It was heart-warming to see everyone drop everything to come down and do anything to help the whale,” said Ti.

“Even afterwards, when we were leaving, there were streams of people coming down to the beach to help where they could.”

To report a sick, injured, or dead whale, ring 1300 130 372, and advise of its location, a description of the whale and a description of injury or situation.

The Great Barrier Reef Park Marine Authority will then access and make a plan of action.

Until authorities arrive at the whale, it is best to splash water over the whale and lay damp towels over its skin to keep it cool, and keep dogs and loud crowds away from it to minimise stress.

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A massive humpback whale beached itself last Friday morning. Photos supplied

Veterans in Bowen have gathered at the Bowen RSL last Thursday, July 27, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War.

Veterans of the Korean War Bill Barty and Garry Kirk attended the service with their family.

Both men are the only two surviving veterans of the Korean War in Bowen and were joined by ex and current military personnel from Townsville.

Mr Barty was a part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, while Mr Kirk served in the Navy.

They were both presented with certificates of thanks for their service.

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Veteran of Korean War Garry Kirk presented Bowen RSL with memorabilia of his time on HMAS Bataan in Korea 1950-1952

Veteran of Korean War Bill Barty standing behind his wife and with his family

Immediate Past President John Eyles presents Korean War Veteran Bill Barty with a certificate of thanks

Veteran of Korean War Garry Kirk with his wife Edna and family. Photos supplied

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With the events season well underway and gathering steam, our region comes alive with iconic events and festivals. Congratulations to the Triathlon club for a hugely successful weekend – packed with visitors and contestants.

The Whitsunday running club has also run (no pun intended) its Running Festival in mid July with the trail festival to follow.

With the Great Barrier Reef Festival followed by Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week coming up – the visitation and exposure that these events bring to the region is incalculable. We sincerely thank the organisers and volunteers – the entire region benefits from your efforts.

These regional events depend on local business support and financial contribution. Our local businesses community plays a big role in investing in our community for everyone’s benefit. As a thank you, be sure to support those businesses with purchase, a social media shout out, online review, or refer your friends as they help make these events come to life.

Another way you can support local businesses is by nominating them in this year’s Whitsundays Business Awards. The Chamber, in partnership with Tourism Whitsundays, seeks nominations for the 2023 Whitsundays Business Awards across five award categories.  

The awards are open to members of the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce or Tourism Whitsundays, and you can nominate in more than one category. Nominating is easy – all you have to do is provide a 250-word statement on the business and share links to their website and social media accounts. Nominations close Monday 21 August. Visit our website to learn more and good luck with your nomination.

This year, the Chamber has undergone extensive redevelopment and expansion, and we now invite you to be part of it. One of the major outcomes is our new membership model. It aims to provide unmatched opportunities to drive advocacy and connectivity for small business, commerce, and industry in the Whitsunday region. Visit our website and join today!

Our next Chamber event will be held 10am-12pm Wednesday 16 August in Proserpine. Pop Up Chamber – a new initiative – will be an informal gathering of business owners and the Chamber team.

Feel free to pop along at a time that best suits you, learn more about business in the region, get up-to-date on Chamber developments, share your view on regional business priorities, and grab a coffee.

The theme for this Pop Up Chamber is ‘Chamber membership: What’s in it for you?’ This event is free and open to all Chamber members and the broader Whitsundays community. Visit our website more information.

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By Bronte Hodge

Setting up shop in the Whitsundays, Adventure All Stars has taken their cast members on some of the best adventures and offerings that are available in our beautiful part of the country.

Participants are from across Australia, and each raised in excess of $10,000 for charity which was then rewarded with a trip-of-a-lifetime with Adventure All Stars, with all proceeds to go to Australian charities.

For many of the participants, this is a first taste of Airlie Beach, with them getting the chance to try some of the best adventures that are on offer.

“Part of the catch is that everything’s a surprise,” explained one contestant, AJ from Melbourne.

AJ is a teacher back home, and is living with ADHD, acting as an ambassador from ADHD Australia.

“We didn’t know we were coming to Airlie Beach until last Tuesday when we got sent our flight tickets.”

Nissy, another participant, travelled from Sydney and says she has found her time in the Whitsundays refreshing.

“I think everyone in Australia must come here for a holiday,” she said.

“The kids will enjoy it, the friends will enjoy it. It is such a great environment to be in, and it’s all about peace, love and harmony and I am very grateful to be a part of this.”

Nissy was approached to participate due to her own philanthropic endeavours, namely her own charity, Wiping Tears, an organisation supporting those experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, poverty, and limited access to health and medical resources and education.

Meanwhile, fellow cast member, Leanne, has a daughter who was diagnosed with ADHD, and she is now raising funds for ADHD education for schools, teachers, and the public.

“We did a light plane ride, which was absolutely amazing, they did a few tricks that had my stomach, but it was an awesome experience!” she said.

“We also did water biking, which was really peaceful, and a jet boat ride. That was like a mad house on steroids in the water!”

Funds from the Whitsunday episodes will go towards ADHD Australia, Heart Support Australia, Leukaemia Support Queensland, Mindfull Aus and Two Two One Mental Health Charity.

The Whitsunday episodes of Adventure All Stars make up three episodes of the upcoming season, which is set to air in 2024.

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Cast and crew of the newest season of Adventure All Stars filming in the Whitsundays this past week. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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In the age of ample decisions for what to pursue after high school, Whitsunday Christian College is providing all the tools for students to discover their work ready or tertiary options and gain relevant experience before graduating.

Beginning the tertiary and industry education journey while in Year 10 allows students plenty of time to discover their options and discover what they wish to pursue after graduation.

At Whitsunday Christian College students are shown pathways for whatever industry or tertiary education they wish to pursue.

Having partnered with TAFE Queensland, Binnacle and Skills Generation, the College is able to host certificate training for students, as well as sign on for School-Based Apprenticeships with local business for students.

This is compounded with internal onsite certificate facilitators who are able to offer certificates in Workplace Skills, Sport and Recreation and Engineering, which leads into a certificate III in Aviation.

“We can facilitate learning through Distance Education providers, if a student wants to do a specialised subject, as well as partner with Registered Training Organisations to deliver a desired certificate,” explained College Principal Kylie Langshore.

The College also has a good relationship with James Cook University, often hosting representatives of the university from different faculties, and transporting students to university open days and industry workshops.

No matter the pathway that students decide to pursue for tertiary education, Whitsunday Christian College is able to facilitate relevant and valuable certificates or pre-requisite education.

No matter the pathway that students decide to pursue for tertiary or industry education, Whitsunday Christian College is able to facilitate relevant and valuable certificates or pre-requisite education.

The College is deliberate in providing personalised learning that allows for close, nurturing learning opportunities for students, where the teacher is able to closely monitor the education and wellbeing of each of their students within the classroom, providing necessary support.

“What these supportive classrooms offer is a very personalised approach to learning, particularly in our Senior years,” said Mrs Langshore.

The College has a dedicated Senior Pathways Coordinator, Mrs Phoebe Lam, who oversees senior students as they navigate their tertiary and industry options, and shares with them relevant news, opportunities, and industry trends.

This level of dedicated care begins in the early stages of the College, with the specialty, Get Ready for Prep Program that helps prepare the youngest learners for Prep.

“Kindergarten children are invited to join in a two-hour familiarisation session every Thursday with their parents, so by the time they’re ready to start school next year, they’re well-adjusted to the school environment, they know their teachers and other children, and are less anxious about this significant transition,” said Mrs Langshore.

The seamless nature of the Prep to 12 education stages, means that children can move through Foundation, Junior, Middle, and Senior phase with appropriate transition, care and targeted support.  

Encouraging and growing young people of faith and character, who are capable of achieving personal excellence is what Whitsunday Christian College is committed to, and the myriad of exciting and varied pathways on offer support each and every student, promoting their strengths and their passions into an exciting profession following their graduation.  

Whitsunday Christian College invites you to explore what they have on offer and experience true community. Book a tour today!

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Whitsunday Christian College student, Mabel Gudes on sign up day for her Certificate III in Business Traineeship with City Beach Airlie Beach

Senior students at the James Cook University UniX Senior Excursion, sampling university life and courses. Photos supplied

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The school holidays are over but the number of visitors in Bowen has certainly not slowed down.

Winter is traditionally the busiest time of year for the tourism industry in Bowen and the numbers keep getting higher.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said there was a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre in July, compared to last year.

“We had a record month in July last year and then had a record day and record month in June this year,” she said.

“Once the Queensland and NSW school holidays finished, we thought we might see a slight reduction in the number of visitors.

“This has certainly not been the case as we welcomed more than 6500 visitors in July this year. The visitors just keep on coming.”

At the time of going to print, the team at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre were still finalising the July numbers but Ms Abernethy said she expected the increase to be about 15% in July, compared to the same month last year.

“Bowen really is the hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays. We are overwhelmed by the number of people discovering this piece of paradise,” she said.

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre offers an extensive range of merchandise and local produce and is also a booking agency for accommodation in Bowen and the greater Whitsundays region as well as tours to the islands and Whitehaven Beach.

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Trudy Starkey from Bowen Tourism and Business with Kate and Jay Locke from Terrigal, NSW who are among the thousands of visitors making their way to Bowen this winter. Photo supplied

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As Councillors, we deal with a broad range of issues but one of the more rewarding is planning for the needs of young people in our community and advocating to help deliver positive outcomes.

I represent Council on the Bowen and Collinsville Youth Action group (BACYA), which meets quarterly with lead stakeholders, businesses, and educators working in or with the youth of Bowen and Collinsville and surrounds.

We are currently working on a project aiming to have 150 conversations with young people aged 10-20 years and have their answers recorded to give an indication of what our region’s youth are needing in our communities.

These conversations and the feedback we gather from our young people will provide us with the real data that will validate why we are working towards a certain project or why advocacy is needed on different issues.

We can't pretend to know what life is like for our region’s youth so these informal conversations will allow us to better understand youth experiences in our community better.

Also, another project that is currently underway is the ‘Choose Collinsville’ Town Centre Upgrade which has commenced and, weather permitting, should be finished early September.

The works will create new irrigated garden beds, shade trees, disabled car parks, street furniture and include a new line marking, asphalt, and re-seal of the Main Street.

Works completed to date include installing the conduit for garden irrigation, the removal of hedges near Nugent’s Food Store, concreting of the hedge areas that have been removed and installation of new seating and bins.

In the fortnight ahead, Council will commence digging new garden beds. This will involve small work sites taking approximately 3 days per garden bed, moving through the street, minimising impacts on any one business for extended time.

Hopefully the works cause minimal disruptions, and the end result will be a bright streetscape for Collinsville Main Street.

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Illegal dumping and littering are a major problem in our region. This behaviour leads to significant environmental issues which negatively impact our communities, ecosystems, and overall quality of life.

The unsightly waste not only diminishes the natural beauty of our surroundings but also poses significant health hazards and threatens wildlife.

In the past six months alone, Council have received over 61 illegal dumping reports and have removed a whopping 336,477 litres of illegally dumped waste and litter across the region, which has a substantial cost to Council and ratepayers.

It is more important that we all follow safe waste management practices in order to protect our environment for future generations.  If you witness acts of illegal dumping, we ask that you inform Council via email at info@whitsudnayrc.qld.gov.au or phone on 1300 972 753 so that we may stop this behaviour.

For more information about waste management in our region, head to our website www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

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With TW Marketing Manager Laura Knipe

This week the second phase of our Bonza Newcastle campaign draws to a close. We launched this two-phase campaign to entice the residents of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley to holiday in The Whitsundays with the direct Bonza flights.

There are approximately 1.3 million people living in the Newcastle and Hunter region and we knew that enticing them to visit the Whitsundays would make huge impact to local tourism.

Over the past few months, The Whitsundays has been splashed across billboards at the Newcastle Airport, and Newcastle buses, and information about our region has been sent directly to inboxes and filled social feeds across Newcastle and the Hunter.  

If there’s someone in that region who hasn’t heard about The Whitsundays by now, I’d be surprised! Our partners at Newcastle Airport have surveyed 1000 passengers and awareness of the Newcastle to Whitsundays route doubled during the campaign.  

It’s been great to see our members jump at this campaign with 26 local businesses involved, from accommodation providers, transport, tours and experiences. We’re absolutely thrilled that these businesses see the value in this new market, like we do. 

As part of the campaign, we’ve also put together, with the assistance of many of our members, The Whitsundays Wildcard Weekend – a competition to win one of four long weekends in The Whitsundays.  

Entrants go into the draw to win a long weekend in The Whitsundays focusing on adventure, relaxation and exploring the Great Barrier Reef or enjoying island luxury.  

Each weekend includes return flights from Newcastle to Whitsunday Coast Airport, accommodation, one or two day tour experiences and return airport transfers.  

If you know anyone in the Newcastle/Hunter regions, make sure you tell them to enter via our website: https://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/bonza/whitsundays-wildcard/

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