In an effort to curve cigarette waste and prevent it from entering local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach and Proserpine venues have installed new cigarette bins and signage.

According to the Whitsunday Gross Pollutant Trap Project, the Top One litter item found in the wider Whitsunday region is cigarette butts.

Across Airlie Beach and Proserpine venues, 22 special cigarette bins were installed.

Magnums Venue Manager Rebecca Cook said they were more than happy to be on board with the initiative.

“A lot of our customers at Magnums are visitors to the region, who are drawn here by the beauty of our local area and of course the Great Barrier Reef, so we want to look after it in any way we can,” said Ms Cook.

“We did have smaller bins in place before, but with these larger bins, I can see already that these are making a difference in keeping the area clean.”

The cigarette bins are also in partnership with Tangaroa Blue Foundation, supporting the wider ‘Ditch the Flick’ campaign.

Tangaroa Blue Foundation CEO Heidi Tait said that with the success of cigarette butt bins in other locations along the Great Barrier Reef through the ReefClean project, she was excited to now see them also rolled out here in the Whitsunday Region.

“The cigarette butt bins installed here and the ‘Ditch the Flick’ campaign is an excellent example of this, as it aims to educate people about cigarette butt litter and encourages smokers to bin their cigarette butts.

“By combining education and convenient, practical solutions, campaigns like this can help tackle the issue of marine debris and really make a difference.”

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By Paul Gellatly

Police gave an address on state-of-the-art crime prevention for business and residents at the September monthly meeting of  Bowen Chamber of Commerce.

Sgt Nigel Dalton, backed by Sgt Stephen Smith, both from Mackay District Crime Prevention Unit, and Sgt Michelle O'Regan of Bowen Police, addressed about 20 people at Bowen's Larrikin Hotel.

Chamber president Bruce Hedditch, who welcomed the police delegation, noted that "crime seems to be getting worse; unless we have the right advice, it is a very difficult problem to reduce."

Sgt Dalton said crime anxiety was being fanned by social and other media, making the problem seem constant and unrelenting. "The media can make you feel unsafe even in your own community," he said.

Sgt Dalton said Australia was still the 27th safest country in the world to live in and he urged people not to become caught up in crime anxiety, even if the country had slipped in the crime ratings.

He said domestic violence against women was one of the most dangerous crime scenarios to be faced, although men were by no means free from the risk of assault.

He also said police had for some years now embarked on an "assault-free zone" campaign for schools, pubs, hospitals, schoolies and other events, with effectiveness.

"There is not enough time in the day to handle reports at the counter anymore," said Sgt Dalton.

"We don't want to have a police officer sitting in an office rather than being on the beat."

"Try not to be fearful of this process," Sgt Dalton said.

He said the Facebook page was constantly monitored. "We are doing as much as we can to stay in touch."

Sgt Dalton also added that the use of cameras for evidence gathering was gaining momentum.

He talked about the Community Camera Alliance that was created in 2014 after some high-profile murders of women, and which drew on the new boom in popularity of CCTV cameras.

"We are appealing to anyone here tonight who have CCTV in their homes to get their cameras registered with us," he said.

Having linked cameras that could track crime suspects "was a turning point" for police, he said.

While there were community concerns about the community-wide use of these cameras, these could be addressed by proper siting so CCTV did not violate the privacy of neighbours, Sgt Smith said.

Sgt Dalton had a word of advice for those who preferred to take control of a potentially violent situation by themselves: "Don't".

"You can physically defend yourself but the law does not allow you to carry offensive weapons," he said.

Sgt O'Regan said that from every 50,000 young offenders in the state, probably less than 60 were a "crime core" who created crime "hot spots'.

Sgt Dalton said the myPolice Mackay/Whitsunday website mapped these hot spots and could alleviate anxiety about crime.

He said crime should be considered as a triangle with the sides being labelled crime, target, and opportunity, and anyone intent on not becoming a victim should be aware that "if you can remove one of the sides of the triangle, you can break the crime cycle".

The police message emphasises core personal safety strategies dealing with confrontation, situational safety strategies and safety in the home; online; out and about, on public transport; in the car; for children; seniors; the workplace; the social scene; and in helping others.

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Sgt Nigel Dalton from Mackay District Crime Prevention Unit, Sgt Michelle O'Regan of Bowen Police and Sgt Stephen Smith from Mackay District Crime Prevention Unit. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

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With WhitPro and Josh

Water is at the heart of our daily lives and a good water supply is of paramount importance here in tropical Queensland, especially as we move into dry months of October and November.

No-one knows this more, than the friendly team at WhitPro, the Garden Maintenance and Landscaping Specialists who deal with water for a living.

Whether supplying or installing a range of efficient irrigation systems, keeping your landscaped gardens well-watered and maintained, or refilling your water tanks, these guys know how to work and manage water.

Offering one of the largest water delivery trucks in the region, WhitPro can deliver up to 15,000 litres of water to easy access properties or 10,000 litres to any property.

Always on-hand to help, WhitPro regularly receives calls when a water tank is out of juice and always do their best to deliver water as soon as possible, to get you household running normally again.

Resident truck driver and machine operator, Josh Randell, says he loves getting a water supply operating again.

“Sometimes we get a call out from people who didn’t realise they’d let the water run out,” he said.

“The kids are getting home from school and they’re desperate – we’re often able to get over there within a couple of hours and get their water flowing again.

“It’s a good feeling and people are always really appreciative.”

Josh is originally from Adelaide and moved to the region with his partner this year.

He has a lot of experience driving trucks and spent some time driving triple road trains through the dessert for three months at a time.

Prior to this he spent 16 years making wine in McLaren Vale in South Australia.

He started in the cellar at just 17 and progressed to overseeing every stage of production from grapes through to fermenting and filtering.

Now using his skills to assist with a different kind of hydrating liquid, Josh loves delivering water and working with other important truck jobs here in the Whitsundays.

The diversity of his everyday duties always keeps him motivated – whether he is driving trucks to pick up rock from the quarry or out in the community building a retainer wall with the bob cat – he always enjoys a challenge.

If you see Josh out and about, make sure you say hi.

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For the past seven days, thousands of holidays makers have been unable to travel with local marine tourism operator, Cruise Whitsundays, who have had to cancel all experiential tours due to a staff strike.

While the company hoped to resolve the issue following four separate proposals lodged with the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), sadly the union announced a second week of strikes would commence early next week.

The striking workforce were legally bound to return to duties this Thursday and Cruise Whitsundays say this will enable them to operate as normal for up to four days, allowing a small reprieve so that many passengers with a booking will likely be able to go on their planned tour.

Cruise Whitsundays Stays Afloat While 50 Staff Are On Strike

With over 50 staff on strike, Cruise Whitsundays is in the midst of one of their most challenging periods in operation, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) is rallying support from a marine workforce which is demanding a 30 per cent increase in wages.

General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays, Adam Hosie, said the high percentage of this pay rise is simply untenable for the business and that, if granted, would likely mean they would have to shut the doors on all operations within a year.

The first strike began on Friday September 15 when up to 30 marine workers formed a picket line at the entrance to the Cruise Whitsundays Terminal.

It then continued the following Wednesday when the first seven-day strike began, a total 50 staff striking, resulting in the cancellation of all ‘experiential tours’ to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.

“We have prioritised our critical island transfer services to try and reduce the impact on the other businesses in the Whitsundays that rely on these services for staff transport,” said Mr Hosie.

“Unfortunately, we have had no choice but to cancel products, impacting thousands of guests.

“This has potential impacts on the Whitsundays as a tourism destination as a whole, with a large number of visitors not being able to experience the destination as they expected.”

Desperate for a swift and fair resolution, Cruise Whitsundays have approached the MUA lawyers with a fourth proposal, but to date every proposal has been rejected with little feedback from the MUA.

Meanwhile, a representative from the MUA Jason Miners, asserted there had been “no correspondence” from Cruise Whitsundays, but saying they would be open to a new offer.

“If they come back with a new offer, we will likely pause the action, but if it’s the same offer we will likely continue to strike.

“Our members are still angry, and they wish to pursue their claim, but we are willing to meet them halfway.

“Unless they are around the table changing their position then why should we change ours?”

Strike Reaches Boiling Point

Cruise Whitsundays and the MUA met on Wednesday morning, however the previous day (prior to the agreed scheduled meeting and prior to providing any feedback from the latest proposal) the MUA announced that a further strike would commence on Monday.

It is a legal requirement to give three days’ notice prior to a strike and the MUA released a statement to its members on Wednesday morning apologising for their “f**k up” in not reissuing the strike notice earlier so that the strikers are protected.

This lack of foresight, however, gave Cruise Whitsundays a small reprieve, with workers legally responsible to return to work on Wednesday at 7pm.

Despite Cruise Whitsundays’ frustration at the actions of the MUA, they remain sympathetic to all their staff and want to work towards regaining a positive working environment for all employees.

“We pride ourselves on being a great employer, so it’s devastating that the current situation has unfolded in this way,” said Mr Hosie.

“We run a fantastic business that is focused on fun ¬– for both our guests and our staff.  

“It’s disappointing to find that some of our employees feel undervalued and moving forward, we will continue to work with all of our staff to create a positive work environment.”

“We respect our staff’s right to take action, but at the same time, we will be disappointed if further strike action occurs as our proposed offer would see our staff earn 4.8% - 44.4% above award rates depending on experience, skill and tenure.”

When asked about how much the strike has cost the business, Mr Hosie said he was more focussed on the cost and reputation to the broader Whitsunday tourism industry, their suppliers, as well as the Cruise Whitsundays staff who are not striking.

His concern is also on the impact the strike has had on the holiday plans of thousands of tourists.

“This action has a significant impact on the services we are able to offer, which then impacts workers on the islands and holidaymakers visiting the region, not to mention the staff who are not participating in the union action,” he said.

When the MUA were asked about how they felt letting thousands of holiday makers down, they did not take any responsibility.

“No – it’s Cruise who should feel guilty!” said Mr Miners.

And, when asked whether they thought it fair that workers were at the pub in their campaign t-shirts, allegedly drinking heavily, while holiday makers were missing out on their experiences, he said:

“Whatever these workers do while off work is up to them, it’s better than them being down there [at the Cruise Whitsundays terminal] being abused.”

One of the key reasons the MUA have been protesting about fair pay is their assertion that Cruise Whitsundays marine workers are receiving 30 per cent less than SeaLink crew who are operating a very similar tour.

Cruise Whitsundays explains that this is due to the two businesses operating under different awards.

“Cruise Whitsundays EA (as most other Marine operators in the region) is underpinned by the Marine Tourism and Charter Vessel Award 2020,” said Mr Hosie.

“Whilst resort connections form part of our business, our core business is Marine Tourism, showcasing the beautiful Whitsundays and creating amazing experiences for our guests.  

With more discussions expected to take place this week, Mr Miners said that “we are willing to sustain this up until Christmas if we have to”.

Meanwhile, Cruise Whitsundays simply wants to apply the reasonable pay increases set out in the proposed EA and return to showing holidaymakers the beauty of the Whitsundays.

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Cruise Whitsundays General Manager Adam Hosie outside the terminal at Port of Airlie. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Hi Everyone,

It’s been a huge week here at the paper as, not only have we been busy producing the newspaper you are holding, but we have also been working on the first edition of our new sister publication, Burdekin Life Newspaper.

Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed three new staff members and moved our Mackay journalist to Home Hill where he has become our ‘man on the ground’.

As I am writing this on Wednesday afternoon, our entire team are about to head up to the Burdekin to attend a special Burdekin Council Industry Breakfast which is due to take place on Thursday morning.

We have been told by the Council that the entire event is sold out, with almost 100 people attending, which is very exciting news for us.

This event also represents a milestone moment for me, as it will be the first time in my adult life that I have stood up in front of a room full of people to give a speech.

And to be quite honest – I am terrified!

Throughout my professional career I have quietly avoided any opportunities to speak to an audience, but I have decided it is time to meet my fears head-on.

Apparently, a fear of public speaking and a fear of death both sit at the top of the table when it comes to what most people are scared of, and I can understand why!

For the past few weeks, I have been practicing my speech and, thanks to two dear friends and a patient partner, I have a lot of support in my pocket which I am grateful for.

By the time you read this on Thursday evening or Friday morning, my speech will be complete – but right now I am full of nervous excitement and a sense of responsibility – I hope I get it right!

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Feel the fear and do it anyway!” (Susan Jeffers)

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Daydream Island and Living Reef took centre stage this week, with Whitsunday Coast Airport announcing a partnership with budget airline Bonza, to launch a range of exciting holiday packages.

These new opportunities will benefit both tourists and locals who will be able to book a range of experiences that include air-travel, accommodation, and experiences all in one booking.

Tourists will be able to book their dream holidays in the Whitsundays and locals will be able to travel to the 21 different destinations in Australia where packages are also available.

Daydream Island served as the official launch location this Tuesday morning, with guests invited to browse the different holiday packages.

Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Businesses for the Whitsunday Regional Council, was instrumental in aligning the partnership and is excited for the influx of visitors expected through the region.

“Strategically, this is great for us and the region,” he explained.

“It’s not just about the airport, it’s about the tourism operators, the islands, the accommodations, and experiences.”

According to Mr Turner, bookings have already started rolling in for Daydream Island through the Holiday Packages, particularly for December and January.

“This is so easy for consumers to book and organise,” he said.

Daydream Island General Manager Marcus Taylor says he is excited for the partnership and the opportunity to unite with local operators through a range of positive experiences for visitors and locals alike.

“A big focus for us is locals, we understand that not only do locals support us, but they also work with us, and we want to work with them,” he said.

“It’s from tour operators, to retailers, to suppliers - if Daydream is busy then the Whitsundays is busy, and that’s a win for everyone.”

Bonza Holiday Packages operate in all 21 destinations Bonza currently services, with Whitsunday locals able to secure holidays in Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast.

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall, Director of Commercial Businesses for the Whitsunday Regional Council Craig Turner, Bonza Chief Commercial Officer Carly Povey, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Daydream Island and Living Reef General Manager Marcus Taylor, and Bonza’s Blanca Arcayos. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Collinsville Queensland Country Women’s Association (CWA) celebrated the grand opening of their brand-new hall last weekend, Saturday 23.

With a fantastic variety of stalls making up their garden market, the women of the Collinsville branch were eager to show off the new faciality, which will become a community asset for years to come.

“The celebrations included congratulatory speeches, ribbon and cake cutting and planting of fruit trees,” said a representative from Collinsville CWA.

“There was also the QCWA sconversation morning tea and markets set up in the carpark showcasing some of the incredible talents of Collinsville craft ladies.

“A great day was enjoyed by all.”

Attended by Michelle Landry, Federal Member for Capricornia, Dale Last, Member for Burdekin, and Whitsunday Regional Council, Mayor Julie Hall, the Grand Opening was a welcome celebration for Collinsville.

Ms Landry said the Collinsville QCWA Hall redevelopment is a project that will be a highlight of her career.

“When the women of the Collinsville QCWA contacted me for help to refurbish their hall in 2019, it was a no-brainer to fight for the funding needed for upgrades,” she said.

“The Country Women’s Association is the backbone of regional, rural, and remote Australia and their halls are the epicentre for the community.

“Collinsville’s new hall will host not just QCWA events, but also allow a space for community events, workshops, dances and even yoga.

“What an honour it was to share in the joy of the women and Collinsville community to open this wonderful new piece of infrastructure, which I am sure will be enjoyed by many for decades to come,” Ms Landry said.  

Funded by a combination of state and federal government, a contribution by Glencore, the entire project cost $425,000.

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Federal Member of Capricornia Michelle Landry, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall, and Member for Burdekin Dale Last attended the Collinsville Country Women’s (CWA) Association Grand Opening

Collinsville CWA celebrated the official grand opening with a cake cutting ceremony

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker also attended the festivities. Photos supplied

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The Zonta Club of Bowen is excited to welcome applications for their annual Tertiary Bursary, worth $1,500.

The eligibility criteria includes; being a female student currently studying a tertiary course in second year or subsequent years, you must be undertaking fulltime or parttime study and attend a school in the Bowen district.

The 2022 Tertiary Bursary recipient was Elysha Harm, who is currently studying her Bachelor of Education, specialising in Primary Teaching, at James Cook University, with the bursary going towards her future students.  

Application documents are available from Lynette Klukas on 0400 600 224 or lynette.klukad@bigpond.com.

Applications are due by midnight Tuesday October 31 2023, and email through to bowenzonta@yahoo.com.au.

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2022 Zonta Club of Bowen Tertiary Bursary recipient, Elysha Harm. Photo supplied

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At Scottville Community Catch-Up

The flying fox epidemic was a big topic of discussion at the most recent Whitsunday Regional Council Community Catch-Up in Scottville.

Mayor Julie Hall said there was much discussion about the flying foxes that are nesting near houses in Collinsville causing issues for the residents.

“There has been a recent increase in flying foxes within Collinsville and Council have tried multiple roost deterrent activities focused on colonies within Carpet Street and Stanley Street,” she said.

“These include operation of mobile smokers at private properties in coordination with residents between 6am and 8am, trialing the use of tree irrigation systems and consistent noise and lights, however all attempts have failed to “move on” the flying foxes.

“Flying Foxes are a native Australian mammal protected under State Government legislation, but they cause major problems for residents when a large roost is established in a built-up area.

“At the Local Government National Conference in Canberra earlier this year I was successful in moving a motion at the National General Assembly calling on the Australian Government to develop with State Governments a damage mitigation permit process.

“We’re hopeful that the Federal and State Governments can outline a suitable process so Councils can act to relocate colonies they that are impacting our residents,” Mayor Hall said.

Other topics included bushfire resilience, roadwork and footpath upgrade work and disaster resilience and storm season preparation, with over 20 Scottville residents attending the event.

Council also asked for feedback regarding the placement of street seating in the Collinsville Main Street Upgrade.

The next Community Catch-up will be held at Shute Harbour on October 4.

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Theft

Police have charged a 25-year-old employee of a licensed premise with theft, following a short investigation, after receiving a complaint of theft from a licensed premise in Airlie Beach.

The employee has been charged with stealing as a clinical servant and will appear before Proserpine Magistrates Court at a later date.

Drug Offences

On September 22, at 8.15pm, police intercepted a 27-year-old Cannonvale man who was acting suspiciously.

Once detained, Police located a black bumbag, which Police allege contained cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, as well as morphine, Oxycontin nitrazepam, and other prescription medication he did not have authority to possess.

He has been charged with 15 drug offences, including supplying dangerous drugs and obstructing Police.

On September 23, at 3am, Police arrested a 24-year-old Cannonvale man in the Safe Night Precinct for public nuisance offences, due to his behaviour.  

Police allege that they discovered white powder believed to be cocaine, in his possession.

He has been charged with public nuisance offences, as well possession of dangerous drugs.

House Fire

In the early hours of Tuesday morning Queensland Ambulance Services attended a house fire on Hamilton Island. A woman in her 40s was assessed for minor smoke inhalation following the incident which took place on Coral Sea Avenue at 5.45am.

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Local mascot, George the Monkey, has gone missing from the main street of Airlie Beach and staff believe he has been stolen and hidden somewhere.

On Friday evening, George was not put safely away inside the office like he would normally be, and opportunists have taken advantage of the mishap and allegedly stolen him.

“The last known spot George was seen was on someone’s Instagram post at 2am,” said Fergus Dunk from Sailing Whitsundays.

“We haven’t gone to the police yet because we are hoping someone will come forward and do the right thing,” he said.

“And there is a reward if they do!”

George has been the company mascot for 15-20 years and the subject of many tourist photos.

“I always joke there are more photos of George than there are of Whitehaven Beach!” said Fergus.

“We often see kids race over to see George and they are always pleased to see he is still here – people just love him!”

“He’s a character in the business and we just want to see him to come back.

“If you know anything, please let us know.”

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Local mascot, George the Monkey, was last seen at 2am with this man. Photo supplied

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The New South Wales and the Queensland State of Origin Shields stopped off in Bowen earlier this week, as part of their regional State of Origin Regional Tour.

Encouraging and sharing the love of rugby league, the shields were brought to Bowen by former Queensland Maroons Shane Webcke, Josh Hannay, and Brent Tate.

Stopping off for a quick break at the Big Mango, the Shields started their tour in Toowoomba on September 20, hitting Mackay on September 23, before stopping over in Townsville.

Bowen Tourism and Business Manager Leanne Abernethy said that thousands of people, of any age and culture, stop at the Big Mango every year.

“To date, we estimate 1.5 million people have taken a photo with our Big Mango, and now we can say 1.5 million people and two shields!”

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Stage 2 of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk upgrade, from the VMR Boat Ramp to Shingley Drive, is well underway, with demolition works completed early last week, and the new materials ready to be laid.

The construction of the new boardwalk, using composite fibre materials, began on Monday September 25.

The eco-friendly material will extend the boardwalk’s life cycle and reduce maintenance costs.

The new boardwalk will also be wider by one metre, allowing better ease of travel for users and reducing conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and scooters.

Expected to be re-opened in early December, pedestrians are welcome to use the detour, behind Mirage Whitsundays, via Altmann Avenue and Shingley Drive in the meantime.  

Once completed, the hardwood timber from the old Boardwalk will be retained for future projects, with the existing footings used to ground the new Boardwalk.

Stage 1 of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk Upgrade, between Sorrento’s on the southern end of the Coral Sea Marina and the Coral Sea Resort, was officially reopened in June, earlier this year.

Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 were supported by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant, with the tender for works awarded to Plants Whitsunday.

Stage 3 of the Upgrade, along Broadwater Avenue, will be completed at a later date, when the Whitsunday Regional Council is able to secure grant funding.

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The scaffolding is now in place and ready for Plants Whitsunday to erect the new Boardwalk. Photo supplied

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Tourism Whitsundays is excited to announce its new Board of Directors for the 2023/24 term, at the TW Annual General Meeting held yesterday.

The AGM served as the catalyst for change for TW, welcoming four new members onto the Board of Directors, joining the existing directors of Julie Telford, Crystal Lacey, Jenn Honnery, Matt Boileau, Tom Young, and Daniel Gschwind.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton said an Annual General Meeting is the time to reflect on the successes of the previous year.

“The Whitsundays has delivered records in visitor spend, length of stay and interstate visitation, this is an incredible achievement.”

Mr Hamilton added, “We’re looking forward to seeing increased international visitation in the coming year as a result of these collaborative marketing campaigns and the increased airline capacity and lower fare prices.”

Tourism Whitsundays Chair, Julie Telford is excited for the incoming board members and the year ahead.

“The 2023/24 Tourism Whitsundays board brings together well-known industry leaders and people with a personal investment in the tourism industry. Their experience in the local industry is invaluable as the organisation works toward the 2032 tourism plan.”

“I want to thank outgoing Board Members; Trevor Rees, Arpad Romandy, Greg McKinnon, and Craig Turner for their contribution to the Board over the last 12 months. Their knowledge and insights have helped navigate our industry through an extraordinary year of recovery,” Mrs Telford said.

Visit mackayandwhitsundaylife.com to discover which four local faces have joined Board of Directors.

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The Whitsundays has received a glowing report card from the National and International Visitor Survey (NVS and IVS), cementing the region as a popular destination for holidaymakers.

Over the year, prior to June 30 2023, The Whitsundays had 765,000 domestic visitors choosing to come into the region, an increase of 11.7 per cent from the last three years, and each spending on average 5.5 nights in the area.

While international visitor numbers are down, The Whitsundays welcomed 68,000 international visitors, spending an avenge of 8.6 nights, an increase of 1.7 nights when compared to the same period in 2019.

These visitors saw $1.3 billion in Overnight Visitor Expenditure (OVE), which is an increase of 29.3 per cent over the last three years, and a 51 per cent increase on pre-pandemic Overnight Visitor Expenditure.

The Survey also reflects the $1,724 individual spend per person, which is a 19 per cent increase over the last three years.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton expressed his excitement about these remarkable achievements, stating, "These results, while not record-breaking this time, underscore The Whitsundays' status as an unmatched holiday destination.

“As the economy tightens, we are seeing a slight decrease in expenditure, directly related to holiday spend in region. However, the length of stay and visitor numbers remain strong.

“We are immensely proud of our region's world-class tour operators, accommodations, and businesses that contribute to delivering outstanding experiences for all visitors, regardless of their budget," Mr Hamilton said.

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Record numbers have been checking into The Whitsundays, for the year up to June 30 2023. Photo supplied

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