Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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A simple act of kindness from local resident Danica Mitchell ensured two adventurous dogs were safely reunited with their family after wandering through the Abel Road and Springfield Circuit area earlier this week.
The pair of “escape artists” were first spotted following a woman out on a run, seemingly determined to join her exercise route rather than head home. After attempting to locate the dogs’ owners by running up and down the street several times, the runner was unable to find where the dogs belonged.
Concerned for their safety on the busy road and noticing the dogs were becoming hot and tired, Danica stepped in to help. She brought the dogs into her backyard, where they were given water, shade and supervision while efforts were made to locate their owners through social media.
Thankfully, the story had a happy ending, with the dogs’ family later arriving to collect them safely.
The incident serves as a reminder of the strong community spirit that exists throughout the region, with locals always willing to lend a hand — or in this case, a safe backyard — when needed.
Photo source: Facebook
Meet some of this year’s QLD Day ambassadors, championing the essence and vibrance of Queensland.
We know Queensland has produced no shortage of rugby league royalty. Wally Lewis AM – also known as “The King” – is the face of his state yet again as a 2026 QLD Day ambassador.
“I’m a proud Queenslander, born and bred, and I’ve spent a lifetime representing this wonderful state,” Wally said.
“I’m inspired by everyday Queenslanders, the people who show up for their families, their communities, and each other; that’s the real strength of this state.”
One of rugby league’s greatest players, Johnathan Thurston AM; former three-time premiership winner for the Brisbane Broncos, Gorden Tallis; and captain of the Broncos, Maroons and Jillaroos, Ali Brigginshaw are also representing rugby this year.
There must be something in the water, with our best swimmers diving in as ambassadors: eight-time Olympic medallist, Cate Campbell OAM; Paralympic gold medallist Alexa Leary OAM; and four-time Paralympic medallist Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson. Netball great Laura Geitz, raised in the Darling Downs town of Allora, joins Gold Coast AFL rising star Ethan Read.
One of Australia’s most beloved tennis champions, Pat Rafter said he proudly wears the title of ‘Queenslander’, while he secretly loves having a stadium with his name on it.
“I love being a Queenslander, I was brought up in Mount Isa, so I guess there is a fair bit of that country passion in me,” Pat said.
“Having a stadium with my name on it is so cool. The Queensland tennis crowd is pretty respectful; they enjoy their tennis but appreciate good players with good attitude.”
From the arts, didgeridoo virtuoso and composer William Barton sits alongside Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen OAM, country music balladeer Lee Kernaghan OAM, and celebrity chef Alastair McLeod.
Rounding out the line-up is veteran journalist and child-safety advocate Kay McGrath OAM, a Queensland Great, encouraging all Queenslanders to celebrate the unique spirit of the Sunshine State.
“Queensland Day is a chance for us to come together and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this extraordinary state,” Kay said.
What ties them together isn’t fame – it’s our state. Each ambassador’s story is rooted in a different patch of Queensland, from outback towns to coastal cities. Together, they paint a portrait of a state that’s as diverse as it is proud.
The QLD Day Awards shine a spotlight on the Queenslanders who go above and beyond – the community volunteers, local legends, young achievers and those shaping our state’s future.
From grassroots changemakers to everyday heroes, these awards celebrate Queenslanders from all walks of life who make Queensland a better place. Announced on QLD Day, the winners reflect a proud tradition of service, generosity and community spirit that has defined our state since 1859.
Jane Hedger, CEO of Volunteering Queensland, said the awards recognise the Queenslanders who often work behind the scenes to support others.
“The QLD Day Awards shine a light on those Queenslanders who quietly make the world go round and give us an opportunity to say thank you,” she said.
For Catherine Lamb, a Meals on Wheels volunteer from Ashgrove, Brisbane, giving back is simply part of who she is.
“It’s about the simple things – how good you feel doing something good, and how much it means to the person on the other end,” Catherine said.
This year’s recipients continue a strong legacy of community champions, following in the footsteps of the 2025 QLD Day Local Legends – all shining examples of the Queensland spirit in action.
Meet some of this year’s QLD Day ambassadors, championing the essence and vibrance of Queensland.
We know Queensland has produced no shortage of rugby league royalty. Wally Lewis AM – also known as “The King” – is the face of his state yet again as a 2026 QLD Day ambassador.
“I’m a proud Queenslander, born and bred, and I’ve spent a lifetime representing this wonderful state,” Wally said.
“I’m inspired by everyday Queenslanders, the people who show up for their families, their communities, and each other; that’s the real strength of this state.”
One of rugby league’s greatest players, Johnathan Thurston AM; former three-time premiership winner for the Brisbane Broncos, Gorden Tallis; and captain of the Broncos, Maroons and Jillaroos, Ali Brigginshaw are also representing rugby this year.
There must be something in the water, with our best swimmers diving in as ambassadors: eight-time Olympic medallist, Cate Campbell OAM; Paralympic gold medallist Alexa Leary OAM; and four-time Paralympic medallist Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson. Netball great Laura Geitz, raised in the Darling Downs town of Allora, joins Gold Coast AFL rising star Ethan Read.
One of Australia’s most beloved tennis champions, Pat Rafter said he proudly wears the title of ‘Queenslander’, while he secretly loves having a stadium with his name on it.
“I love being a Queenslander, I was brought up in Mount Isa, so I guess there is a fair bit of that country passion in me,” Pat said.
“Having a stadium with my name on it is so cool. The Queensland tennis crowd is pretty respectful; they enjoy their tennis but appreciate good players with good attitude.”
From the arts, didgeridoo virtuoso and composer William Barton sits alongside Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen OAM, country music balladeer Lee Kernaghan OAM, and celebrity chef Alastair McLeod.
Rounding out the line-up is veteran journalist and child-safety advocate Kay McGrath OAM, a Queensland Great, encouraging all Queenslanders to celebrate the unique spirit of the Sunshine State.
“Queensland Day is a chance for us to come together and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this extraordinary state,” Kay said.
What ties them together isn’t fame – it’s our state. Each ambassador’s story is rooted in a different patch of Queensland, from outback towns to coastal cities. Together, they paint a portrait of a state that’s as diverse as it is proud.
The QLD Day Awards shine a spotlight on the Queenslanders who go above and beyond – the community volunteers, local legends, young achievers and those shaping our state’s future.
From grassroots changemakers to everyday heroes, these awards celebrate Queenslanders from all walks of life who make Queensland a better place. Announced on QLD Day, the winners reflect a proud tradition of service, generosity and community spirit that has defined our state since 1859.
Jane Hedger, CEO of Volunteering Queensland, said the awards recognise the Queenslanders who often work behind the scenes to support others.
“The QLD Day Awards shine a light on those Queenslanders who quietly make the world go round and give us an opportunity to say thank you,” she said.
For Catherine Lamb, a Meals on Wheels volunteer from Ashgrove, Brisbane, giving back is simply part of who she is.
“It’s about the simple things – how good you feel doing something good, and how much it means to the person on the other end,” Catherine said.
This year’s recipients continue a strong legacy of community champions, following in the footsteps of the 2025 QLD Day Local Legends – all shining examples of the Queensland spirit in action.
Stacey Arlott, Property Consultant at RE/MAX Select Mackay. Photo source: RE/MAX Select Mackay
With 26 years of experience and a results-driven reputation, Stacey Arlott has firmly established herself as one of Queensland’s most accomplished real estate professionals.
She is widely recognised, receiving great industry acclaim, but prides herself most on the trust she has garnered from the community she serves in Mackay.
In 2021 Stacey reached a huge milestone in her career, being declared the number one agent in Australia by Real Estate Business’s dealmaker ranking - the first in Mackay to receive such an accolade. The win occurred during a volatile time for the market, with COVID-19 challenges failing to knock Stacey off-course.
What sets Stacey apart is not only her consistent sales performance, but also her disciplined work ethic and ability to foster long-term client relationships.
Her career is marked by a series of accolades, including the REMAX Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) and induction into the REMAX Hall of Fame (2020).
From 2022 to 2025, she has consistently ranked among the Top 10 agents in Queensland and Top 20 nationally - an indication of her ongoing push for excellence in a dynamic and demanding market.
Beyond industry recognition, Stacy’s success is strongly validated by client feedback. She has earned multiple “Agent of the Year” titles through RateMyAgent, including four consecutive wins for East Mackay (2021–2024) and the broader Mackay region in 2023.
These consistently high ratings across major platforms reflect a reputation built on transparency, communication, and results.
Having previously owned and operated her own agency and served as REIQ Zone Chairperson, Stacey does more than transactional sales.
She brings a comprehensive understanding of the real estate landscape, from regulatory frameworks to market strategy; a depth of knowledge that allows her to guide clients with confidence through every stage of the buying and selling process.
Known for her approachable style, Stacey’s secret to success is communication. She prioritises keeping clients informed to ensure they feel supported throughout their property journey. Her business is driven by referrals and repeat clients, a testament to the trust she builds and the outcomes she delivers.
remax.com.au/select/stacey-arlott
I was among the Mackay real estate agents who received calls from buyers agents from southern capitals last week saying they had investors who were more interested than ever in securing a property in this town.
That is not to say that investors around the country are not spooked and considering their options after the Federal Budget announcement that negative gearing would no longer be available for new investments other than brand new builds.
There will be plenty who will be watching the impact of the removal of negative gearing and it remains to be seen what happens with property prices both in Mackay and in the nation generally.
Someone told me the other day that they didn’t understand exactly what negative gearing is, which is fair enough because not everyone lives in my world of property prices, rental yields, capital gains and tax benefits.
So for those who are unsure, the basic meaning of negative gearing is that an investor can claim the losses they make on a property on their personal tax. So if an investor has a property that gives them a rental return after costs of $600 a week but their mortgage is $800 a week, they are able to claim the $200 a week loss as a reduction from their personal tax payments.
A lot of people are suggesting that the removal of negative gearing will have the biggest impact in Sydney because the cost of housing is high and rentals do not typically cover the mortgage if someone had a 20 per cent deposit on the property they had bought. The rent on a $2m Sydney property does not go anywhere near covering the mortgage so being able to claim the loss as a reduction on your PAYE tax is the only way most investors can do it.
Investors who had an investment property prior to this month’s Federal Budget will be able to continue to negatively gear their property but anyone who buys after Budget night will not be able to unless they are building a new home.
The impact in Sydney was immediate, with an auction clearance rate of under 50 per cent last weekend. Sydney is an auction town so the results send a clear message that investors there are spooked and possibly no longer see the value in buying an investment property at current prices and with current rental returns.
The impact on prices in Sydney, and around the country, will be the big real estate story this year.
As I said in my column last week, there is a theory – completely untested and not to be taken as gospel until the facts emerge – that the removal of negative gearing will not have a huge impact in Mackay because house prices are lower than in southern capitals and rental yields are much better. Investors with a decent deposit on a property don’t need negative gearing because rental returns cover the mortgage; so their properties are actually positively geared.
Will this make Mackay an attractive place for southern investors looking for an investment that doesn’t run at a loss? We’ll have to wait and see.
It is interesting to note what has happened to real estate prices in New Zealand in the years since the government there made changes to negative gearing; prices have dropped by 30 per cent (adjusted to inflation) since their peak about five years ago.
Other factors play into that: there has been a reduction in immigration and Kiwis prefer to live in Australia than in New Zealand (only joking!) but there is no doubt that the removal of negative gearing has had an impact.
With fewer investment properties coming onto Australian markets, we can expect to see fewer rental properties which, in a world of demand and supply, could push rental prices up.
And young people looking for an investment will not be able to claim the negative gearing that older Australians could access. It’s a nuanced world.
@Pilates 24/7 Mackay is a boutique reformer Pilates studio built around flexibility, recovery and real life. As Mackay’s first 24/7 Pilates studio, members can train any time, with no timetables.
The studio runs on a hybrid model combining on demand classes with in studio support during staffed hours. Using noise cancelling headphones, members follow sessions from a platform offering more than 500 classes, choosing their own pace, level and style.
Programs cater to all levels, including pregnancy and post-natal, with a focus on strength, mobility and safe progression. Memberships include reformer Pilates, infrared sauna and red-light therapy, creating a complete wellness experience in one space.
New clients can get started with our '10 days for $45' intro offer, with memberships starting from only $39 per week.
With premium reformers and full flexibility, @Pilates 24/7 Mackay makes consistency simple.
You lead. Our platform follows. Only @pilates
Get in touch:
Instagram: pilates247mackay
Facebook: At Pilates 24/7 Mackay
Website: atpilates.studio/location/mackay/
Phone: 0438 908 268
Dr Maddilyn Brown has dedicated her career to paediatric and women’s health chiropractic care, supporting Mackay families through The Nurture Haus. Photo supplied
Dr Maddilyn Brown is the passionate Owner and Founder of The Nurture Haus, where she specialises as an Advanced Paediatric Chiropractor dedicated to supporting women, babies and children through every stage of life.
A proud Mackay local, Maddilyn completed both school and university in the region before spending several years living and working in Brisbane, Dysart and Emerald, eventually making her way home after seven years away.
Her journey into chiropractic began following a gymnastics injury as a teenager, sparking a passion that would shape her entire career. Since then, Maddilyn has devoted herself to extensive postgraduate study in paediatrics, pregnancy, postpartum careand women’s health, completing a postgraduate diplomat in 2025 while continuing further study in women’s health. Since 2023, she has worked exclusively with women and children.
Outside of work, Maddilyn describes herself as “animated, nerdy and unflappable”. When she’s not studying or caring for patients, she enjoys weightlifting, walking her beloved American Staffy x French Mastiff, Askari, and spending time with her partner Josh after recently ending two years of long distance.
An ex-gymnast with an adventurous streak, Maddilyn also once flew planes before relocating to Central Queensland and enjoys aerial silks in her spare time.
Her happiest life moment? Witnessing the Northern Lights in Alaska — a lifelong bucket-list dream she says was the most remarkable thing she has ever seen.
“At Baby First Aid QLD, we understand that pregnancy is a time of both excitement and preparation. Our mission is to empower expecting parents with the confidence and life-saving skills they need before their little one arrives.
“Led by experienced health professionals, our hands-on workshops cover essential infant-specific first aid, including CPR, choking response, and managing common emergencies like fevers and burns. We offer flexible learning through public classes, private in-home sessions, and comprehensive online modules. By bridging the gap between pregnancy and parenthood, we ensure you’re not just ready for birth, but ready for everything that follows.”
If you too would like to share your opinions, stories, or experiences with us, please send your letter to the editor, rachael@lifepublishing.com
In response to Federal Member for Dawson’s recent comments regarding the Giggle vs. Tickle debate
Anonymous letter to the editor.
I was concerned and disappointed recently to read Andrew Willcox’s statement regarding same-sex spaces in the wake of the Giggle vs. Tickle Ruling, which awarded damages to Transwoman Roxanne Tickle after she was blocked from Grover’s app, Giggle for Girls, promoted as an online space for women. Disappointingly, Grover’s statements regarding Tickle have been littered with cruel and incendiary rhetoric poking fun at Ms Tickle’s physical attributes and reproductive abilities, as has general conversation regarding the ruling.
As a staunch believer that transwomen should have the right to exist and join safe spaces in a world where they face elevated levels of gender-based violence, I have been saddened by the instrumentalisation of the case to further harmful ideology that transwomen are a threat to women’s safety.
I for one would hope that in a warm, close-knit community like ours, any queer or transpeople could have access to resources, spaces and online circles formed to provide refuge for all those who need it - and would urge readers to take into account individuals' humanity, experiences, and struggles, rather than scapegoating them for issues predominantly enacted by cisgender men.
As a woman, I would invite transwomen to feel safe in my space, and ask why, if we are uncomfortable with the idea of letting men into bathrooms and online spaces, we are roping transwomen in to take the blame. They are not the problem.
This DV month I for one would like to focus on addressing the very real violence disproportionately experienced by women, cis or trans, and the systems and behaviours that enable it, rather than redirecting public fear toward an already marginalised group.
If your marketing feels ad hoc or enquiry slows down, we tend to put pressure on ourselves to “do more marketing”. Ramp up advertising, get onto all the socials, stand outside + wave a sign around. It’s not these things can’t help – but honestly, the best marketing you can do is the right things, more consistently. Ie not just when things are quiet or when you notice that you haven’t posted to FB for two months (no judgement – we have ALL been there!!!).
This Small Business Month, we’ve been sharing tips for our top five marketing activities that are relevant to most businesses. They are:
The other thing worth remembering is that these activities don’t necessarily work in isolation. Someone might discover you on social media, click through to your website, sign up to your emails, then finally enquire months later after hearing your name come up again through word of mouth. Marketing is rarely one magic post, ad or email that suddenly changes everything – it’s usually a combination of touchpoints that build familiarity + trust over time.
Just think of your own purchasing behaviour. What’s something you bought recently from a business you haven’t bought from before – did you just get a recommendation, call them up + pay them for their services? Chances are, no.
Good marketing usually comes back to the same thing – being visible with the right people, in the right way, often enough to be remembered when it counts. If you’d like a hand with that, the crew at Rebel Nation would love to help – check us out at rebelnation.com.au.
It’s not every day a local distillery takes home international honours, but for 74 Islands Distillery, this year’s World Drinks Awards in London delivered a milestone moment not only for the business, but for the Whitsundays region itself.
74 Islands Distillery received major recognition on the global stage, with its Rainwater Vodka awarded Gold and named Best Vodka in Australia at the World Vodka Awards, while its Rainwater London Dry Gin secured a Silver Medal at the World Gin Awards.
For founder Glenn Hitch, the achievement is confirmation of the brands vision and belief in the quality of what can be created in regional Queensland.
“As a boutique distillery based in Airlie Beach, the awards mark a significant milestone and a proud moment for our team.”
“From the beginning, we wanted to create spirits that genuinely reflected the beauty and quality of this region.”
The awards place Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays alongside some of the world’s most respected spirit producers, with Hitch describing the recognition as both exciting and humbling for the team behind the brand.
“There are so many outstanding Gin’s and Vodka’s in the market, it’s both humbling and validating to be recognised on the world stage.” he said.
“We set out to be authentic to our brand ethos of drink well and to show the Whitsundays in our product.”
Central to the success of the spirits is one ingredient found nowhere else: Whitsunday rainwater.
“The Whitsunday rainwater is very clean and free from contaminants, this combined with our distilling process, the botanicals we use, has resulted in a product which is unique and premium”
Now, with global recognition secured, the team at 74 Islands Distillery is encouraging locals, Queenslanders and Australians alike to experience the award-winning spirits firsthand and celebrate a distinctly Whitsunday success story.
Jump online and give us a try, grab a bottle and do some blind tasting against your favourite international vodka and let us know your feedback!
Free delivery (within Australia) on the London Dry Gin and Vodka until the end of June to celebrate the awards.
Free tastings are also available at Harry Brown in Cannovale each Friday between 3-4pm and at the Airlie Beach Markets on Saturdays, come down to try and have a chat.
As golden light settles across the paddocks and the canefields begin to glow at dusk, Oh Deere Farm Stay is preparing to host one of the Mackay region’s most distinctive country experiences — A Night in the Canefields.
Returning on Saturday 18th July from 4pm to 9pm, the highly anticipated event invites locals and visitors alike to step onto a working sugar cane farm for an evening of live music, authentic rural hospitality and the rare spectacle of a live canefire at sundown.
Owner and operator Karinda Anderson said the event offered a unique opportunity to experience a tradition rarely seen in the Mackay region.
“This is a rare event, and it’s not something commonly done,” she said.
Set against a stunning rural backdrop, the evening will feature live entertainment from Mango Junction, delicious food vans, a fully licensed bar, children’s activities, warming fire pits and camping for guests wanting to soak up the atmosphere beneath the stars.
More than just a night out, Karinda said the event was about reconnecting people with the land and celebrating the farming industry that supports regional communities.
“People, especially kids, don’t always get the chance to see where food comes from,” she said.
“This is a chance to experience life on a working farm and learn more about the sugar industry, while enjoying a night out with your friends and family.”
At just $55 per vehicle, A Night in the Canefields is shaping up to be a unique celebration of farming, community and top-notch regional Queensland hospitality.
ohdeerefarmstay.com.au
Matthew Perre, Senior Manager of Sales at Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant. Photo supplied
With 26 years at Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant, Matthew Perre, Senior Manager of Sales has built a career around helping clients create memorable travel experiences across the globe.
Driven by a passion for travel and connecting people with unforgettable destinations, Matthew said the industry offered the perfect opportunity to turn clients’ dream holidays into reality.
“I loved the idea of creating memorable experiences for people,” he explained.
“Over time, my passion for travel and sharing those experiences with others led me to help turn other people’s travel dreams into reality.”
Throughout his career, some of the most memorable moments have come during unexpected travel disruptions, where professional support and customer care become especially important.
“Helping clients during difficult situations has always stayed with me,” he said.
“Supporting people when things go wrong reminds me how valuable professional travel advice and genuine customer care really are.”
Matthew believes the supportive and relationship-focused culture at Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant is what continues to set the business apart.
“We genuinely care about our clients and each other while maintaining strong professionalism, teamwork and a commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences,” he said.
Matthew has observed current travel trends are showing an increased demand for premium, experience-driven holidays, with river cruising, expedition cruising, Europe, Japan and personalised small-group touring among the most popular choices.
Having travelled extensively, Africa remains a standout destination for Matthew thanks to its wildlife, scenery and safari experiences, while Central Asia and the historic Silk Road remain firmly on his bucket list!
New Apprentices, from left: Oscar Bishop (Plane Creek, electrical), Korben Rappard (Proserpine, boiler making), Thomas O’Neill (Proserpine, fitting and turning), Leon Arena (Proserpine, electrical), and Daniel Pugh (Proserpine, diesel fitting. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar Australia
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has welcomed 18 first-year apprentices across its operations this year, with the new recruits already settling into roles spanning electrical, fitting and turning, boilermaking and diesel fitting trades.
The apprentices officially commenced in February and are now working across the company’s Sugar and Renewables division as part of one of Queensland’s largest apprenticeship programs.
Group Manager Mechanical Engineering Tienie van Blerk said the new apprentices had adapted well to their roles and embraced the company’s workplace values.
“They've integrated really well into the business and are demonstrating the values of teamwork and passion in their day-to-day work,” Mr van Blerk said.
“I'm really impressed by how keen they are to learn from our experienced trades and become the best they can be.”
Group Manager Electrical Instrumentation and Control Chris Pickering said apprentices at Wilmar benefited from exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies and industrial systems.
“The sugar industry is known for turning out really well-rounded apprentices and our factories have some of the most advanced technological platforms available,” Mr Pickering said.
“Our electrical trades are working with advanced automation and control systems, modern power generation and distribution systems, and smart instrumentation. Most electrical apprentices only get exposure to a narrow range of equipment. Ours are trained across a large range of industrial plant.”
General Manager Engineering Istvan Torok said the apprenticeship program played an important role in the company’s long-term workforce development and retention strategy.
“We have one of the largest and most successful apprenticeship programs in Queensland,” Mr Torok said.
“Not only do we have a very high completion rate, but we have a high retention rate among our newly qualified tradespeople. These first-year apprentices will become the highly-skilled tradespeople we rely upon to keep our factories, locos and mobile fleet running efficiently. They'll also become mentors for future generations of apprentices at our sites.”
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables currently employs around 120 apprentices across the business.
Applications for the company’s 2027 apprenticeship intake will open on 9 June.
The Federal Government is seeking feedback on proposed Right to Repair reforms that would expand repair access for agricultural machinery and support independent repairers. Photo source: Shutterstock
The Federal Government is seeking feedback on proposed Right to Repair reforms aimed at expanding repair options for farmers, drivers and small businesses while helping reduce machinery downtime and maintenance costs.
Released last Thursday, the discussion paper proposes extending Australia’s existing Right to Repair framework to agricultural machinery, alongside improvements to the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme, which has operated since 2022.
The current scheme requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with access to service and repair information at a fair market price, supporting competition and consumer choice.
According to the Federal Government, a review of the scheme found it had contributed to a $2.4 billion increase in annual turnover across the independent repair sector.
Under the proposed changes, farmers and regional businesses could gain faster access to repair information for agricultural machinery, helping reduce delays during critical planting and harvest periods.
The Productivity Commission estimates expanding Right to Repair laws to agriculture could increase annual GDP by $97 million through increased grain outputs alone by reducing downtime during harvest.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the reforms would give farmers more choice and support regional repair businesses.
“By extending Right to Repair laws to include agricultural machinery, these changes will help reduce downtime, lower repair costs and keep farm operations moving when it matters most,” Ms Collins said.
The consultation period is open until Friday, July 3, 2026.
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