Building Our Whitsunday Legacy

The Whitsundays continues to make its mark on the State stage, with myself and CEO Warren Bunker front and centre at the Community Cabinet meeting in Mackay last Sunday where we presented our region’s priorities directly to the Premier, Deputy Premier and key Ministers.

We’re a region on the move, and I’m proud to see the Whitsundays recognised as one of Queensland’s fastest-growing and most forward-thinking communities. We’re not waiting for the future, we’re getting on with building it.

Council is delivering major projects that are reshaping how people live, work and move across our region. We’ve secured almost $30 million in Federal funding for two cornerstone projects — the Cannonvale Community Hub and the Whitsunday Regional Sports Park — designed to anchor our growing communities, create local jobs, and provide spaces for people to connect.

Through the State Government’s Residential Activation Fund, more than $50 million will help unlock trunk infrastructure for around 3,000 new homes over the next decade. That’s a major step in addressing housing supply and making sure growth happens in a planned, sustainable way.

I want to acknowledge the efforts of our local State Members, Amanda Camm and Dale Last, who continue to be strong advocates for the Whitsundays. They know our region, they listen, and they work alongside Council to get results. Whether it’s housing, infrastructure, or community projects, Amanda and Dale roll up their sleeves and back the projects that make a real difference for local people.

At the Community Cabinet we also used the opportunity to highlight the next wave of transformational projects from Olympic and Paralympic Sailing infrastructure in Airlie Beach and Bowen, to the Bowen Foreshore Revitalisation and the delivery of legacy community sport and tourism facilities that will set our region up for the 2032 Games and beyond.

These projects aren’t just about construction, they’re about building a stronger, more liveable Whitsunday community. They’re about keeping our young people here, attracting new families, and creating opportunities that flow through every town.

As I told the Premier, we don’t mind hard work up here, but we just want a fair go on the big infrastructure that keeps Queensland moving.

The Whitsundays are charging toward the Olympic decade with optimism, pride and purpose and together with the Crisafulli Government we’re ready to deliver a legacy that makes our community proud.

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Next week is National Recycling Week (10-16 November), and we’re celebrating with some exciting events for our youngest recyclers!

Join us for a special recycling theme story time and a visit from the yellow recycling truck at the following locations:

Bowen Library: 10am,  Tuesday 11 November 2025

Cannonvale Library: 10am, Thursday 13 November 2025

Bring your mini recyclers and join in as we learn about recycling in a fun, hands-on way! Thanks to JJ’s Waste and Recycling for helping to deliver these events.

For more information on recycling in the Whitsunday Region, visit www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/lets-get-sorted

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Belle Property Whitsunday celebrated the grand opening of its new central office in Cannonvale over the weekend, marking an exciting new chapter for the real estate team.

The black-tie event was an exclusive affair, welcoming staff and valued clients to experience the brand-new, purpose-built premises for the first time. Guests enjoyed sunset drinks while exploring the stylish new office, which features a sleek, contemporary design that captures the professionalism and prestige of the Belle Property brand.

Principal and staff members were on hand to guide guests through the impressive new space, highlighting the layout designed to enhance collaboration and client service. The evening was filled with laughter, excitement, and anticipation for what’s ahead as Belle Property Whitsunday continues to expand its presence in the region.

The new Cannonvale office represents both growth and a renewed commitment to excellence in real estate.

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Photo credit: Trish Jandt

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The festive season has officially arrived at News Whitsunday, where owner Rich Bates and his team have once again transformed the store into a Christmas wonderland.

Now in their fourth year of returning Christmas memorabilia Rich said excitement continues to build as locals return each season to see what new decorations are on offer.

"We get a lot of custom made stuff for us, and we try and get different ones every year, just so the locals can get different ones," he said.

“This year we’ve got a tractor with working headlights, a fairy-tale carriage, a truck, and even an aeroplane, all designed just for the Whitsundays.”

Each piece is made from quality glass and metal and is battery and USB powered, many customers collect them annually or purchase them as gifts.

Alongside the collectable pieces, News Whitsunday is stocked with Christmas wrapping paper, cards, gift bags, and festive décor. After local stores sold out last year, Rich made sure to order extra stock to keep up with demand.

One of the biggest hits at Christmas time are the 'Scratchy trees', Christmas trees made entirely from instant lottery tickets, and Rich said Renee will be creating more for this year.

With Christmas fast approaching, locals are encouraged to get in early to secure their favourite festive treasures before they’re gone for another year.

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Owner of News Whitsunday Rich Bates invites the whole community to come into the store and check out the Christmas memorabilia. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Tucked inside the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, Tranquil Breeze Massage has been helping locals and visitors unwind since new owners Angela and Grant opened their doors on September 17.

Angela says the business has quickly developed a roster of loyal customers, thanks to its convenient location and calming atmosphere.

“There’s lots of foot traffic going past, and it’s great to see people stop in to relax,” she said.

Originally from Taiwan, Angela and her family moved to Australia in 2019, drawn to the Whitsundays’ slower pace and friendly community.

“We wanted a smaller, more relaxed atmosphere than the cities,” she said. “It’s such a good lifestyle here for our kids.”

After more than two decades in the massage industry, Angela brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to her new venture. Tranquil Breeze Massage specialises in a range of treatments designed to suit different needs from deep tissue and remedial massage to relaxation and foot therapy, each delivered in a warm, welcoming space.

Angela says she’s passionate about helping people feel better, whether that’s easing sore muscles after a long day or simply providing a moment of calm in someone’s busy schedule.

“Everyone is different,” she said. “My favourite is feeling people relax, everyone is so different and every time I finish a massage people say that they love it. And that is a good feeling.”

Life in Taiwan, she explains, was convenient and safe, but the work culture was demanding. The move to Airlie Beach has allowed her family to find the balance they were searching for, trading the fast-paced city life for tropical serenity.

Now, with two daughters happily settled at school and a growing customer base, Angela says she’s grateful for the support of the community and looks forward to continuing to offer a tranquil retreat for locals and visitors alike.

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Angela, an expert in massage, is now at Tranquil Breeze Massage in Cannonvale

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By Sharon Ashman

ADHD can bring unique strengths to relationships such as creativity, energy, and spontaneity but it can also create challenges. Forgetfulness, distractibility, or impulsivity may sometimes cause tension with partners, friends, or family. The good news is that with awareness and strategies, relationships can thrive.

Open communication is key. Letting loved ones know how ADHD affects you builds understanding. Equally important is listening to their experiences, so everyone feels heard and valued. Try to find one thing.

Practical adjustments also help. Shared calendars or reminder apps can reduce missed plans. Agreeing on small routines, like setting aside ten minutes each evening to reconnect without devices, strengthens bonds.

Patience matters, too. ADHD brains work differently—sometimes that means bursts of enthusiasm, other times it means being easily distracted. When both people approach challenges with empathy, relationships become more resilient.

Most importantly, remember that support is available. Counselling, coaching, and skill-building strategies can make a significant difference.

Strong, supportive relationships are possible with ADHD—and they can become a source of joy and stability.

"If you’d like more support in managing ADHD for yourself or your family, visit my website  https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give me a call 0418708214."

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Now in its 21st year, one of the Whitsundays’ most beloved charitable events, Camp and sCare, once again brought families together for a frightfully fun weekend — all in support of a vital local cause.

Held at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, the sell-out event raised an impressive $14,036.69 for Whitsunday Suicide Prevention, with 100% of proceeds from Friday night campsite bookings and activity donations going directly toward local mental health awareness and support initiatives.

Guests embraced the Halloween spirit in full force, transforming campsites and cabins into eerie masterpieces and dressing to impress for the spookiest campsite, cabin, family, and individual costume competitions. The festive atmosphere rivalled any Halloween celebration, with creativity and community spirit on full display.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort CEO, Phil Casey, said the event continues to be a cornerstone of the resort’s community fundraising efforts.

“Camp and sCare is more than just a fun Halloween weekend — it’s a chance for families to come together and support causes that make a real difference in our community, and we thank our guests for their generosity.  We’d also like to thank the many local businesses who donated prizes and helped make this year’s event another huge success,” said Mr Casey.

On Monday morning, the team at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team presented Gis Marven, Committee Member for Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), with a charity cheque for $14,036.69. WSPN is a community led network driven to reduce suicide and its impact in the Whitsunday region.

Ms Marven said the donation would make a real difference to the network’s ongoing community support initiatives.

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Meet Max, a big, beautiful boy with a gentle heart who’s waiting for a second chance at happiness. This large mixed-breed dog is currently in the care of Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc. (BCPRI) and is searching for a dedicated foster carer to help him rebuild trust and find his forever home.

Despite his impressive size, Max is known for his soft, loving nature. He’s well-behaved, good around other dogs, and eager to please — especially when treats are involved! Max thrives on companionship and gentle encouragement, making him the perfect match for someone patient, kind, and familiar with handling larger breeds.

What Max Needs:

• A confident, experienced foster carer
• Secure fencing and a calm environment
• A home that can offer time, structure, and love
• Ideally, someone who already has experience with large dogs

BCPRI is a no-kill, volunteer-run rescue that relies entirely on foster homes to care for dogs like Max. The organisation doesn’t have a physical shelter — instead, every dog is placed in a loving home environment where they can receive the care, structure, and rehabilitation they need before adoption.

All essential costs, including vet care and food, are covered by donations from the community. Fostering not only gives a dog a safe space to heal but also frees up room for the rescue to save more lives from local pounds.

If you’d like to foster or adopt Max, or any of BCPRI’s other dogs, please email the rescue directly at bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com. To learn more or apply to foster, visit BCPRI's socials.

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Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all enjoying our new Great Barrier Reef–inspired rebrand, which so many of our team helped bring to life!

I don’t know about you, but this heat has me wanting to stay indoors. While we’re keeping cool, things are heating up underwater as coral spawning season begins. Enjoy reading about the wonders of coral in this edition.

We’ve also included a great octopus story from the fantastic Whitsunday Conservation Council.

Happy reading,
Ruth

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A few nights after the full moon, something begins to spawn...and no, we don’t mean werewolves! It’s coral spawning season. This weekend, corals across the Great Barrier Reef will release their reproductive bundles into the water column in a spectacular, synchronised event. For the Reef Catchments team, it’s one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year.

As a partner in the Boats4Corals project, Reef Catchments works alongside the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), local tourism operators, and Traditional Owners to collect coral spawn and release the larvae into reef areas that receive less natural larval inflow and are slower to recover from impacts.

The preparation for this year’s spawning has already begun. Last week, the Boats4Corals team inspected 12 sites around the Whitsundays for their readiness to spawn, referred to as gravid coral checks.

During gravid coral checks, teams assess several factors to determine whether a site is suitable for coral spawn slick collections. Key considerations include the extent and diversity of hard coral coverage, the presence and development stage of coral eggs, and whether the area is protected or has any environmental or physical barriers that might inhibit slick formation. These elements help the team evaluate the site's potential for successful collection and monitoring.

To answer these last two questions, the team take small samples of coral and look at the skeleton*. Egg bundles are visible as tiny spheres, often in groups, and the developmental stage of the eggs can be inferred by their colour. Generally, eggs start out as white  and become pink as they mature.

The team sampled 370 hard coral colonies over two days, approximately two thirds of which had eggs. They have used the data to narrow down their target sites for spawn collection in a fortnight, having identified a subset of sites which are expected to be productive.

Ultimately the amount of spawn the team are able to collect is very strongly influenced by the weather on the night. However, Reef Catchments state that the extensive presence of developed eggs throughout the Whitsunday islands is a promising sign for this year’s fieldwork!

*Please note it is illegal to sample corals without a permit.

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Pictured: Lisa McMullen – Daydream Island Living Reef, credit Reef Catchments

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What has three hearts, a big brain, and blue blood?

The octopus, of course!

These bizarre yet brilliant creatures have been around for hundreds of millions of years. For humans, they’ve inspired emotions ranging from curiosity to admiration — and even fear, thanks to their starring roles in Hollywood monster flicks.

Belonging to the class Cephalopoda, octopuses are easily recognised by their soft, flexible bodies, large heads, and eight long tentacles lined with powerful suckers. They are common residents of the Great Barrier Reef, though not often seen — their remarkable camouflage allows them to blend almost perfectly into the reef around them.

Let’s dive into some of the amazing facts that make octopuses such extraordinary animals.

Masters of Disguise

Octopuses are true masters of camouflage. They can change both colour and texture in the blink of an eye using specialised skin cells called chromatophores. These tiny pigment sacs expand or contract to create patterns that mimic rocks, sand, coral, or even other animals. Combined with fine control of their skin texture, they can virtually disappear from sight.

Three Hearts and Blue Blood

Octopuses literally have three hearts. Two of them pump blood through the gills, where it picks up oxygen, while the third heart circulates that oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Interestingly, the main heart stops beating when the octopus swims, which is why these animals prefer crawling over gliding — swimming tires them out quickly!

Their blood is blue, thanks to a copper-based molecule called hemocyanin that carries oxygen more efficiently in cold, low-oxygen environments. However, this adaptation makes octopuses highly sensitive to changes in ocean acidity — a growing concern as climate change continues to alter marine chemistry.

Brainy and Bold

Octopuses are among the most intelligent invertebrates on Earth. With large brains and a complex nervous system, they can solve puzzles, open jars, navigate mazes, and even remember solutions for future use. They also have distinct personalities — some are shy, others curious or mischievous.

A fascinating fact: two-thirds of their neurons are in their arms, not their heads. This allows each arm to operate semi-independently — one might be prying open a shell while another explores a crevice for food. Even detached arms can respond to touch, a remarkable sign of their distributed intelligence.

Inky Defence

When threatened, an octopus releases a dark cloud of ink — but it’s more than just a smokescreen. The ink contains tyrosinase, a compound that irritates predators’ eyes and confuses their sense of smell and taste. This clever chemical weapon gives the octopus precious seconds to vanish.

A Short but Devoted Life

Octopuses live fast and die young. After mating, the male soon dies, and the female devotes herself entirely to her eggs — sometimes up to 400,000 of them. She guards and cleans them constantly, refusing to eat until they hatch. By the time her young are ready to face the world, she is near death. It’s a sad but noble end for such an intelligent and devoted parent.

A True Ocean Genius

The octopus is one of the most fascinating creatures on our planet — an animal of intelligence, adaptability, and mystery. From its three hearts to its shape-shifting skin and problem-solving mind, the octopus truly reigns as a master of its domain.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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Octopus. Photo supplied.

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Olympic Legend Cathy Freeman Returns Home!

By Hannah McNamara

Olympic legend Cathy Freeman OAM returned to Mackay last week to announce a state-of-the-art sporting facility named in her honour.

“It is quite surreal,” Freeman said, celebrating the milestone as the region prepares to nurture the next generation of champions.

The Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre, part of the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s Stage Two expansion, promises to give young athletes from Central and North Queensland a world-class training hub.

Freeman’s visit also marked 25 years since her historic Sydney 2000 Olympic 400m gold, celebrated with hundreds of local students in relays and races.

The new centre stands as a legacy of inspiration, giving regional talent a place to dream big, train hard, and aim for greatness!

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Olympic Gold, Local Ground
Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre Announced

Last week, Olympic running legend and Aussie icon Cathy Freeman OAM stepped foot onto home soil at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena to announce a new sporting facility named in her honour.

It comes amid growing local buzz about Mackay potentially hosting Olympic cricket matches in 2032, and a wave of regional athletes dominating podiums despite lacking the elite facilities found in capital cities.

The newly announced Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre, part of Stage Two of the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s development, will become a state-of-the-art training hub for aspiring athletes from across Central and North Queensland.

“It is quite surreal,” Freeman said.

“I’ve always been a Mackay girl, but I’m a proud Central Queenslander, so I’m very proud of the announcement today.”

For Freeman, who grew up running barefoot on Mackay’s tracks long before Olympic gold, the honour carries great meaning.

“I hope young athletes see my name and realise that it’s a possibility to achieve the sort of things I aspired to once upon a time, growing up here in Mackay,” she said.

Freeman described the new centre as “an incredible opportunity… a breeding ground of champions or young athletes who want to just aspire to be the best they can be.”

Adrian Young, CEO of Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena, said naming the facility after Freeman was a natural fit.

“We will be naming the Sports Performance Centre within the Great Barrier Reef Arena Stage Two development the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre,” he announced.

“We are hoping to inspire greatness in our youth, athletes and kids into 2032 and beyond… and who better to do that, than the legendary Cathy Freeman standing here with me today.”

Freeman’s visit to Mackay also coincided with the Run with Cathy Freeman – 25 Year Celebration, held at the Arena on Friday, October 24. The milestone event marked a quarter century since her unforgettable 400m gold medal run at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – a moment that united a nation and became a defining chapter in Australian sport.

Hundreds of Mackay’s primary and secondary students took part in the Run with Cathy – Schools Challenge, featuring 4x100m relays and 400m races, with Freeman personally presenting the winners’ awards and encouraging the next generation of champions, even though a knee injury kept her from joining the run herself.

Born in 1973, Freeman became the first First Nations Australian to win an individual Olympic medal. From running barefoot in Mackay to lighting the cauldron and claiming Australia’s 100th gold medal, Ms Freeman stands as a symbol of sheer legacy and hope for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps.

As the Great Barrier Reef Arena expands for the next chapter in Mackay’s sporting story, the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre promises to embody the spirit of its namesake, inspiring regional talent to dream big, run hard, and never forget where they came from.

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Hundreds of local students joined Freeman in relays and races, celebrating her legacy and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and Olympics.com

Adrian Young, CEO of Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena, welcomed Olympic legend Cathy Freeman OAM to Mackay to officially announce the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Hi lovely readers,

What an amazing week it’s been!

As you may have seen on the front cover, the legendary Cathy Freeman was in town, and I had the honour of meeting her last Thursday as she announced stage 2 of the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre right here in Mackay. You can read all about it on the next page, and don’t forget to check out the pictures from the ‘Run With Cathy Freeman’ event on page 16.

Last Friday, it was inspiring to see so many students from across our region come together. Some even ran solo to represent their schools, and it was incredible to watch. Our youth have astounding talent, and I can’t wait to see local names make headlines in the future.

I believe we’re all gifted with unique talents, but it’s what we do with them that matters. We can either hit the ground running and strive for greatness, or let fear hold us back.

Olympic icons like Cathy Freeman didn’t achieve their success by chance. They worked tirelessly, used their talents to their fullest, and made history.

It’s not always about being the “latest and greatest,” but about striving toward the life you’re called to live. Not everyone will win a gold medal, but each of us has our own treasures waiting to be discovered. The real question is: how will we use our gifts?

On another exciting note, Life Publishing Group hosted an incredible fundraiser on Saturday, 25th October, raising a significant amount for seven worthy local charities. In the attached photo, you’ll see me with our Production Co-ordinator Georgia and Editorial Team Leader Ruth, who are both based in the Whitsundays. It was wonderful to catch up, celebrate, and share the night with our amazing advertisers and supporters.

You can flip over to the Whitsunday side of the newspaper to see the first-release photo gallery of the event on pages 18-21, and more details on the cover, plus pages 2 and 3.

It’s been a massive week, and a memorable one at that! I hope you all have a blessed week ahead.

Scripture of the week: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

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At The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden, Hosted By Life Publishing Group

It was glitz, glam, and pure enchantment last Saturday as guests stepped into The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden, hosted by Life Publishing Group and Core Life Magazine – an evening brimming with sparkle, soul, and sophistication.

Held at the breathtaking Elementa, perched high above the Whitsundays, the event lived up to its promise as “a night like no other.” Beneath a canopy of fairy lights and lanterns, guests mingled among the treetops, enjoying endless gourmet tapas, a five-hour premium drinks package, and a live band that kept the energy glowing well into the night.

The atmosphere was nothing short of magical with laughter, music, and connection weaving through every moment. And while the glamour shone bright, the heart of the evening beat even brighter, with proceeds supporting seven local charities including the Trudy Crowley Foundation, Mackay Hospital Foundation, Orange Sky, Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue, Mackay Pet Rescue, Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, and the Townsville Spinal Unit.

For one dazzling evening, The Enchanted Garden brought together the movers, shakers, and changemakers of Mackay and the Whitsundays – proving that when community, compassion, and class collide, something truly enchanting happens!

A major thanks to all who came along to support this remarkable event – we hope to see you next year!

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and Donnchadh Alexander

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A revolutionary blood test developed by a Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) gastroenterologist is poised to transform coeliac disease, offering patients a less invasive path to diagnosis.

Mackay HHS gastroenterologist and biotech co-founder and director Dr Robert Anderson said the antigen-specific T-cell blood test eliminates the need for patients to undergo a gastrointestinal endoscopy.

“Potentially, you no longer have to do that,” Dr Anderson said.

“You can just draw blood and you can measure the immune response in a blood sample.

"There's no real need to eat gluten and it actually turns out that the immune response in the blood is, if anything, stronger in people who are on a gluten-free diet,” he said.

Current diagnosis for the disease requires patients to consume a diet high in gluten prior to having a gastroscopy.

This is often met with resistance by patients due to uncomfortable symptoms experienced like nausea, pain and bloating.

“It’s removing a big barrier to them getting a correct diagnosis - an accurate diagnosis for people on a free diet has huge implications,” Dr Anderson said.

The test has proved highly successful in a recent clinical trial, with results published in the Journal of Gastroenterology.

The test identifies an immune system marker, which spikes when blood from someone with coeliac disease is exposed to gluten in a test tube.

Dr Anderson believes the test will also help to identify patients who have been incorrectly diagnosed with the disease.

“The gluten-free diet probably costs around three thousand dollars or more per year, which is extreme,” he said.

“You don’t go to social events, you mistrust everything and you’re burdening the person and the family with psychological issues.

“And (in the case of an incorrect diagnosis) it’s unnecessary. This is the other side of the blood test that you can perhaps unravel,” he said.

The test also shows potential for diagnosing other autoimmune diseases and conditions involving immune reactions.

In his role as a gastroenterologist for Mackay Base Hospital, Dr Robert (Bob) Anderson regularly manages patients with coeliac disease and is also responsible for over 500 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, many of whom receive biologic immunotherapies.

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Dr Robert Anderson has developed a blood test that simplifies and improves coeliac disease diagnosis. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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