Whitsunday Regional Council

Not all heroes wear capes, as we think our Disaster Management Coordinator Sandra Black is a legend who has been at the forefront of Council disaster team for the past six years.

Known widely as “Blackie”, Sandra has been with Council for almost 25 years, joining the organisation fresh out of university and initially working at the Proserpine Library.

In 2014 she completed her Advanced Diploma in Public Safety and has since continued her professional development, completing many of the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements Module training.

Blackie was nominated for an Everyday Hero Award for her work assisting the community’s recovery after Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and was selected as a finalist.

She loves the people she works with - “I spend 8 hours a day with them, that is more than my family sometimes!  I don't think I would have lasted 25 years without the wonderful people I work with. “

On the weekends she loves to garden and catch up with friends for a Saturday brekky and a natter and Blackie’s aim is to be able to retire without another major disaster like TC Debbie on her watch!

We will leave the finals words to Blackie and they give a hint to the personality of our livewire Disaster Management legend – “I can still cartwheel up the hallway which is quite an achievement for a 51 year old!”

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The Cannonvale Library will be trialling extended opening hours from Thursday 2 November 2023 to Saturday 27 January 2024 in order to better serve our community.

The extended hours will apply on Thursdays from 8:15 am to 6:45 pm (previously 4:45pm) and Saturday from 8:45 am to 12:45 pm (previously 11:45am).

Our regional libraries offer so much more than books, and this extended opening hours trial gives residents more time to discover the extensive range of library services for themselves!

What's more, with summer holidays just around the corner, our regional libraries have a huge range of exciting school holiday activities on offer!

Check out our libraries' website for more information: libraries.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

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Born and bred local, Jenny, thrives living independently, in the calm and capable SIL (Supported Independent Living) units, provided by Endeavour Foundation in Cannonvale.

For Jenny, the ability to govern herself, create and hold her own routines and be independent has been life changing.

She works hard to keep her space clean, dedicated to vacuuming and mopping, cleaning the dishes, and cooking for herself.

Jenny has been living in SIL for over two years, and she hasn’t looked back once.

“Jenny has worked really hard to be independent,” Jody Flaherty, Endeavour Foundation’s Home and Community Site Manager explained.

“I make my bed every day, do the washing up, cooking and clean the floors,” Jenny said.

Aligning with Jenny’s goal of staying fit and healthy, she has also recently joined a gym.

“I bike a lot, and go for walks,” Jenny said.

“And I have a diet. My favourite meal is salads. But it’s all about portion control!”

Jenny likes to keep busy. Monday to Wednesday she joins the groups at the Learning and Lifestyle hub at Endeavour Foundation, and Thursday and Friday she works with the Reef Gateway Hotel.

Working with the Reef Gateway Hotel for 13 years now, Jenny has done everything from housekeeping and barkeeping to reception work.

“She even has her RSA for the hotel,” Jody explained.

Leading an independent and well-rounded lifestyle is something Jenny was looking to achieve; her SIL home choices and the support from Endeavour Foundation has enabled her to live this reality.

With three SIL units available at the Cannonvale location, each hosting two individuals with shared common areas and independent and private quarters, residents can feel safe and secure.

With around the clock support, in the form of 24/7 staffing hours, the freedom to design how the space looks, with access to all activities, SIL allows for empowered and positive living.

The Endeavour Foundation SIL accommodation in Cannonvale supports NDIS participants.

“We try our best to match individuals together in a house share, with their compatibility, likes, dislikes, ages, their preferences,” Jody explained.

“You’ve got to build relationships,” Jenny said.

Jenny and her housemate often watch TV together and catch up on the news.

And what is Jenny’s secret to living independently?

“Good time management.”

Jody agreed, “Jenny is always on time, always organised, with her bag packed. She always makes sure she is ready to go and take on the day.”

For more information on how you can discover independence through SIL accommodation in Cannonvale reach out to Endeavour Foundation on 1800 112 112 or visit endeavour.com.au

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North Queensland Bulk Ports have announced the nine community organisations set to receive a share of $60,000 in funding, supporting local community with initiatives expected to deliver strong benefits.

Of the nine recipients, two organisations supporting Bowen and Abbot Point residents were selected, these being the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Girudala Community Co-Operative Society.

The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s initiative is the launch of an Investment Opportunities Guide, that will showcase the programs and events that the Centre supports that relies on donations or self-generated funding.

“We want to boost programs so that they are sustainable forever,” Stephanie Cora, Executive Officer of the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre explained.

“We have only two employees full time, but so many more of our staff, volunteers and directors help more than that. We want to showcase our growth, sustainability, and resilience of our clients.”

The Guide is a close analysis of the Centre, of its maintenance of funding and continuation of community minded programs.

“About 80 per cent of our funding is from the government, the rest is from donations, and our outreach like the Shed Shop and Food Hampers. This is to show everyone what we do and how we do it. And that we’re not just here for people in crisis but everyone.”

“We are very excited to receive this funding and help us launch this Guide.”

The second Bowen organisation is Girudala Community Co-Operative, which provides healthcare and support for Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples, with the funding supporting their emergency relief program for Indigenous families.

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Bowen Neighbourhood Centre staff. Photo supplied

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Ergon Energy units in the region are calling for farmers to be cautious when completing hazard reduction burns or with cane fires.

One such unit in the Burdekin was recently called out to a burnt power pole, following a cane fire.

Power was quickly restored to the affected areas, after the fire was controlled, and Ergon Energy crews were able to access the site.

Ergon Energy Work Group Leader Lawrence Hitchcock explained that controlled burns could pose a threat if the fires get too close to power poles and other electrical assets.

“More than a dozen power poles were brought down by landowner’s burns getting out of control last year bringing down poles, powerlines and cutting supply to entire communities in some cases," Mr Hitchcock said.

“In addition to the inconvenience of widespread power disruptions, fallen powerlines can cause serious injury or even death to people and livestock that come into contact with it.

“Just as troubling is a power pole that’s only partially burnt because it will be significantly weakened and potentially snap during high winds or storm activity without warning.

"So, we’re asking any landowners who are about to burn to ensure vegetation is cleared within a five metre radius of the base of a pole."

Rural Fire Service A/Assistant Commissioner Peter Hollier said taking precautions before and during hazard reduction burns could significantly minimise the risk of damaging property and electricity infrastructure.

“It is imperative landholders are well aware of their surroundings and remain vigilant to ensure they, their families and properties are safe while conducting any bushfire mitigation work,” Mr Hollier said.

“To minimise the chances of fire damaging power poles and property, I would encourage property owners to trim or clear any long grass, foliage and rubbish around their electricity infrastructure and remain with any planned burns they carry out.”

To report a network fault, contact Ergon Energy on 13 16 70. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, contact 000.

There is currently a complete fire ban within the Whitsunday region, and all fire permits have been suspended.

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Ergon Energy teams urge safe fire practices near power poles. Photo supplied

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As seen through the eyes of pioneer, Eliza Ellen Fuller (1886 – 1983)

(Eliza was featured in the September 22 edition of this paper.)

The journey by coach from Bowen to Proserpine in 1900 – A Wild Ride

As we got to the hotel yard in time to leave for Bowen by six o’clock that Sunday Morning, a chap asked the coach driver, Henry Amos, to get him to Bowen that afternoon in time to catch the “Inaminka” which only stopped at the jetty for about three minutes to throw off mail and pick up mail and passengers.

Henry yells, “All aboard” as he jumps into his seat. I got up alongside him with my grandmother while the men took the back seat.

Four yardmen each brought out a horse, hooked the first two on to the pole and the other two ahead, rearing to go. The two men jumped aside and grazing the gatepost we went galloping off down the street. We clung on all the way to the river crossing then up Crystalbrook way which the coach crossed in about three terrible leaps. Somehow, we made it through the wild bush track until we almost reached the Halfway Hotel that used to stand along the track.

Just before the hotel there was a gully at the bottom of which the brumby leader propped then leapt forward and, in his propping and jumping, managed to unhook the lead pole and Henry couldn’t hold the bolting leaders. He threw the reins of the first pair to one of the men and told him to drive on to the pub while he tore off after the runaways which, because they couldn’t see properly with winkers on, ran different sides of a tree and smashed a coupling strap.

One rolled over into the washaway in the gully and Henry was on to him.  Just as well it was the quieter one of the two. Henry rigged the winkers into a sort of bridle and off through the timber he went after the brumby, somehow over a fence and into a paddock. We made it to the hotel where Heny harnessed up another four horses. We all had a bit of food at the Homestead Hotel but not Henry as he was rushing to get his new team going.

As we galloped into Bowen, Grandma said the Henry, “We get out at the corner house.”

“Not yet you don’t,” yelled Henry as he went galloping right through Bowen and down to the jetty where the horses got scared but Henry kept talking to them. The boat had begun to move out with the gangplank up but the men on the coach threw the chap’s luggage across the ship’s rail and practically threw him over too. The boat left at four in the afternoon, so it was some trip.

When Henry drove us back to the house on the corner my aunt, who lived there, asked what had been the matter. She had seen the coach go tearing by.

With a big grin, Henry said, “I told him I’d get him there in time and I did.” There are not many like Henry now. I made several coach trips to Bowen, sometimes getting in as late as 8 o’clock - but none as fast as the one with Henry.

Photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and story extracted from “Proserpine Guardian” December 22 1948.

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The smell of ripening mangoes is certainly associated with the festive season.

Many people eagerly await the mango season so they can add this delicious fruit to their salads on Christmas Day.

The team at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre have taken the theme of mangoes for Christmas to an entire new level – and now have all types of mango-inspired products on offer.

As well as offering mango sorbets and mango ice creams at the Visitor Information Centre, they now have a vast array of other mango products which would make perfect Christmas gifts.

There are mango chutneys and sauces and also a mango daquiri mix which would be perfect to go with Christmas lunch. You can add your own alcohol to the daiquiri mix, or simply pour it over your ice cream to make a yummy desert.

If it is beauty products you are after, there is mango perfume and a mango body trifle – a beautifully textured moisturiser with a mango smell.

There are also mango candles, soaps, and air fresheners.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team had been continuing to expand the range of mango products over the past two years.

“Travellers are often looking for local products when travelling and we find the mango-inspired products are proving more popular than ever.

“We have such a wide variety of products that you could do all your Christmas shopping right here at the Bowen Visitor information Centre.”

The centre is located on the Bruce Highway, just 5km south of Bowen, right next to the iconic Big Mango.

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Volunteers at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, Trudy Starkey and Kevin Clark, with some of the mango products available. Photo supplied

Two Whitsunday Regional Council owned transport hubs have taken home two top spots at the recent 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards, held in Cairns last Friday night.

For the same category, Tourism Retail Hire and Services, the Whitsunday Coast Airport took gold, while Shute Harbour Marine Terminal received the silver.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said the awards were well deserved recognition for the hardworking teams at both the airport and Shute Harbour.

“The Whitsundays tourism industry shone brightly on the big stage and the multiple awards our region won highlights what amazing people we have working passionately to showcase our unique part of the world,” she said.

“I am proud that our Council owned and operated airport and marine facilities are kicking goals and recording record numbers in delivering more visitors to the Whitsundays.

Whitsunday Coast Airport continues to see record numbers of passengers through their doors, with the facility one of the biggest entry points for travellers into the region.

“The increased passenger numbers not only reflect the growing popularity of our Whitsunday region but also signify the huge potential and opportunities that lie ahead,” Mayor Hall said.

Whitsunday Coast Airport director of Commercial Businesses Craig Turner paid tribute to his teams at both facilities saying their levels of service meant every visitor was treated as a VIP.

"Our airport isn't just a terminal; it's a vital gateway for connectivity to the wonders of the Whitsundays,” he said.

“This Gold Award belongs to every individual who contributes to the smooth operations of the airport especially our staff, airline partners, and the Whitsunday community.

“It's not just a recognition of our airport; it's a celebration of the excellence that defines our community and the welcoming experiences we offer to travellers.

“Together, we've created an airport experience that mirrors the beauty and hospitality of the Whitsundays."

Shute Harbour Marine Terminal has seen a massive transformation in recent years, after being damaged beyond repair during Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017. The new building was completed in 2021 and has breathed new air into the facility.

Also welcoming record numbers this year, the Terminal remains the hub for many travellers connecting with the Whitsunday Islands, departing on day expeditions, and even some cruise ship connections with passengers eager to explore the Whitsunday mainland.

“These record numbers do not happen without all our airport and marine teams going above and beyond so it was great their efforts were recognised by the Qld tourism industry,” Mayor Hall explained.

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Shaun Cawood Manager Aviation and Tourism, Marianne Goldman Marketing Officer Aviation and Tourism, Mayor Julie Hall, Brooklyn Clarke Shute Harbour Terminals Officer and Craig Turner Director Commercial Businesses. Photo supplied

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Leading the way in accessible tourism, the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team shone brightly alongside some of the state’s premier tourism operators at the Queensland Tourism Awards in Cairns last Friday.

Winning two gold awards, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort was acknowledged with top honours in the ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks’ category for the sixth time at a state level, as well as the inaugural ‘Excellence in Accessible Tourism’ category.

“This recognition reflects our position, not only as one of Queensland’s most loved family holiday resorts, but also as one of the state’s leading accessible resorts for guests of all abilities,” said BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort owner, Greg McKinnon.

“We’ve been told that there was a record number of tourism award entries this year and an increase of 25 percent on last year, so how fantastic is it to see operators in Queensland kicking so many goals.

“It’s such an exciting time in terms of where the Whitsundays is placed as one of the state’s most desirable holiday destinations,” said Greg.

On the back of the double gold win, Greg and the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team will now join the other Queensland gold winners who are automatically entered into the Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Darwin in March next year.

Owned and operated by the McKinnon family, this year saw the popular Whitsunday resort have its 30th birthday. After three decades of transformation, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is still ever growing.

This past year they have added another seven new cabins, developed a range of accessible accommodation and facilities, and finished construction of its seventy-one-bed “Bunk House” dormitory accommodation, catering to the Edutourism and groups market, in particular school groups.

Aiming to minimise obstacles guests may otherwise face, areas of focus this year have included new developments for the vision impaired and those with mobility issues, while also complementing its well-utilised Sensory Room, which caters for children on the autism spectrum and their families by offering a special holiday retreat.

“Winning this award reflects the offerings of our quality tourism product, our ongoing development and our exceptional standards of customer service,” added Greg.

“We are very aware of always exceeding our guest’s expectations so it is really wonderful for our family and our incredible team to receive these awards.

“We couldn’t ever achieve this without the support of our guests, many who return time and time again, so we thank them sincerely.”

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a relaxed, family friendly environment with an extensive range of quality facilities and services, gorgeous cabins and happy, helpful staff.

Set amongst 10 hectares of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, the resort caters for a variety of budgets with a wide range of accommodation options from camping and caravanning sites to luxury, three-bedroom condos.  

With over 15 onsite activities including a big, huge, mega waterslide park, lagoon style pool, mini golf, outdoor cinema, Kid’s Club, year-round activities program and much more, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers the ultimate holiday escape

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BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team take home two gold wins

Photo supplied

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The team at Ocean Rafting brought home two gold accolades at the Queensland Tourism Awards on Friday night, further cementing their incredible achievements.

Winning two gold awards in the categories of Adventure Tourism and Major Tour and Transport Operators, Ocean Rafting Owners Peter and Jan Claxton attended the ceremony to represent their team and the three generations of family working in the business.

“It certainly was a night for the Whitsundays to celebrate, with so many of our region’s tourism operators being acknowledged for offering some of Queensland’s best tourism experiences.

“As a destination, we should be very proud of the unforgettable experiences on offer which were recognised and celebrated on the night,” Jan said.

“Personally, we are so very proud of these awards, our product, and our incredible team. Being family owned and operated, we all work very closely, and our staff are so passionate and invested in offering the experience of a lifetime.

“Everyone comes together to make the magic happen, from the moment they are picked up, out on the Whitsunday waters and up in the sky flying over the reef and islands, through to when they are dropped off at the end of the day.”

“After 26 years of operations, we have created experiences which showcase the best of the Whitsundays and we continue to grow and streamline each year, with more exciting developments planned for 2024,” Jan said.

Ocean Rafting’s wins follow recent success at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards, where they won the same categories, in addition to the consumer-voted People’s Choice Experiences Award. They will now join other Whitsunday operators and head to Darwin in March to represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards.

This past year, Peter and Jan circled back to Peter’s aviation roots, adding a second plane to their fleet of vessels and planes, as well as a new travel shop and extensive work in the environmental sector.

Ocean Rafting is the only company in the Whitsundays with four Master Reef Guides, who are recognised as the world’s leading reef guides, interpreters and story tellers, in addition to a team made up of Marine Biologists and Eye On the Reef trained Eco Hosts.

They are also a coveted Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member, for being continuously Advanced Ecotourism Australia Certified for 20 years or longer, a Green Travel Leader and Climate Action Business.

Recognised as Best of Queensland Experience and a Quality Tourism Accredited Business under the national quality tourism framework, Ocean Rafting is also the recipient of a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award for being in top 10% of attractions worldwide every year since 2012 and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award winner in the Top 1% of Tourism Businesses around the world and Top 10 Experiences in Australia.

Offering two exciting day tour adventures, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, Ocean Rafting takes guests on an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, the ultimate access to Hill Inlet and special snorkelling sites, as well as the Fly and Raft package, 60-minute scenic flights, a range of adventure packages, charter options and the Reef Seeker environmental educational program.

The fleet of eight semi-rigid inflatable vessels allow guests to experience Ocean Rafting’s signature adrenalin-fuelled ride amongst the beauty of the Whitsundays, while a maximum of 32 passengers allows for a personalised experience in the pleasure of a small group.

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James Unsworth, Environmental Manager/Master Reef Guide, Tiffany Brett, Sales & Marketing Manager, owners Jan and Peter Claxton, and Sales Captain, Nathan Fleming. Photo supplied.

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Renowned for providing unique and incredible experiences to over 800,000 guests this year alone, it is no wonder that Cruise Whitsundays’ truly memorable tours and accommodation offerings claimed two accolades at the Queensland Tourism Awards this year.

Bronze winners in the Unique Accommodation category and the Major Tour and Transport Operators category, Cruise Whitsundays proved once again that they excel across the board.

“Our team was very excited and grateful,” said Cruise Whitsundays’ Sales and Marketing Manager Renee Branton-Brown.

“This year’s win was very emotional, and a lot of heart and soul went into the writing of the submission.  

“We believe that Reefstays are Australia’s most unique accommodation, and this win echoes that sentiment.”

This is not the first year Cruise Whitsundays has brought home awards, in fact they have previously shone at other state awards and even at a national level.

Most recently, they were awarded Gold for Reefstays in the Unique Accommodation category and took home Gold for Major Tourist Attraction for Reefworld in 2022.

“Our Reefstay experiences are unlike any other offering in Australia,” said Renee.

“It literally immerses you into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Reefsleep offers guests the opportunity to stay in luxury glamping style accommodation on the deck of the Reefworld pontoon located 39 nautical miles out to sea.

Guests can also book an exclusive Reefsuite and stay in Australia’s premium underwater hotel, waking up to a colourful wonderland of coral reef, visible through the floor to ceiling viewing window in the bedroom.

In 2024, Cruise Whitsundays will be celebrating an impressive 20 years of operation and its overall fleet consists of 27 commercial vessels.

There are 11 vessels operating between five departure points, offering 14 different day tours with customisable options and the two bucket-list overnight experiences throughout the Whitsundays.

Cruise Whitsundays also services over 160,000 cruise ship passengers per year.

At the heart of every successful business, however, is the incredible staff that deliver the exceptional products.

“The entire Cruise Whitsundays team deserves our sincere thanks for these awards!” said Renee.

“This includes our operations team and crew, who operate an amazing product and work tirelessly to deliver an exceptional guest experience; our sales and marketing team, who ensure the world knows about our not-to-be-missed offerings and wrote this year's submission; and our leadership team and Journey Beyond, for giving us the tools required to offer such unique products.

“A win for Cruise Whitsundays is a win for the Whitsundays region, and we celebrate with all the other tourism operators who won awards. We are lucky to call the Whitsundays home, and together, our industry works tirelessly to showcase the wonders of the Whitsundays to the world.”

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Sales and Marketing Executive Liza Muller and Group Manager Sales and Marketing, Renee Branton-brown at the Queensland Tourism Awards in Cairns. Photo supplied

Reefstays offer incredible accommodation options 39 nautical miles out to sea. Photos supplied

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Success keeps on coming for Magnums Airlie Beach, as they secured the gold award for 3-3.5 Star Accommodation last Friday night at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards.

In the heart of Airlie Beach, Magnums boasts affordable and comfortable accommodation that matches any price point for travellers on a budget.

From self-contained cabins to more budget friendly private rooms, no expense has been spared, with well equipped facilities and creature comforts.

Elizabeth Hackett, Executive chairman of Magnums, accepted the award on Friday night and said, “To be recognised amongst so many great Queensland operators is always a very special feeling for the entire team at Magnums.”

“At Magnums, we don’t stand still!  Every year we are strategic in ensuring we are setting ourselves new benchmarks to meet and exceed our guest’s expectations. We take our Eco journey very seriously and are committed to best practice.”

Being one of the first accommodation providers in Airlie Beach, Magnums is steeped in Whitsundays history, and has seen many a traveller traipse through their tranquil and scenic grounds.

Located centrally in Airlie Beach, Magnums is ideally equipped for travellers to make the most of their stay, visiting the Islands, taking day adventures, and exploring the most of Airlie Beach.

“It is the broader tourism industry in this region that contributes so hugely to our success,” Elizabeth explained.

“The tour operators are undoubtedly the attraction that our guests come to experience. We are so grateful to all of them, many of them also were highly awarded at the recent award ceremony.”

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Elizabeth Hackett, Executive chairman of Magnums, picked up the award last Friday. Photo supplied

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Adding another notch to their success belt is none other than Pinnacles, Airlie Beach.

Taking home the first place accolade for self-contained accommodation at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards, Pinnacles stands as a testament to luxury accommodation.

With 29 stylish apartments, catering for families, couples, and groups Pinnacles offers a range of one, two and three bedrooms, perfect for any size group.

Each apartment either includes a luxurious balcony jacuzzi or a beautiful internal spa with unbelievable views, that are sure to take your breath away.

A true gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, Pinnacles ensures a romantic and sensuous experience for every guest.

And the assistance doesn’t stop there, with Pinnacles onsite tour desk able to offer and organise the very best experiences and adventures within the Whitsundays.

Being only a short walk to the main thorough-fair of Airlie Beach, Pinnacles offers convenience and comfort. Pop down to the weekly markets, enjoy a lazy coffee at a local cafe, before returning to your private space for a midday rest or indulge in a home-made meal.

And why would you want to leave the lavish grounds, when Pinnacles have guests covered with a beautiful 20 metre wet edge swimming pool, an exquisite sauna, and a well-stocked gym, to be sure your exercise regime is not too badly hindered while on holiday.

Ultimately, just relax, stay and unwind at Pinnacles, Airlie Beach.

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The Pinnacles Resort team, Therese Moran, Brent Jones, Susan Watson, and Lee Irvin. Photo supplied

A neighbourhood dispute highlighted the overarching issue of urban greenery this week when a local couple witnessed the last remaining tree in the property adjacent to theirs culled to provide the new property owner with more space.

Mandy Coles and her husband Iyas Shaheen have resided in their Waterson Way address for 15 years and during that time they believed that the mango tree in question was located on a Council watercourse that ran between the two properties.

This was thrown into question several weeks ago when they were informed that the owner of the neighbouring property believed the tree was on his land and would be cutting it down.

The couple were furious because, not only does the tree produce delicious fruit each season, it was also the last remaining barricade that offered their property any privacy from the nearby road.

Councillor Jan Clifford attended the scene along with Mark Callaghan, Manager Parks and Gardens for Whitsunday Regional Council.

During the meeting it was decided that Council would pay for an independent survey to be conducted, the outcome of which confirmed the tree was indeed on the neighbour’s land.

As a result, the mango tree was cut down earlier this week.

This represents the sixth tree cut down on one property and, although the owner must re-plant within the next 12 months, it has permanently altered the urban canopy of the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, another concerned resident from Cannonvale wrote into the paper this week describing his uproar about several mature trees that were cut down to make room for the new Fire Station.

Works commenced this week at the site of the new station on the corner of Macartha Drive and Shute Harbour Road.

A resident of Banksia Court, a road that also borders the site, observed that several mature trees had been cut down, displacing countless roosting birds.

“We were completely dismayed that authorisation has been given to chop down these roosting trees,” he commented.

“I spied a gang of some 50 confused Sulphur Cockatoos circulating the now vacant block. They were wondering where their roosting tree had gone. I have lived here for a decade and the Cockies have roosted in these trees nightly for that time.”

These two separate incidents highlight the growing conversation surrounding the importance of preserving local trees.

Do you have a tree story to share? If so, send an email to rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com.

Councillor Jan Clifford attends the Waterson Way property to speak with owner Mandy Coles. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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With The Tiny Homes Project

The Tiny Homes Project has rounded out 2023 with a fantastic rock n’ roll Christmas celebration, raising a massive figure of $15,050 on the day, bringing the overall project total to a mammoth $681,601.

This means the group are on-track to deliver four ‘tiny homes’ to homeless women over 55 in the Whitsundays by mid-2024.

“We completely filled up the Sailing Club dining room,” Sandy Clark, Fundraising Coordinator for Tiny Homes Project, explained.

With the themes of 60s Christmas, outfits consisted of classic rocker, with hints of red and the best tinsel.

“We had such fabulous outfits, and everyone embraced the rock n’ roll theme!”

The event included a live auction and silent auction, with the hot ticket items of a pink guitar signed by the 2018 Airlie Beach Festival of Music stars, a voucher to Eastwoods Dining and Bar, and a fantastic Stevie Nicks artwork.

While this event was the last for 2023, Sandy and the Tiny Homes Team are excited to regroup in the new year and continue their efforts.

“We plan to continue. We’ll kick off with the four tiny homes, but we’ll be ongoing. This need isn’t going away, and it isn’t just a Whitsundays issue, but a national issue.”

With only a short $18,399 left to reach their overall target of $700,000 the Tiny Homes Team are welcoming any and all donations to their cause.

To donate or learn more, feel free to follow the QR Code.

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The perfect Christmas celebration: Fiona Donnellan from the Tiny Home Project, Joanne Moynihan CEO of Whitsunday Housing, Mayor Julie Hall and Sandy Clark from the Tiny Homes Project. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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