It’s Christmas time!

In two weeks’ time we will all be clocking off from the computer, pushing the chair under the desk, and walking out of the office in readiness for the arrival of the fat guy called Santa Claus through the flyscreen. How he does it is beyond me, but who am I to ask?

You know what else is happening? Heaps of Christmas parties.

Today I’ll be down on Wood St with my mates from YIRS toasting a great 2022. Then tomorrow I’ll be helping out in a panic room trying to get out before we all kill each other. Wish me luck.

This weekend is also a great time to celebrate birthdays. I’m sure there are a lot of birthday candles being blown out around Mackay and the Whitsundays and one of them is actually pretty special.

There’s a bloke that a lot of people know who is partying like it's 1999 and he doesn’t want anyone to know. That’s why I’m telling you here and I’m hoping that you’ll keep it to yourself and don’t tell anyone. Pretty please?

His name is Paul Rutland. Know him? Seen him out and about around Mackay over the last 30 years? There’s a lot of people who will say yes, so if that’s you, please wish him all the best for his special milestone day.

The reason I’m telling you this is because he does so much for this community and he needs to be congratulated for it.

Only recently he spent a considerable amount of time with me in our Jingle Jail at Porters. He did this without any questions. Paul also volunteers his time and efforts for the McGrath Foundation each year for local basketball. He’s coached top level ladies soccer a number of years ago and has the exclusive trophies to prove it.

He rides bikes for charity, feeds thousands through his restaurant The Creperie, maintains countless cars at his garage in Paget, and he also is known to run up the Eungella range just for fun back in the day. How he got back down, well I’ll let you ask him so he can tell you the actual answer. It’s quite a story, let me tell you.

Paul Rutland is one fella that never shouts from the rooftops of what he does. He travels under the radar and that’s what he likes. I respect that. But this weekend, if you see him, wish him all the best and a happy birthday.

Have fun,

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

Image: Happy birthday, Paul!

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When James came into the Cold Rock Ice Creamery in Airlie Beach, he decided he wanted to make his own milkshake.

Living with a disability, he didn’t fully understand that when you go out for a milkshake, it is normally made for you.

His carer was about to take him back home so he could make one there – but then something magical happened.

One of the team at Cold Rock, Shane Greenfield, heard the conversation and decided he would see if he could help.

Chatting with his teammate, Tammy Smith, the pair decided that they would help James make his own milkshake.

Bringing the blender and ingredients out to a lower table that was accessible to his wheelchair, James was able to help put the ice-cream, milk and flavouring in and then press the button.

“We didn’t even think twice about it,” said Tammy.

“He wanted to make a milkshake and so we thought about how we could make it happen.

“What I love about my job is putting smiles on people’s faces – everybody deserves that – and to walk out happier than they walked in.”

James was thrilled with his chocolate milkshake and the experience made his day.

“You could see a big grin on his face,” said Tammy.

“It was such a simple thing to do, and it didn’t cost a thing but it made someone’s day – you can’t get much better than that!”

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James making a milkshake at the Cold Rock Ice Creamery in Airlie Beach

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“A momentous occasion” for Whitsunday Coast Airport as the first Bonza aircraft touched down at the local facility on Wednesday as part of the airline’s preparation process for full-fledged operations.

‘Shazza’, one of two purple and white planes operated by the budget airline, landed in the region as part of a test run, travelling from the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays and back.

Landing at approximately 9:05am on Wednesday, the Bonza piloted flight acted as a training opportunity, allowing the plane’s crew to familiarise themselves with the local airport’s operations ahead of the official first flight which is now expected to take place sometime next year.

The budget airline is still awaiting its CASA approvals - which will allow its planes to operate commercially.

This first test landing on Wednesday signifies a progression towards those full-fledged operations.

Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza, said the day allowed her “team of legends” the pleasure of flying into Whitsunday Coast Airport from the company’s home base at Sunshine Coast Airport.

“The flight is part of our internal preparation process as we prepare for wheels up. We thank Whitsunday Coast Airport for their support today,” she said.

Craig Turner, Chief Operating Officer Aviation and Tourism, said he was excited to see the iconic purple plane on the tarmac.

“We’re pleased to say the arrival and departure went smoothly and we’re another step closer to opening a new market for the region and connecting the Whitsundays with three new destinations,” Mr Turner said.

The airline plans to operate flights from Whitsunday to the Sunshine Coast three times per week, Whitsunday to Newcastle twice a week, and Whitsunday Toowoomba twice a week.

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Almost 50 per cent of division 2 residents failed to vote for the Division 2 Councillor Seat on election day last Saturday.

Only 2,426 people voted out of the 4,155 residents who were registered to vote, with just 1606 attending the polling station at Whitsunday Shopping Centre in person.

The people that did not vote will now receive a $143.75 fine, after an increase came into place in July this year.

This is the third time Division 2 residents have had to vote since May this year.

The Federal Election took place in May and was followed by a local government vote for a new mayor when previous Mayor Andrew Willcox vacated his seat when he successfully became the Federal Member for Dawson.

Then, when Al Grundy shocked everyone by resigning last month, a third election was needed to fill the Division 2 Councillor seat.

We are now almost a week after voting and the election remains too close to call, with the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) saying postal votes must be counted and can be received up to December 13.

At this stage, Clay Bauman is in the lead with 36.29 per cent of the votes, followed by Andy Camm on 27.04, Chris Harvey on 21.24 and Dan Popovich on 15.33 per cent.

In the coming days, Mr Popovich’s second votes will be distributed according to the ‘optional preferential voting system’ and allocated to the other candidates.

To be declared the winner, a candidate requires 50 per cent plus 1 of the total formal votes counted.  

“While the leading candidate is currently ahead on first preference votes, this can, and often does, change when preferences are distributed,” Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said.

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The husband of a woman who died in a golf buggy crash on Hamilton Island has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the fatal incident which occurred in June this year.

Robbie Morgan was charged by police with driving without "due care and attention" during the crash which claimed the life of his 29-year-old wife, Marina Hanna, whilst the pair honeymooned on Hamilton Island.

Mr Morgan – a 30-year-old New South Wales man - did not appear in person at the first mention of the case in Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday.

Instead, Mr Morgan appeared via telephone where he pleaded not guilty to the police allegations which followed an “extensive investigation”.

The case will recommence in the New Year with the court ordering a brief of evidence for the alleged reckless driving charge, due January 23, while the remaining three charges have been adjourned for mention on February 6.

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Rising “safety concerns” have led one of the region’s largest commercial marinas to introduce “Pedestrian Only” zones.

From mid-December, all Coral Sea Marina Resort waterfront pathways, pontoons, and marina villages will require all personal mobility device users to dismount and walk through the denoted areas, or to take an alternate route – including cyclists.

Citing the “exponential” increase in electric personal mobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, as the deciding factor for the decision, Coral Sea Marina Resort has partnered with Whitsunday Regional Council to demarcate its Pedestrian Only Zones.

CEO of Coral Sea Marina, Kate Purdie, said the new zones throughout the precinct are an “added safety measure for the benefit of everyone sharing the site.”

“The waterfront pathways are utilised by vessel owners, passengers, and business operators with loaded trolleys every day, in addition to visitors passing through on foot including people with prams and young children, and those walking dogs,” Ms Purdie said.

“We have recently seen an increase in the number of bikes, e-scooters and electric skateboards on these pathways, many traveling at high speed and with little regard for the safety of others.

“To ensure these pathways remain safe, we need to keep all traffic at a walking pace.”

Ms Purdie said an alternate route through The Gardens remains available for those who wish to pass through the south marina to reach their final destination, whilst, in the north marina, there is no alternate route available, “so everyone must dismount and walk through the village.”

Directional signage will be installed throughout the precinct making it “very clear” to all users where the Pedestrian Only Zones are located.

Maps have also been designed and distributed throughout Airlie Beach already.

The decision aligns with new laws regarding mobility devices which went into effect across Queensland on 1 November to “ensure the safety of riders and pedestrians alike”.

The Marina has built additional bike and scooter parking facilities within its premise so visitors “have a dedicated place to lock up their wheeled devices whilst enjoying” the Marina’s offering.

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Labor Quashes LNP Backed $2.9 Billion Urannah Dam Project

In contention since the Labor government came into power earlier this year, funding for the Urannah Dam project was cancelled last week amid claims that the apparent threat of runoff would impact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

In addition, Labor estimated that only 75 cents from every dollar spent on the project would be returned and that the dam would predominantly be used to facilitate the coal mining industry.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has been advocating for the construction of Urannah Dam for many years and says that it would have provided much more than water for mining.

“Urannah Dam was the only dam that has been through Infrastructure Australia and has private equity partners ready to go,” he said.

“Urannah Dam ticks all the boxes, provides water for agriculture, tourism, mining, and urban use as well as pumped hydro which will put clean, green electricity directly into the north south grid.

“The UNESCO report is a political convenience for the Federal Labor Government who were never in support of the Urannah project and the many benefits it proposed to the community in central and north Queensland.”

First proposed in the 1960’s, there have been over 25 feasibility studies into the dam, but conflicting viewpoints have always halted the project.

Both Andrew Willcox and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry are now calling on the government to reinstate funding so the crucial water security plan can be delivered.

“The Urannah Dam site is 270 kilometres from the closest reef, and the dam wall will trap sediment and improve water quality in the downstream catchment,” said Ms Landry.

“Mitigation measures in line with Reef 2050 and Burdekin Water Quality Improvement Plan have been applied in the Urannah project.

“A great deal of effort and adhering to environmental assessment and consideration has gone into the planning of the Urannah Dam to ensure that it ticks all the boxes.”

Rumours have abounded this week that private investment may revitalise hopes that the project will still go ahead with an announcement that Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have acquired the Bowen Renewable Energy Hub.

Matthew Stuchbery from CIP, however, confirmed they are not investing in the Urannah Dam.

“We have bought pumped hydro, wind, and solar projects off Bowen River Utilities,” he said.

“But there is no connection between these projects and the dam going forward.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Senator Matt Canavan and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry at the Urannah Dam site: Photo: Contributed

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Some local students recently had the honour of hearing their carefully curated speeches read out by politicians as part of this years’ Raise Our Voice Australia Campaign.

“Politicians speak on behalf of us, this time their speaking directly for us,” said a Raise Our Voice spokesperson.

Dedicated to giving young people under the age of 21 a voice in Parliament, the program invites participants to answer the question: What should Australia’s new parliament accomplish?

A speech written by Year 6 student Georgia Granich from Queens Beach State School in Bowen was selected by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and read in parliament on November 21.

Georgia asked for our regional highways to be improved and ideally expanded to two lanes so that they are safer to overtake slower vehicles like caravans.

“It’s just like an overtaking lane right up the highway,” read her speech.

“I think this issue is important and needs to be addressed urgently.”

Mr Willcox thanked Georgia for her outstanding contribution.

“I am truly inspired and encouraged by our next generation of leaders,” he said.

“I was proud to be able to deliver Georgia’s speech about road safety - with strong advocates like this, we have a lot to be hopeful for when it comes to our future.”

Year six student from Cannonvale State School, Abby Maher, had her speech read out by Queensland Senator Larissa Waters.

Abby chose the subject of affordable housing.

“In the Whitsundays it is estimated that children make up almost half of the area’s homeless community,” read her speech.

“This issue really concerns me, and we need to find a solution.”

Abby offered ideas such as building cheaper houses that more people can afford, temporary housing for getting people off the streets and a government housing plan for cheaper housing.

She said that it was a great honour to see her speech selected.

“Homelessness is a big problem, not only here but right across Australia,” said Abby.

“I feel happy that my speech was chosen, and that the government are trying to do something about it.”

Abby’s mum, Lisa, said they were very proud.

“She was very passionate about this,” explained Lisa.

“She spent time at home working on it and it’s something very important to her.”

Over 80 politicians read speeches as part of Youth Voice in Parliament Week which took place from November 21 to 24.
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Abby Maher, year six student at Cannonvale State School, had her speech about affordable housing read out in parliament

Senator Larissa Waters picked Abby’s speech to read aloud

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After 16 years running one of our leading local agencies, the owners of Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Real Estate, Terry and Cathy McMullen, have decided to pass the baton onto their protégé, Dannielle Rennie, who looks forward to continuing the same standard of service and professionalism.

Respected for their integrity and openness, Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Real Estate are known for their trusted, personal and honest approach that sees them work alongside clients to create an enjoyable experience for all involved.

In their combined career both Terry and Cathy have sold upwards of 2,500 properties, it is this wisdom, experience and knowledge they are now passing onto Dannielle.

Terry will work alongside Dannielle for the next 12 months in a support role until he joins Cathy in a well-deserved retirement.

“It was our baby,” explained Terry and Cathy.

“But it’s grown up now and it’s time for it to fly the coup.”

New-owner, Dannielle, is originally from England but spent a lot of time in South Africa before moving to Australia where she worked as a skipper for the Coastguards on the Gold Coast for many years.

A change of career and lifestyle prompted her to move to the Whitsundays and a dream to work in real estate saw a chance meeting with Terry and Cathy turn into realising that dream when the timing for both parties was right.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to both of them,” said Dannielle.

“Being part of this organisation strengthens our commitment to our clients and ensures the high moral and ethical standards are cemented into our fabric.

“Airlie Beach And Whitsunday Real Estate has a great understanding of today’s evolving market, it is more important than ever, that you can trust and expect accurate information and trusted feedback, ensuring that our relationship continues so you will make the best decisions for you and your family.”

Dannielle has completed her full real estate license and has ensured that the agency has retained the membership of the REIQ (Real Estate Institute of Queensland).

“Terry is a great mentor and Cathy is so helpful and a wonderful teacher,” said Dannielle.

“I feel very privileged to learn from the best and look forward to continuing that same level of service into the future.”

“We will endeavour to go above and beyond to assist you and reach your most desirable outcome.

“We will welcome the opportunity to become your most trusted advisors with the support of expanded industry knowledge.

If you are planning to buy or sell in this ever-evolving market, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Dannielle Rennie buys Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Real Estate from Terry and Cathy McMullen. Photo: Rachael Smith

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After a two-year hiatus, the Community Christmas Day Party is returning and everyone is invited to come together to enjoy some free and inclusive festive cheer.

The first event was held in 2019 and came about when Councillor Jan Clifford purchased a turkey that was too large to fit in her freezer or oven.

When she asked Di Fraser from the Salvation Army if she could give it away to someone in need, they decided instead to invite everyone doing it tough to join them for Christmas Lunch.

“Don’t be sad and alone,” said Jan.

“Come down and join us, you might make some friends!”

In 2019, almost 50 people came to the event which was held at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

This year it will take place at the Whitsunday PCYC and anyone from anywhere across the region is invited to come along.

There will be lucky door prizes, a present for each child and of course a delicious Christmas Lunch.

Kind sponsors include at Hotel Group, Live Life Pharmacy, Zonta and Whisper Bar.

This year Jan is organising the event alongside Paula Hovey from Young Whitsundays Got Talent.

Attendees are required to book in advance for catering purposes and can reserve their spot at Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Proserpine Community Centre or Whitsunday Housing Company.

You can also text Jan directly on 0412 721 969 or send a private Facebook message.

“If you say you are going to turn up, please make sure you come,” said Jan.
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Anyone doing it tough this year can get a free Christmas Lunch at Whitsunday PCYC

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A local cricket club has planted over 180 trees so far in its mission to beautify the Bowen Sporting Complex and provide a long-lasting legacy for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Bowen Cricket Inc. hosted a ceremony coinciding with its final junior’s home game of the year to celebrate the monumental tree planting effort which combined the work of Whitsunday Regional Council, volunteers, and the club itself.

The $20,000 in funding was awarded by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tree Planting Program. Mr Willcox and other dignitaries from Whitsunday Regional Council – including Mayor Julie Hall and Councillor Michelle Wright – attended the service.

Mr Willcox said over the years the Bowen Sporting Complex has seen many trees lost through cyclones over the past 10 years.

“Congratulations to Club President Seth McIntosh and all the volunteers for the hard work in bringing this together,” Mr Willcox said.

The locations and species of trees were chosen in conjunction with Matthew Bath, a member of the club’s cricketing family, as well as Whitsunday Regional Council’s leading hand of Parks and Gardens.

With consultation of Mr Bath, and Whitsunday Council Asset manager for the sporting complex Daniel Borgh, holes were then dug by local contractors, and the ten species of trees planted with the help of the QCS Community Work Program.

Club President Seth McIntosh said a further 50 trees would be planted to further improve the Bowen Sporting Complex for each club.

“It’s not just for cricket, the trees are for everyone - touch, soccer, cricket,” Mr McIntosh said.

“It will provide a legacy to have really good shade coverage with these flowering trees and is something the whole community can enjoy.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox joins Bowen Cricket as they plant 180 trees as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tree Planting Program

A campaign to attract a regional workforce to the North Queensland agricultural and aquacultural industries has been a dramatic success, drawing in over 220,000 potential workers to the regions.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association’s ‘Pick Paradise’ workforce attraction campaign has reached its halfway mark having already made a marked impact according to recent statistics.

Commencing in September, the Pick Paradise campaign initially focused on attracting Australian based workers to roles in North Queensland through a free job noticeboard and social media platforms.

But the evolving campaign – which focuses on delivering a lifestyle message and connecting workers directly with employers - has resulted in strong interest not just domestically, but internationally.

As well, it has proven immensely popular among the younger Australian demographic through highlighting the “adventures that can be had on a working holiday in North Queensland.”

Timed closely with the peak horticultural season and beginning of the mango harvest, the Paradise campaign has received great feedback from growers across North Queensland, according to Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) Chief Executive Officer, Ry Collins.

“Pick Paradise draws attention to both the jobs available in the region and the great lifestyle workers can enjoy on the weekend,” Mr Collins said.

“When we attract an engaged and excited workforce, we see greater on-farm retention of employees and the increased opportunity for those workers to return to our region to work in successive seasons.”

During a picking season in the southern states where worker shortage caused major distress, local growers were mindful of the impact workforce security had on the success of their farming business, including owner of Lower Don Organics, Jessica Volker.

“A strong and focused workforce enables me to spend time on other aspects of our business, rather than investing so much time in finding workers,” Mrs Volker said.

As the Pick Paradise campaign enters its fourth month the focus will shift to attracting a future workforce for the region.

The campaign hopes to address future concerns from growers surrounding the diversity of the workforce in the country and will target specific international audiences as they plan a working holiday in Australia.

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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association’s Pick Paradise campaign has drawn in 220,000 potential itinerant workers from domestic and international markets

The campaign, which began in September, is now hoping to encourage workers to return to the region in its next growing season

Another Summer Of Coral Bleaching

The natural wonder of the world that sits at the Whitsundays’ doorstep is under intense scrutiny this week after United Nation’s scientists released their recommendations that the Great Barrier Reef be listed as “in danger”.

The two UN-backed scientists, Elanor Carter and Hans Thulstrup - who visited the Reef in late March while the natural wonder was experiencing its seventh recorded mass bleaching event, and first ever in a La Nina year – released their findings from the 10-day trip in a 100-page report.

Concerns regarding the health of the Great Barrier Reef had been held by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for years, but they are now looking to come to a head.

The report will likely head to the World Heritage committee in early 2023 where a decision surrounding its status as a World Heritage site will be in contention due to the “in danger” recommendation.

The report states that, while there has been much hard work and progress made on improving water quality in the Reef, they have been far too slow.

“The [Great Barrier Reef] is faced with major threats that could have deleterious effects on its inherent characteristics… for future generations,” the report reads.

The United Nations Reef Report makes a number of high-level recommendations that focus on programs targeting farmers and graziers, work on land erosion, clearer and more ambitious climate targets, and state government work to manage fisheries, amongst others.

Meanwhile, the spotlight on the reef could not come at a worse time: Scientists have said record ocean temperatures could spell another summer of coral bleaching.

Ocean temperatures over the reef reached record numbers in November – their highest since 1985 – according to data from the US government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa).

The peak period for heat over the reef is expected for February, but a “well-timed cyclone” could stave off the high expected temperatures.

With Nooa’s predictions, there is a “good chance we will see another back-to-back bleaching event,” according to Professor Terry Hughes, a leading expert on coral bleaching at James Cook University.

Whitsunday Conservation Council member, Tony Fontes, said, alongside the potential bleaching, the report held more importance than ever.

“We have limited time and must move on the report’s recommendations,” Mr Fontes said.

“The future health of the Reef is in danger, with or without the World Heritage listing. But we still have a small window of opportunity. The recommendations in the UNESCO report need to be applied now.”

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The Christmas tree coloured coral of the Great Barrier Reef is just a stones’ throw from mainland Whitsundays, whether you rest your head in Bowen, Airlie Beach, or Proserpine -- locals can sometimes forget about that full, holiday experience at our doorstep.

With the gift-giving season coming to its head in two weeks’ time, maybe the perfect yuletide present has been staring the Whitsundays’ residents in the face all along.

One of the region’s biggest tourism operators is offering the “gift of experience” this Christmas with its full suite of premium tours.

Cruise Whitsundays is highlighting how locals can keep the holiday vibe rolling in the New Year by heading out into their own backyard. Take on the Camira Sailing Adventure, indulge with their Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet day trips, explore with Cruise Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef Adventure, or their biggest and best: Reefsleep or Reefsuites.

Is a cruise to Whitehaven your style? Cruise Whitsundays have you covered: the jewel of the Whitsunday Islands is yours to experience in either their half-day cruise, or chill and grill (with a gourmet burger on the beach to boot), or aboard Camira.

Their iconic 85-foot purple catamaran harnesses the wind as it sails the azure waters of the Whitsundays on its way to the unforgettable Whitehaven.

But if you’re more inclined for something entirely unique, then the tourism giant has another raft of incredible experiences up its sleeve: Reefsleep and a Great Barrier Reef Adventure.

The two-day and one-night encounter with the Great Barrier Reef that is Reefsleep is an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep under the stars and above the ocean.

At Hardy Reef, the permanently moored pontoon of Reefworld - located 39 nautical miles from shore – is one of the world’s most incredible experiences. Snorkel, swim, dive and explore an incredible natural ecosystem that recently garnered Zac Efron’s tick of approval.

Or head on the perfect escape to one of the seven natural wonders of the world for an adventure and see the Great Barrier Reef – the choice is yours. Cruise Whitsundays will take you there.

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Cruise Whitsundays is offering the “gift of experience” this Christmas – why not pick up a gift certificate today?

What says ‘special’ – that’s always the hardest part of Christmas shopping. What can we get for the people who seemingly have everything?

It’s all mass-produced nowadays. We can head to “The Store” – whatever it may be, they’re all basically the same - and get an elegant wooden Le Creuset Revolution for the special person in our lives who loves to bake, but it’ll still read: Kmart Wooden Spoon #211,829 on the back.

And that’s nothing against Kmart.

So, what says ‘special’ with that little twinkle of fairy dust over the words more than something hand-crafted and one of its kind?

Shopping local, that’s what; uniqueness cannot be store-bought.

And there’s no better place or time in the Whitsundays than a Saturday down at the Airlie Beach Lions Community Markets for a personalised present.

A bespoke pack of perfumes and soaps might be just right for the indulgent ones.

Or maybe it’s one of those funny hats with the puffy grey wigs sticking out the top for your uncle with no hair. Oh, oh! No, it could be one of those cakes for your sweet, toothed nan!

The resident population of the Whitsundays is often not from the Whitsundays to begin with. Expats, kids on gap years and holidayers all call this region home, to name a few – as well as plenty of sailors.

And taking a little piece of the Whitsundays – maybe just something as simple as honey harvested in the Conway Ranges – and packaging it off for a Christmas Care Package can mean the world to mums and dads who miss you a whole lot.

Give them a piece of your new home, something memorable, something ‘special’.

The Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets take place each Saturday from 7.00am to 1.30pm.

Drop down for your perfect present and support the smallest of the small business owners.

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Head down to the Airlie Beach Lions Community Markets this Christmas season to see what special, unique gifts you can grab