A 51-year-old man has unfortunately passed away, following a drowning off Shingley Beach in Cannonvale.

Just after midday on New Year’s Day, January 1, emergency services were dispatched to Shingley Drive, Cannonvale, near Coral Sea Marina, with reports of a near drowning.

One crew from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene, alongside Police to assist.

“Resuscitation was attempted,” a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said, “However, the man was declared deceased at the scene.”

The man’s death has been deemed non-suspicious by police however the authorities will present their report to the coroner.

In 2023, 281 individuals lost their lives to drowning in Australian waterways, with 77 per cent of deaths male, and 57 per cent of deaths over the age of 45 years old.

As the weather warms up, it is paramount that everyone is safe in our region’s waters.

For residential homes, be sure to have a sturdy, latch-able gate that completely encloses the pool, and supervise the pool closely, especially with children.

For fishing or boating activities, wear a correctly fitted lifejacket and learn CPR, and be knowledgeable of the risks of natural waters. Check weather forecasts and water conditions.

Avoid drinking alcohol or other stimulants and have a buddy system if in unfamiliar waters or experiencing adverse water conditions.

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The man was declared deceased at the scene. Photo supplied

With a bustling marine terminal full of happy holidaymakers embarking on a range of fantastic experiences, Cruise Whitsundays is the gateway to the islands, the Great Barrier Reef and the wide variety of on-water activities our region is known for. Whether it is snorkelling the coral gardens, stargazing from a glamping tent 39 nautical miles out to sea or walking along the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, Cruise Whitsundays transform bucket-list items into reality for over 800,000 visitors every year.

Celebrating 20 successful years in business in 2024, Cruise Whitsundays operates 27 commercial vessels, 11 of which run between five departure points and offer 14 different day tours. Covering a diverse range of experiences, Cruise Whitsundays pride themselves on offering a tour or experience for every taste, budget and ability. Transferring holidaymakers between resort islands, voyaging to the outer Great Barrier Reef and Heart Pontoon or embarking on a full-day or half-day tour to Whitehaven Beach – the range of options is almost endless!

At the heart of Cruise Whitsundays’ operation is the incredible team of people that make every experience unique. From the Master Reef Guides to reservations consultants, the skippers to the crew, the café staff to the operations team, every staff member plays an important and pivotal role in the successful and streamlined delivery of each experience. At the foundation of the Cruise Whitsundays operation is culture and community, these two cornerstones intrinsically linked to the success of this highly acclaimed marine tour operator.

A multi-award winning company, Cruise Whitsundays has won a series of awards at the regional, state and even national level. Always innovating and striving to be at the forefront of holiday experiences in the Whitsundays, the company is consistently considered to be one of the best operations in the region. In 2023, they won Gold for the Unique Accommodation category at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and then backed this up with a Bronze at the state awards in the same category.

Focusing on quality experiences and delivering excellence across every aspect of their operations, Cruise Whitsundays are also leaders in environmental sustainability and community connection. At the core of their business is ensuring that many processes are undertaken with limited carbon footprint, whether that be introducing a new water management system or recycling all on-board waste.

The company is also a significant contributor to the monitoring and surveillance of the reef. They employ several Master Reef Guides and participate in initiatives such as Whitsunday Health Heart and Eye on the Reef. They also have an Advanced Eco Certification and are on the Whitsunday Whale Steering Committee, constantly driving to preserve the pristine natural environment in which they work.

While they employ 220 direct staff, Cruise Whitsundays also indirectly support 87 valued suppliers and contractors, who all contribute to the fabric of the business. As a result of this wide-reaching network, Cruise Whitsundays are highly entrenched in the local community and big supporters of sporting teams, local events and other charities. They frequently sponsor events such as The Great Barrier Reef Festival, support operations at Eco Barge Clean Seas and often donate raffle prizes to a wide range of causes.

A dynamic mover within the tourism industry, Cruise Whitsundays aims to excel and exceed expectations at every turn. Whether that be on delivering quality products, championing community causes or driving environmental sustainability - there are multiple avenues that lead towards the extensive 20-year story of success for this inspiring local company.

With 14 different day tours from 11 different departure points, Cruise Whitsundays has created a spectacular selection of experiences for guests to enjoy. Travel 39 nautical miles out to sea for a Reefsleep adventure, cruise to Whitehaven Beach and wander the silica sands or jump aboard an island transfer. Whatever your dream is, it can be achieved with Cruise Whitsundays.

Snorkel, swim and dive the remote Hardy Reef on the dedicated Cruise Whitsundays pontoon. This fully-equipped floating structure allows you to explore the reef at your leisure – stay dry in the semi-submarine with intimate views of the coral gardens, discover the underwater observatory or get wet with a snorkel safari.

With the Heart Pontoon as your base, enjoy the comfort and convenience of a buffet lunch and sumptuous morning and afternoon tea while ensconced in the jaw-dropping natural surrounds. For those dreaming of star-gazing the night away, elect to stay onboard for a glamping experience at Reefsleep or splash out and become a guest at Australia’s only underwater hotel, waking-up to the vibrant coral gardens.

Cruising to Whitehaven Beach daily, tours aboard the comfortable air-conditioned catamarans offer a quick and easy trip to arguably the most beautiful beach in the world. Choose from a full or half-day tour and spend hours relaxing in the calm turquoise water or walk along the cool silica sands. Take a short bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and admire the ever-changing swirling sands that grace postcards sent all around the world.

For the avid sailors, Camira sailing catamaran is an ideal choice. Harness the wind and sail the azure waters of the Whitsundays on board the impressive Camira, a speedy 85ft ocean-going catamaran. Choose between a sunset cruise or a day-tour, then sit back and relax, enjoy the all-inclusive alcohol and beverage and delicious food offerings.

For the island-hoppers out there, cruise to Hamilton Island for a round of golf or simply explore the island at your own pace. Discover the specular island bushwalks, cuddle a koala at the zoo or explore Catseye Beach.

With all your holiday needs covered, Cruise Whitsundays will look after you.

It has been a whirlwind over the past nine years for Leshia Krushka, Customer Service and Sales Manager with Cruise Whitsundays. And that’s to say, she has loved every single second of her time.

Leshia fondly remembers when Cruise Whitsundays operated from Shute Harbour before they relocated to Port of Airlie, and the great expansion that the business has seen in recent times.

“I have been so lucky to see the growth of Cruise Whitsundays, welcoming new vessels to the fleet, the launch of Reefworld with the Reefsuites, introducing new products and experiences to our guests,” Leshia explained.

Pro-active does not begin to describe Leshia, ensuring the very best for Cruise Whitsundays passengers and guests, as well as standing with the wider Whitsundays community in times of emergency.

“I think one of the key moments in my time at Cruise Whitsundays was how the team and communities rallied to support each other and then rebuild after Cyclone Debbie,” Leshia shared.

Describing herself a “multi-tasker extraordinaire”, Leshia is proud to be with Cruise Whitsundays, and “becoming a part of a Australia’s largest experiential tourism providers.”

When she isn’t busy at the helm of Cruise Whitsundays’ front desk operations, she is at home with her beloved family, her husband and her two young daughters, and the family’s two cats.

“I just love getting into the kitchen and cooking up a storm, or lazing by the pool with a sneaky cocktail, but I am also very busy chasing my two beautiful girls around and juggling their needs,” she said.

It was inevitable that Paige Hurley wouldn’t pursue a career in the marine tourism industry, a profession she feels passionate and energized about.

Paige was welcomed into the Cruise Whitsundays family just over a year ago, as the Reef Experience Manager, a position that she is excited to be in and where she hopes to further develop her skills.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Cruise Whitsundays business and the Reef world family,” Paige shared.

“Being a part of the Reefstay experience is something I’m really proud of. In the year I’ve been with the company, there’s been some really positive changes and lots of new faces who are just as passionate and happy to be here to deliver these amazing experiences for our guests.”

Paige is proud of the amazing experience that Cruise Whitsundays and Reefstay offers to guests.

“With the Reefstay experience we are part of people’s once in a life time travel journey which is incredible to be a part of,” Paige explained.

During her first year, she has been on national television, sharing the experience across Australia, something that excited her, and she is eager to see where else the position sends her in the future.

“I have a background in hospitality and a strong passion for the water and the Great Barrier Reef and this job has enabled me to further develop my career on the water, something that I am so excited for.”

When not on Reefstay, Paige is busy exploring the region, in the water and playing AFL.

Steadfast and confident are two words that perfectly describe the capable General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays, Renee Branton-Brown.

Heralding the team for over six years now, Renee is the impeccable head, with a clear compass of direction.

Renee joined the Cruise Whitsundays team in 2017, after an extensive history of marine tourism, which began in 2006.

“I’ve been travelling the world for most of my adult life,” she explained.

“I was fortunate to work across multiple Cruise Line Brands and travel to some of the most beautiful places on the planet.”

Her passion is ensuring that holidaymakers of the Whitsundays return home with incredible memories of their time in our waters.

“I love sharing special places with guests and sharing my enthusiasm with them. I’m in the business of making unforgettable memories!”

She is proud of the amazing experiences Cruise Whitsundays has on offer, especially the unforgettable Reefworld experience.

“I joined Cruise Whitsundays the year before we launched Reefworld,” Renee explained.

“Being a part of launching a new product and an ‘Australian first’ was pretty spectacular. I still believe our underwater accommodation Reefsuites are the most unique accommodation in the country!”

During her years, she has helped oversee a great expansion of the business.

“I’ve been part of the development of other new products, the launch of our own café and gift shop and multiple other initiatives that add so much value to the guest experience,” Renee said.

When she’s not overseeing great expansions, she is at home with her husband, her son, and all their family animals, most likely out in the sun, enjoying nature.

There is not one part of the business that Vessel Engineer Tyler Bellingham hasn’t influenced at Cruise Whitsundays, with his over 10 years of dedicated service and commitment.

In fact, Tyler is one of the hardest working team members with Cruise Whitsundays, having joined the team as a wharf porter and handling baggage, before moving into cruise attendant, tour guide, deck hand. He is now as Vessel Engineer, primarily for the beach boats that venture to Whitehaven Beach almost daily.

Initially, Tyler dreamt of driving the boats, being a captain or first mate, however just over three years ago, he discovered his real passion for engineering, for repairing broken down boats, and looking after the on-board machinery.

“I’ve always had an interest in machinery, but three years ago, I started the process,” Tyler explained.  

In 2020, Tyler was in Cairns completing his first qualification, and in late 2021, he was in Tasmania at the Maritime College, excelling and impressing his lecturers and teachers.

On board the Whitehaven Beach experiences, Tyler is largely behind the scenes, ensuring guest safety and smooth sailing, instructing his two deck hands on operations.

“I’m in charge of all the machinery on board the boat,” he explained.

“And if it breaks down, I’ve got to fix it.”

Tyler finds the job incredibly interesting, and loves investigating how engines tick.

He now knows the vessel’s engines like the back of his hands, and makes the repair and operation look easy.

“It takes hard work to make it look easy,” he laughed.

When not out on the water, Tyler enjoys diving, exploring and fishing, primarily around the islands, which he is able to navigate with ease.

Whenever Ryan Guitman is behind the bar of Eastwoods Dining and Bar, impeccable does not begin to describe the calibre of beverages that he serves.

With the title of Bar Supervisor, Ryan has a careful eye over his crew of bartenders, and, with his carefully curated drinks menu, each and every guest can be rest assured that Ryan’s keen eye for detail is ensuring only the best.

Having experimented and perfected every single element of the Eastwoods Drinks Menu, Ryan knows the bar like the back of his hand.

With enticing cocktails and exciting spirit blends there is something for everyone on this menu.

Perhaps try the Duck Duck Duck, a duck fat washed rye whiskey cocktail, with plum syrup, plum bitters and angostura, inspired by the exquisite duck on the main menu.

Maybe the Maanghang Manga cocktail is more your spend, with chilli infused big river gin, mango liqueur, mango nectar, and rice wine vinegar – which is Ryan’s own favourite, inspired by his fiancé - Milena.

“These recipes have lingered in my head for a little while,” Ryan explained.

“I couldn’t wait to have the freedom to create like this. Eastwoods has given me complete free rein to try anything, and it’s so exciting.”

Now, what has been most appealing on the menu?

“The top two most popular have been the Coconut Kiss and Kisake. It’s served in a coconut and it’s so nice and refreshing, made with two shots of coconut tequila, coconut cream, kaffir syrup and lychee. The Kisake has a variety of flavours that pare so well together to create a unique summer style cocktail, made with vodka, sake, peach liqueur, lychee liqueur, mandarin juice, lemon and agave.

“But honestly, the range we have, you’ve just got to stop by and try it all!”

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Ryan Guitman, the man behind Eastwoods exotic drinks menu. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Do you ever have the inkling to tackle an absolutely obscene amount of food and get your picture on the coveted Wall of Fame?

So has the team of KC’s Bar and Grill, having created the Not So Smally, a great challenge for one, and an ever better sharing platter for multiple.

Created in early 2023 by the KC’s team, the Not So Smally contains half a rack of sticky BBQ ribs, half a kilo of buffalo wings, one piece of southern fried chicken, onion rings, chips, slaw and pickles, some of the very best that the KC’s kitchen has to offer.

Many of the team have given the challenge a go, including Head Chef Troy Jackson and Venue Manager Jake Simpson, however, only Troy was successful to get his picture on the Wall of Fame.

In the short year that the Not So Smally has been offered, over 30 patrons have given it a go, with only four successful.

“I didn’t even get close to finishing it,” Jake explained.

With just 10 minutes on the clock to get the meal down, the challenge is made sweeter with the inclusion of spicy wings, which had heat and intensity.

Jake’s tips to getting it all down?

“Start with the meat first. I know a lot of people want to save the wings for last, but don’t, the spice just makes it a lot harder. The killer is the chips. The potato just dries out your mouth and makes everything harder. Mixing the chips and slaw is a good option too.”

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The Not So Smally Challenge, stumping grill lovers in Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

Perfection and pasta go hand in hand.

As least, that’s what we believe when we pay a visit to La Tabella Italian.

With an extensive menu encompassing all things Italian, the range and variety of pasta dishes is where the magic lies.

Made fresh daily, with all local produce and hand made ingredients, each and every strand, ball and parcel of pasta is lovingly hand shaped, moulded, and stretched.

And, according to new owner Brittany Panapa, there is no secret except perfect consistency.

“We have not changed a thing, the secret is just consistency; staff chefs, same recipe, same passion,” Brittany explained.

The day at La Tabella begins at 9.30am, with the three pastai [the chefs who carefully create the pasta] coming in and crafting the kilos of pasta required for the full day of service for the restaurant.

“We make and serve so much pasta daily. And we’ve got so many different types,” Brittany explained.  

“We’ve got the usual spaghetti, fettuccine, gnocchi, as well as a range of more distinct and flavour-filled pastas that enhance each and every sauce on offer at La Tabella.

“Hands down, the Seafood Spaghetti is one of our most popular dishes, with prawns, scallops, calamari, reef fish, mussels and Napoli rose sauce, it is delicious, with this rich sauce, all made from scratch too,” Brittany explained.

And with exciting updates to come to the La Tabella Restaurant, guests can be left excited to come and try every single dish on offer!

The boys from Sex and Chocolate are back and ready to work their magic in Airlie Beach over next weekend, at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

With their intimate Motown II Millennia show, the Sex and Chocolate boys are ready to give Airlie Beach a show not to be missed.

With smooth tunes and unforgettable dance moves, Sex and Chocolate draw inspiration from classic Motown, R&B, and soul, with hits from Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Spinners, Earth Wind and Fire, Prince, Bruno Mars, Outkast, and Bill Ocean, there will be something for everyone.

Featuring the vocals and appeal of Paul Thompson and his team, Mikey, Wilz, and Maihi, three award-winning sensations that dominate, the boys will perform this personal show to a crowded dance floor.  

With every rendition of this up-close and personal show, the boys of Sex and Chocolate have perfected their craft, wowing audiences throughout the two-hour show, and leaving every single person entertained and entranced.

The boys have shared their excitement to be performing to the Airlie Beach crowd once again, wanting to make sure the ladies feel extra special on the day.

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays has become a favourite for the group, returning for the umpteenth time to entertain the unforgettable Airlie crowd, their classic temptations of sex, charisma, and romance leading the show.

With over 20 years’ experience in the entertainment trade, these boys have perfectly smooth harmonies and sensual dance moves and are always ready to serenade the crowd through the two afternoon shows.

While, yes, Sex and Chocolate are very popular with the ladies – there’s no denying that - but all are welcome to this charismatic show, where the only stripping is the boys’ smooth harmonies and powerful dance moves.

Indulge in this weekend special at the Airlie Beach Hotel and experience the most romantic show of the year, with the highly sought-after boys as they travel Australia, sharing their love.

Expect to be swooned by smooth talking, engaging tunes that will ease the workday blues right out of you.

WHAT: Sex & Chocolate presents Motown II Millennia

WHEN: January 13 and 14, from 2pm to 5.30pm

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

Photos supplied

Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating a milestone and everyone is invited!

Airlie Beach parkrun is completing their 400th community Park Run, and the theme is Pirate.

The first Airlie Beach parkrun began on December 5, 2015, and has seen over 5,700 people attend the weekly run, completing close to 30,000 park runs, and over 140,000 kilometres.

With an average of 70 runners each and every week, this park run has been completed in rain, sun, and the barmy summer warmth.

Airlie Beach parkrun statistics:

Finishers: 5,727

Finishes: 28,077

Average finishers per week: 70.4

Volunteers: 451

PBs: 3,230

Average finish time: 00:33:10

Average finishes per participant: 4.9

Groups: 514

Female record: Megan DAVIS – 18:16 – Event 372 (8 Jul 2023)

Male record: Tony GORDON – 15:55 – Event 285 (13 Nov 2021)

Age graded record: Pamela WHITTER - 88.17% 21:42 – Event 227 (1 Feb 2020)

So next Saturday, come dressed in your best pirate outfit and enjoy the festivities.

WHAT: 400th parkrun

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Saturday January 6, from 7am

SIGN UP: https://www.parkrun.com.au/register/?eventName=airliebeach

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Volunteers of the 399th Airlie Beach parkrun. Photo supplied

One of the world’s biggest sailing challenges, The Clipper Race is steering into the Whitsundays, as part of the Asia-Pacific leg of the 40,000 nautical mile race.

As of date of print, the Clipper Race has been sailing for 48 days, with each vessel a mammoth 70-foot ocean racing yacht.

Having kicked off in September, the crews have braved wild weather, harsh winds, and glorious sunshine.

Championed by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first individual to sail solo, uninterrupted around the world, the first Clipper Race took place in 1996.

Since then, close to 6,000 sailors, from over 60 countries have signed on to the challenge.

The Clipper Race is unique, with it being the only race to supply racers a fleet of 11 identical racing yachts, which have a fully qualified skipper and first mate. Crews must complete four levels of intense ocean racer training before they can compete.

Clipper Racers are estimated to arrive in the Whitsundays from January 16 to 17, and competitors will have a rest before the race kicks back off on January 22.

The Clipper Race is set to conclude in July this year, from East Coast, United States of America, back to the United Kingdom.

Stopping over in at Coral Sea Marina, as part of the Asia-Pacific leg of the race, the community are welcome to see the majesty racers and their vessels.

The Coral Sea Marina is also welcoming all to tour on of the Clipper 70 Racing Yachts. With above and below deck tours, you can see the very vessel that is crossing the ocean six times over the 40,000 nautical miles.

On deck, test your skills with one of the eleven winches, that hoist the sails over 29 metre mast. Below deck, explore the Navigation Station, galley, bunks, stowage and see where the 20 Clipper Race Crew live.

This opportunity is on Friday January 29, from 10am to 3pm, at the Coral Sea Marina. All ages welcome at no cost.

Community members are also invited to witness these Clipper crews race it out on the small screen, using Whitsunday Sailing Club RS Quest dinghies, for the monumental Little Ripper Clipper Cup.

The next added extra of this fantastic event is the invitation to witness the beginning of the next leg of the race.

The fleet of 11 will line up in Pioneer Bay, before jetting past the Great Barrier Reef to start Race 5. Community members are welcome to witness this parade from the water, or you can watch the departure from the ground at the south end of the Coral Sea Marina.

WHAT: Little Ripper Clipper Cup

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Thursday January 18, from 11am

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WHAT: Tour a Clipper 70 Racing Yacht

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Friday, January 19, from 10am to 3pm

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WHAT: Meet the Aussie Locals

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens

WHEN: Saturday January 20, from 4pm to 6pm

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WHAT: Parade of Sails, Clipper Race

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Monday, January 22, from 12 to 1.30pm

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The winning crew of Race 4, Ha Long Bay Viet Nam, who are currently 7th place. Image supplied

Are you considering a career shift in 2024? Wanting to diversify your skillset and expand your qualifications?

Here are the trades set to boom in 2024!

Green Energy

Turning away from environmentally unsustainable practices, the clean energy sector will see unprecedented increase, with skilled workers flocking to be active in eco-friendly practices and become more sustainable.

Such positions in green energy set to see an increase in demand are solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians and electrical engineers, who are able to service and install green energy components.

Construction

Construction, particularly the computer design aspects of construction, are set to boom in popularity. Particularly with the integration of automated computer software and artificial intelligence, individuals educated and able to navigate this ever-evolving technical landscape will be in high demand.

Construction will also be highly demanded, due to the increase of home ownership aspirations, and Australian government incentives to purchase land and home packages to ease housing concerns.

Plumbers, Electricians, and Welders

Highly interconnected with construction, trades of electricians, plumbers and welders will experience unprecedented growth, in part to the increase of construction projects. Installing and servicing all systems from general electrical wiring to install and service of solar panels, with plumbers tending to expand their trade offer to include septic tanks, hot water systems and water filters, the roles of these trades have dramatically expanded.

With 2024 just beginning, now is a great time to take advantage of TAFE Fee Free courses, hosted through TAFE and CQ University. Visit TAFE Queensland to learn more.

As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, industries and trade sectors must adapt to the seasonal changes to maintain optimal productivity and employee well-being. Implementing best summer practices is crucial for businesses to thrive in the warmer months.

1. Flexible Scheduling: Consider introducing flexible work hours or remote work options. This not only helps employees beat the summer heat but also promotes a healthier work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

2. Heat Stress Prevention: For industries requiring outdoor work, prioritise employee safety by providing proper training on heat stress prevention. Encourage regular breaks, hydration, and the use of personal protective equipment suitable for warmer conditions.

3. Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Summer often brings higher energy demands. Implement energy-efficient practices, such as optimising air conditioning systems, using natural light, and adopting eco-friendly technologies, to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

4. Supply Chain Optimisation: Summer can bring disruptions to supply chains due to weather-related issues. Develop contingency plans, diversify suppliers, and maintain open communication to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure a seamless flow of goods and services.

5. Employee Engagement Programs: Boost morale and team spirit by organising summer-themed employee engagement programs. This could include team-building events, outdoor activities, or casual dress codes to create a positive and enjoyable work atmosphere.

6. Inventory Management: Seasonal fluctuations in demand may occur, especially in construction and manufacturing. Optimise inventory management by forecasting demand accurately, adjusting production schedules, and ensuring adequate stock levels to meet customer needs during peak summer periods.

By incorporating these best summer practices, industries and trade sectors can navigate the challenges of the season, enhance employee satisfaction, and maintain efficient operations for sustained success.

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Staysafe on the job this summer. Photo supplied