A mother and her calf are officially the first two humpback whales to have been spotted in the Whitsundays, marking the beginning of the season, the first as a formally declared Whale Heritage Site.

The early sighting was claimed by a group of seafaring locals who were out filming near North Mackerel Bay on the North-eastern end of Hook Island on Tuesday this week.

A mother and calf Humpback whale were the first of the majestic mammals to be spotted in Whitsunday waters this season. Photo credit: Phil Gordon from Riptide Creative

The Whales Have Arrived!

A filming expedition on Hayman Island’s brand-new day boat, Osprey, was made even more significant with the group being the first to spot a mother and calf Humpback whale playing in the cool Whitsunday waters.

Asher Telford, the General Manager of SeaLink and former owner of Red Cat Adventures, led the maiden voyage on Osprey.

“It certainly got everyone revved up!” he expressed.

“It’s almost a month early and we were very surprised.”

Asher speculated their early arrival could be due to the cooler than usual start to the winter months.

“Everyone on board was really excited to check it out,” he shared.

“And it’s always a buzz to be the first to spot the whales at the beginning of the season.”

Phil Gordon from Riptide Creative was filming on the day and excited to generate some impressive footage of the illusive mammals in their natural habitat.

“We first saw the baby as it did a full breach out of the water,” he explained.

“Then we waited until it surfaced again and that’s when we got the photos.”

From June to September each year thousands of Humpback whales travel from the icy temperatures of the Antarctic and come to the warmer waters of the Whitsundays to give birth and nurture their calves during the first few months of their lives.

The Whitsundays tour operators, Traditional Owners and broader community are known for respecting and encouraging the global best practice in the preservation of these protected creatures along with other cetaceans.

There are several citizen science programs operating and a dedicated group called Whales of the Whitsundays (WOW) which all help to provide a safe environment for the migrating mammals.

It is thanks to the efforts of WOW that the Whitsundays was officially named a Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance in March this year.

The Whitsundays is only the second such site to be designated in Australia and the first to be designated inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the only site in the world to be in a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

The certification puts the region on the map with Hervey Bay, the only other designated site in Australia.

Following the early sighting this week, it is expected that more Humpback whales will be arriving any time now.

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The first two Humpback Whales made a surprise visit during the maiden voyage of Osprey. Photo credit: Riptide Creative

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Hi Everyone,

As we approach the 200th issue of this fabulous newspaper, we would like to say a huge thank you to you all for taking the time to flick through the pages, read our stories and engage with our advertisers each week.

Over the past four years, thanks to all of you and the dedicated work of our incredible team, we have created a fantastic print media platform that is keeping local story-telling alive.

We have been privileged to experience significant growth during this time and we really appreciate your support in getting to where we are today.

Some of the highlights have included watching our online presence grow – we now have 22,000 unique viewers per month – each choosing to read their weekly news on our website.

This is in addition to the 15,000 printed copies that are distributed around the region each week.

Last year represented another huge milestone moment for the business when we were honoured to be invited by the Burdekin community to launch a new newspaper in the region.

We have now been printing a weekly newspaper for the Burdekin since September and we are pleased to report it is running successfully as well.

Another major highlight was winning four state awards at the Queensland Country Press Awards last year – this included one gold, a silver and two bronze awards - spanning various categories from editorial campaigns to advertising features, and of course the infamous ‘Jenny and Steve’ ad.

This weekend marks a year since we received those awards and a small contingent of the team will be heading down again this weekend – wish us luck!

Regardless of whether we win, however, I feel like we have won already!

Serving the community with local news each week, being privileged to preserve the ongoing history of our beautiful region and meeting so many amazing people along the way – this is our reward.

Each morning I wake and think how lucky I am to do this job and work with this team of awesome people in a community I love.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” (Mark Anthony)

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A young Whitsunday resident has chopped off her lovely long locks for charity, raising an impressive $2,100 along the way.

Seven-year-old Maya Murphy decided to donate her hair to help sick kids following a conversation with her mum, Shannon, who had heard of Variety Children’s Charity, Hair With A Heart.

The initiative encourages people with long hair to “take the chop and change lives”, stating that “your lovely locks will be turned into wigs for people who’ve lost their hair from cancer, alopecia or other medical conditions”.

After a little consideration, Maya announced that she would like to do it and, with the help of her family, set up a charity page through the organisation, asking people to sponsor her ‘Big Chop’.

It wasn’t long before Maya watched the money roll in and the initial target of $750 was smashed almost straight away when they hit $1000 within the first 24 hours.

By the time she took the chop, Maya had raised an incredible $2,100.

A total of 20 centimetres of Maya’s hair was cut off and it has now been sent off so that a wig can be made from it.

Maya said she enjoys having short hair and was pleased her long hair was going to help sick kids.

“I just wanted to help them,” she said.

Shannon added that the whole family were very impressed with Maya’s giving nature.

“We are super proud of her!” she said.

“She’s that kind of kid that has a good heart always.”

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Young Maya rocking her new short hair and holding her long plaits which she will donate to sick kids. Photo supplied

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Good news for taxi-riders following the announcement this week that Uber will soon be coming to the Whitsundays, opening up the region and meeting the need for increased demand.

More than 3.9 million Australian’s are already using the ridesharing app and Uber is now ready to expand its business model into the regional areas.

The company, which has been operating in Australia for the past 12 years, is now looking for Uber Drivers and appeals for those interested to register.

Whitsundays Mayor, Ry Collins, welcomed the upcoming launch: 

“We know many of our residents have long requested another transport option to get from A to B, so I was excited to hear of Uber’s plans to launch here in the Whitsundays,” he said.

“Any business that makes the lives of locals easier, while offering another earning opportunity, is certainly welcomed in Whitsundays. It is an exciting development for our community.”

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As part of Domestic Violence Prevention Month, Whitsunday Regional Libraries are bringing awareness to their ongoing partnership with DV Safe Phone.

This collaboration aims to raise awareness and encourage the community to contribute their old working phones to DV Safe which collects, repairs, and offers them for free to front-line services as a safe phone for victims in domestic violence situations.

Phone drop-off points are currently located at all Whitsunday Regional Libraries in Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville.

Mayor Ry Collins said that it’s not uncommon for people to have old mobile phones tucked away at home and, by donating them to one of the collection boxes at our regional libraries, residents can potentially help people in very traumatic circumstances.

“Part of Council’s role is to promote healthy and safe environments for our community to live in, and we are well placed to promote this initiative through our public spaces such as our regional libraries,” he said.

“We’ve had collection points in our libraries for approximately 12 months now and we want the community to know that we can all make a meaningful difference to people in need through the simple act of a donation.”

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DV Safe Phone, Ashton Wood, expressed sincere appreciation for the partnership, emphasising the pivotal role of community engagement in addressing domestic violence.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Whitsunday Regional Libraries for their invaluable support," remarked Ashton.

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Councillor Jan Cliiford, Mayor Ry Collins, Councillor Clay Bauman and, Nikki Firmin from DV Safe Phone, donating their old phones at the collection points.

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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A big, beautiful fig tree on the parkland adjacent to Cannonvale Beach has been poisoned according to recent information given by Whitsunday Regional Council.

Evidence asserts that drill holes have been discovered around the base of the tree and poison could have been inserted into the roots which has then poisoned the tree itself.

The tree has now lost over half its leaves and the remaining structure is brown and frail looking.

A Whitsunday Regional Council statement on the matter reads as follows:

“We regret to inform the community of the loss of a beautiful fig tree on the Cannonvale Foreshore,” it said.

“Over the past two weeks, deliberate damage has been inflicted upon the tree, evidenced by drill holes strategically placed around its trunk, indicating a poisoning attempt.

“Over the weekend, fresh poison holes were found, and the tree has taken a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, an arborist report has confirmed the tree cannot be saved and will be removed to ensure public safety. We will look to replant a new tree in its place.”

Sadly, the statement, which was released on Council’s Facebook Page, soon garnered unfavourable attention from community members throwing accusations at the neighbours of the nearby apartments, claiming they had poisoned the tree to get a better view.

“Pretty clear who it was. Their unit is in the background of the photo!! Need to just plant another bigger and denser tree to replace it and put in camera surveillance,” Paul Jukes commented on the post.

Appalled apartment owners have since come forward in defence, stating they would never poison the tree, nor do they know of any neighbours in the tight knit community that would do so.

“I’ve been living here 12 years and there’s no way I’d poison the tree and, while I don’t know everyone in the units, I am the Chairman of the Body Corp and I wouldn’t think anyone would do it,” said resident, Alistair Gourlay.

“We’ve got such a lovely view, and the tree is beautifying the parkland across the road, I don’t see why anyone would want to destroy it.”

The incident has now been logged with Queensland Police, and Council are encouraging anybody who may have information about the act of vandalism to contact Council or the Police.

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A beautiful old fig tree on Cannonvale Beach has been poisoned. Photo supplied

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Bowen is recognised as the Mural Capital of Australia and with almost 30 murals adorning the walls around the town, it is no wonder.

Bowen was once destined to be the capital of North Queensland and this incredible history is reflected in the new mural of Herbert Street which depicts imagery of the town in the 1930’s.

The murals show the old wide streets of Herbert Street, the very first Supreme Court north of Rockhampton, and the old Commonwealth Bank.

Painting the murals is highly acclaimed Brisbane artist Glen Gillard.

Glen has been painting murals in Bowen since 1989 and has consistently travelled up to complete them as the years have gone by.

Painting this current mural for the past three weeks, Glen is expecting to finish his latest masterpiece before the end of the month.

He is impressed with the progress of the current mural and can’t wait to finish and let his newest work flourish by the Bowen Foreshore.

After he has finished the paintings, he will include names and dates of the buildings so the public can learn about the buildings and their history.

Secretary of the Mural Society, Heather Skinner said they have more exciting plans for the future.

“Down the track the plan is to get QR codes but we’ve got to get the money for that,” she said.

“But with the QR codes, people could click and get the extra information.”

The murals in Bowen are all about history and Heather said they are very effective in informing people about Bowen.

“It's great because it means we don't just get the local people learning about the History we get people from around Australia and even overseas,” Heather said.

Glen says he feels privileged to be given the opportunity to show the history of the area, and that he loves Bowen and is very grateful for the amount of the work it has provided for him over the years.

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Secretary of the Mural Society, Heather Skinner and Artist Glen Gillard

Glen adding touches to his mural

Glen standing in front of his yet to be finished mural

Photo Credit: Daniel Heggie

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More than 50 business-minded individuals attended the inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference which took place in Cannonvale last week.

An initiative of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event was a melting pot of inspiration and activity, with a diverse range of guest speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions where all attendees were encouraged to participate and contribute.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP opened the event with an inspiring speech and, following the main agenda, the event culminated when Whitsunday Regional Council hosted special guest, Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb.

Mayor Ry Collins said the region was privileged to host the Queensland Small Business Commissioner for a two-day visit.
 
“The Commissioner engaged with the local business community and budding entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights and support tailored to the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the area,” he said.
 
“There is a considerable amount of support available through the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner designed to help businesses succeed, ranging from financial advice, upskilling and training, navigating disputes and government legislation to wellness checks.
 
“These initiatives are crucial in fostering a resilient small business community in the Whitsundays and I encourage everyone to use this fantastic resource.”

Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it was thrilled with the response and looks forward to it becoming a marquee annual event for the region’s business community.

“The event was a hive of buzzing energy, new connections, ideas, and great discussions,” said a Chamber spokesperson.

“The Chamber wishes to thank everyone who participated, our speakers, and sponsors for bringing the Whitsunday Business Conference to life!”

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Councillor Clay Bauman, Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins.

Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry Liaison Officer Julia Evans addresses the audience

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm gives inspiring speech

Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry Liaison Officer Julia Evans with Chamber President Alan Milostic

Tolita Dukes, Cait Fleming and Mark Henry

Trevor Rees and Councillor Clay Bauman

Wendy and Andrew Barker

Jody Mulholland, Victoria Payne, Michaela Krutz and Kristian Mulholland

Joscelyn O’Keefe and Mark Powell

Heather Batrick and Cindy Baker

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie and Rachael Smith

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The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC), Dominique Lamb, visited the Whitsundays last week to engage with the local business community and budding entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights and support tailored to the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the area.

Council’s Economic Development Team hosted an event for the Commissioner to showcase the extensive support available through the QSBC to help businesses succeed. This includes financial advice, upskilling and training, assistance with navigating disputes and government regulations, wellness checks, and a variety of other tools.

Approximately 40 people attended the event held in Cannonvale and the Commissioner then travelled to Bowen to have one-on-one meetings with some local businesses there.

Initiatives such as these are crucial in fostering a resilient small business community in the Whitsundays and I encourage everyone to use the QSBC as it’s a fantastic resource.

I represented our region at the Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors meeting which is a partnership between Whitsunday, Isaac and Mackay Councils to identify joint opportunities for innovation and collaboration across the region.

This group works together to address regional issues, promote sustainable development, and advocate for the interests of our communities at state and federal levels. By pooling resources and expertise, the aim is to get better leverage when advocating for the region.

Over the recent weeks my fellow councillors and I have been through a new council induction which has included updates on changes to legislation and planning for mandatory training to be completed over the first six months of the term. We’ve also been in discussions about the upcoming budget with our attention drawn to the intricate balance between meeting community needs, recognising the cost-of-living pressures and maintaining financial responsibility. We are looking to adopt the budget in late June with information to be provided to the community in due course.

The Disaster Management Team kicked off their visits to primary schools across the region for Under 8’s Day! Under 8’s provides us with a unique opportunity to educate our youngest community members about the importance of disaster preparedness and safety. As a father myself I know that kids are great for sharing their knowledge and teaching their parents a thing or two from time to time!

They also enjoy saying hi to our disaster mascot Turbine and have had fun completing activities in our disaster preparedness activity book, which helps them prepare for disasters in a fun way.  While we aren’t officially in storm season anymore, disasters can strike at anytime and it’s important our community is prepared all year round.

From Mayor of the Whitsundays, Ry Collins

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Councillor Clay Bauman, Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Whitsunday Regional Council promotes responsible pet ownership to enhance community safety and enjoyment. Always keep dogs leashed in public spaces such as parks, reserves, and foreshores, except in designated 'off lead' areas. This practice not only ensures everyone's safety but also allows all community members to enjoy these spaces worry-free. For those times when your dog can roam freely, check the Council’s website for detailed maps of approved off-leash areas where your pet can safely explore and play!

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Celebrated local artist, Karen Jacobsen, has been nominated for an Australian Independent Record Award in recognition of her Misogyny Opus masterpiece.

The Mackay-born artist, known widely as the ‘Voice of Siri’, moved back from America with her family several years ago, electing to make the Whitsundays her home.

Since then, Karen has been cultivating a career in Australia, becoming a popular personality and talented artist both locally and nationally.

The acclaimed pop orchestral work, Misogyny Opus, recites word for word Julia Gillard’s historic speech and is performed by Karen who is accompanied by musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Nominated in the Best Independent Classical Album or EP category, the song is vying for the award against The Australian Chamber Orchestra among other prominently known performers.

Karen says she feels deeply honoured to be seen alongside these incredible musicians.

“I truly feel like I have already won!” she expressed.

“The other nominees in comparison are very well-known, it’s such a boost to be alongside them and flying the flag for female composers.”

Karen said she would like to thank the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) for being her co-commissioning partner, along with Mayor Greg Williamson, MECC Acting Manager Jemma Carey and the rest of the team.

The news of the nomination could not have come at a better time for Karen who has just released a new album, The Slipstream, which features 10 cinematic, timeless, melodic, piano-driven songs which were written and recorded remotely between Airlie Beach and New York City.

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Karen Jacobsen has been nominated for an Australian Independent Record Award in recognition of her Misogyny Opus masterpiece. Photo supplied

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It’s that time of year again when those who are looking to build wealth are reviewing strategies to minimise their taxation expenses prior to the 30 June deadline. Whether you own a successful business, are on a good salary or have had a once-off taxable transaction such as selling an asset and triggering a capital gain, there are a variety of legitimate, legal strategies to help minimise your tax bill or boost your refund.
Tax minimisation is all about creating tax deductible expenses to offset taxable income and therefore reduce tax payable. If an individual is in the top personal tax bracket, they are paying 47% income tax and therefore any tax-deductible expenses are really only taking 53 cents in the dollar out of their pocket as the Government is funding the remainder.
Spending a dollar to save 47 cents tax only makes sense if the expense is part of a logical, broader investment strategy that will deliver an acceptable return to the investor on the 53 cents they have contributed. This return may be in the form of capital growth on a portfolio of traditional passive investments such as shares, bonds and property, or in the form of income streams from investments at a later stage. The science is in researching and finding tax deductible expenses which have a realistic prospect of delivering the required return with an acceptable level of risk.  
Common strategies include utilising the superannuation tax structure, negative gearing programs or prepaying expenses. Superannuation is a simple savings scheme so you can retire after 60 years of age with huge tax benefits when you contribute. Negative gearing is borrowing to invest into shares or property, which is inherently riskier than a saving plan but suits some people. Pre-paying might be a farmer topping up their fuel or fertiliser account or pre-paying interest for 12 months on your tax-deductible loans to bring the extra interest into this year.
30th June is just around the corner. It’s time to get serious about your strategy.
For a free consultation with local people who understand the complexities of these or any other financial matter, contact Eclipse Financial Planning at Cannonvale on 49467359 today or visit www.eclipsefp.come.au

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“Who do I think I am talking and advising about leadership? Wait til someone realises I’m not the expert in this field . . . Wait till someone discovers my past epic failures.”

This is the little voice in my head I’ve come to fear and now finally befriend after many years.

This voice follows me around most days and is either so small I can hardly hear it, or booming through my ears loud enough for me to think everyone around me can hear it.

Imposter Syndrome is feelings of self-doubt and negative self-talk, resulting in missed opportunities. 

If you weren’t aware, the majority of humans suffer from this at some stage in their life. It most commonly occurs when starting something new – a new job or a new role.

We often fear we are out of our depth and people will realise we don’t know what we are doing or are not as capable as they assume we are.

We believe the worst-case scenario may be realised, our fear of being seen as a failure.

The negative: It stops you from reaching your potential.
The positive: It spurs you on to become more knowledgeable, competent, experienced; it can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth and development.

Exposing your Imposter Syndrome to the light and sharing your fears with good friends helps alleviate any beliefs these thoughts are real.

Your peer group will help challenge this negative self-talk and dilute its potential power over you.

Don’t let Imposter Syndrome hinder your ability to reach your potential. Identify it when it creeps in, understand it’s a normal human response, and use it to push you forward.

Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter From Shiift.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contributed with thanks to CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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