Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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A growing wave of community concern has emerged following a decision by Mackay Regional Council to repurpose the Gordon White Library in 2027, as part of broader plans linked to the new Northern Beaches Community Hub development.
The council has indicated the Mount Pleasant facility will no longer operate as a full-service library once the new hub opens, with the building instead potentially becoming a broader community-council facility.
The proposal has prompted a wave of feedback from residents who say the library plays an important role in the community.
An online petition titled “Save Gordon White Library”, started by local resident Kristy Dodt, has gathered significant support since launching on May 6th, with 1,913 verified signatures recorded.
The petition states: “The accessibility of this library for people of all ages and abilities makes it an integral part of this community, [which] offers so much to the people who utilise its resources, programs and staff.
“We are asking Council to reconsider any plans to reduce operations at this facility, if they are unable to offer an immediate, viable and accessible alternative option for the community.”
Community members have also shared personal reflections on why the facility matters to them.
One signatory, Irene, wrote: “Three generations of my family use this library because of its accessibility, resources, friendly staff and proximity to where we live.
“It’s such a shame that the community that actually utilises this community hub were not consulted further.”
More than 400 comments have also appeared on a social media post from Mackay Regional Council discussing the proposed changes.
Among them were comments from residents expressing disappointment or concern about the future of the library.
“Whilst I agree a library at northern beaches would be nice, it should not come at the expense of losing Gordon White!” wrote Kayla.
Another resident James added: “This is a terrible decision. The Gordon White library is used by so many people in the community; people from all walks of life: students, the elderly, people living with disability, parents with young children and families in general.”
Annette wrote: “This is the best Library in Mackay.
“Really should consider closing the Mackay city library instead. Much harder to park and sometimes can be quite confronting taking children too. Was a horrible spot to pick.
“Please don’t shut Gordon White.”
Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay Regional Council CEO Gerard Carlyon have previously assured residents that the Dudley Denny City Library is safe, noting security guards are on site, and that the Northern Beaches Community Hub will feature a world-class library available for all to use.
Council has also stated that it would be unnecessary to have two libraries on the northern side of Mackay, at Mount Pleasant and the Northern Beaches, once the new facility opens.
Under the proposal, the Gordon White building would not be completely closed but could be repurposed as a community space similar to the Jubilee Community Centre, with meeting rooms and offices. A click-and-collect option for library books may also remain available at the site, though it would not be fully operated by library staff.
Discussion around the future of the Mount Pleasant facility continues, with residents and library users sharing a range of views on the proposed changes.
Residents wishing to provide feedback on the proposal can still do so until June 16th 2026 — as the community considers what the next chapter for the Gordon White Library could look like.
OPINION PIECE by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox
The law is supposed to be the ultimate shield for the vulnerable, yet in Australia it has become a weapon used to dismantle the hard-won boundaries of women and girls.
The recent Full Federal Court decision in the Tickle v Giggle appeal is a watershed moment, representing a ruling that should deeply alarm every Australian who still believes that common sense, safety, and biological reality matter.
By dismissing the appeal of app founder Sall Grover and doubling the damages against her to $20,000, the court has effectively declared that single-sex spaces are no longer legally defensible in our country.
How did we arrive at a point where an Australian woman can spend years in court and hundreds of thousands of dollars just to defend her right to create a female-only network?
The root of this crisis lies squarely within the halls of parliament.
In 2013, the Gillard Labor government amended the Sex Discrimination Act, deliberately introducing the concept of "gender identity" while leaving the definition of "sex" entirely ambiguous.
The courts are now simply interpreting the flawed framework they were handed.
As the legal definition of sex is judicially expanded beyond biology, the protections for women’s changerooms, domestic violence shelters, hospital wards, prisons and sports are being quietly hollowed out.
As a father and a grandfather of girls, I believe this is a matter of absolute principle.
This ruling sends a chilling message to women and girls across our nation that their boundaries do not matter, their privacy is a secondary concern, and their desire for single-sex safety will be treated as unlawful discrimination.
We are witnessing the systematic erasure of female-only spaces, spaces that were built to ensure dignity, privacy, and fairness.
We do not need to look far for a blueprint of sanity.
The United Kingdom Supreme Court previously ruled unanimously that sex means biological sex. Five judges came to a single, common-sense conclusion, and our own laws should be just as clear.
The Coalition will not stand by and watch women's rights be compromised.
In the next sitting of parliament, the National and Liberal Parties will bring this matter forward as a matter of absolute urgency.
We will champion legislative amendments to define the two biological sexes within the Sex Discrimination Act as male and female, reflecting the unchangeable reality of the sex a person is born.
This initiative is not about stripping protections away from any individual, but rather about restoring the foundational right to preserve spaces reserved exclusively for women and girls, as well as men and boys.
The Labor Government created this problem, and consequently, it is up to parliament to fix it.
A society that refuses to define what a woman is will ultimately find itself entirely unable to protect one.
It is time to restore biological reality, eliminate ideological overreach, and return common sense to the laws of our land.
A 29-year-old woman has died following a serious single-vehicle crash at Sarina on May 13th, with the Forensic Crash Unit continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Around 6.15pm, emergency services were called to reports a Toyota Hilux utility had lost control and crashed on Homebush Road.
The male driver, aged 25, sustained minor injuries, while the female passenger suffered life-threatening head injuries and was transported to Mackay Base Hospital, where she later passed away.
Police are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage. Tributes shared online describe her as a “beautiful young woman,” with heartfelt messages of love, loss and condolences from family and friends mourning a life gone too soon.
Volunteers from the Mackay SES are among the thousands of Queenslanders being recognised during the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Community volunteers across Mackay and the Whitsundays are being celebrated as part of the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards, which recognised nearly 50,000 volunteers across the state.
This year’s awards featured 275 nominations, recognising volunteers working across emergency services, sporting clubs, charities, tourism events and community support programs.
Queensland Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said volunteers played a vital role in keeping Queensland communities connected and supported.
“Volunteers are at the heart of our communities, and our government is proud to be delivering practical support and recognition for the people who selflessly give their time to help others,” Minister Leahy said.
Mackay and Whitsundays communities rely heavily on volunteers across major events, surf lifesaving clubs, emergency response groups and local sporting organisations.
“These awards are about honouring the thousands of Queenslanders who step up every day to support others, strengthen communities and deliver real impact across our state,” she said.
CEO of Volunteering Queensland Jane Hedger said volunteers continued to support their communities during challenging economic times.
“At a time when cost of living pressures and increasing demand for support are placing strain on Queenslanders, volunteers continue to step up and be the steady hands helping to hold our communities together,” Ms Hedger said.
Since launching in 2016, the Queensland Volunteering Awards have highlighted the efforts of volunteers and organisations making significant contributions across the state.
The team at Belle Property Whitsundays at ‘A Morning For Fern’ on Sunday. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
The community came together on Sunday to raise money for single-mum, Fern Wilson, who is battling incurable cancer following a second tragic diagnosis earlier this year.
Fern had spent two years in remission after successful treatment for stage 3 breast cancer in 2023, but sadly began to feel unwell in January and scans confirmed the worst.
As the devastating news reached the community, many people rallied around to show their support and within a matter of weeks planning for ‘A Morning For Fern’ was underway.
Organised by Reanne Burnett and hosted by Steph McQuirter and her team at Belle Property Whitsundays, the event saw more than 300 people attend on Sunday morning.
Following dedicated effort from a broad support team, an impressive $30,000 was raised to help Fern as she navigates her battle for survival from Bali where she is currently receiving treatment.
A total of 35 raffle prizes, contributed by 70 local businesses and valued at $3,000, were up for grabs on the day. These items raised $9,602.
In addition, 15 silent auction prizes generated a further $6,044 and a GoFundMe site garnered $14,120.
With additional donations still filtering in, organisers are expecting to exceed this amount in the coming days.
Every cent is going directly towards Fern, taking away the financial pressure as she navigates life and embraces hope for the future.
Earlier this week, Fern thanked everyone who had contributed towards making the morning a success.
“I especially want to thank Belle for putting together this beautiful morning tea and for all the love, effort, and support that has gone into making today possible. Your kindness means more to me than words can express,” she shared.
“To all the sponsors and everyone who donated the incredible prizes - thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your generosity is helping make my overseas treatment possible and is giving me the opportunity to continue healing, living, and fighting for my future.”
“I also want to say a very special thank you to Jacquie from the Trudy Crawley Foundation, and to the beautiful nurses Kris and Rosie, for supporting me throughout my cancer journey. They have been an absolute godsend and such a blessing in my life.”
‘A Morning For Fern’ was kindly supported by a host of local vendors who all donated their time on the day, many also giving their proceeds to Fern.
Lumos café, Whitsunday Sweet Delights, Mrs Beans Coffee Van, Rilo real fruit ice cream & smoothies, Smoking Gunns BBQ, Samuel McCann Musician, Cliolistic Face painting, Elementa – 74 Island Bar and Top Tukka all donated their services.
The following businesses also contributed to making the event special: Palm Co Media- Videographer, TP Events and Styling, Karen Hill Florists and The Balloon Emporium.
Organisers would also like to thank all the local businesses who donated prizes on the day and everyone who came along to the event and contributed to the money raised.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort (left) and Officer in Charge of Ayr Police Station Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields (right) with survivors following the tragic bus rollover near Gumlu. Photo: Jacob Casha
A bus crash in Gumlu, north of Bowen last week, has made national news after the incident tragically took the life of one of the passengers.
Emergency Services were called to the Bruce Highway north of Bowen just before 4pm on May 14th after the southbound flexibus travelling from Cairns to Airlie Beach left the roadway and rolled onto its side. Passengers were transported to hospitals across Townsville, Ayr and Bowen.
According to passengers, the bus driver had warned everyone that the bus was ‘not the best one’, before the departure. A bus crash occurred on the same stretch of highway two years ago, claiming three lives.
A young overseas tourist has died and dozens of passengers were left shaken after a bus crash near Gumlu last Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the Bruce Highway north of Bowen just before 4pm on 14th May, after a southbound FlixBus travelling from Cairns to Airlie Beach left the roadway and rolled onto its side.
The bus was carrying 29 people at the time of the crash. The driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was taken to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries.
Police confirmed 26-year-old Serena Andreatta, a dual Argentinian and Italian national, died at the scene.
Several other passengers sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals in Townsville, Ayr and Bowen for treatment.
One passenger who survived the crash told Life Publishing they became concerned about the bus’s movements in the hours before the rollover.
“I did not feel so safe,” the passenger said, claiming the bus appeared to be “swerving” at times.
The passenger said the concern prompted them to fasten their seatbelt.
They then recalled the bus striking a barrier before rolling, describing chaotic scenes inside the vehicle as passengers and belongings were thrown around the cabin.
Following the crash, passengers were cared for in Ayr overnight before continuing their journey south on another bus.
Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort attended to check on passengers and assisted in sourcing medication for those affected. Passengers lauded the response efforts of Burdekin Shire Council, Ayr Police, and the wider community.
The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the incident.
The incident occurred on the same stretch of highway where a fatal Greyhound bus crash in 2024 claimed three lives.
Superintendent Dean Cavanagh described the crash scene as “very confronting” and praised emergency crews for their rapid response.
“This was a very complex incident, it was a very serious incident, and it was in an isolated area,” he said.
“Although we tragically lost a life, I believe that effort that we saw absolutely went into saving many [more].”
Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins issued support, thanking the emergency service providers who promptly responded.
“My thoughts are with those involved, their family and loved ones, and the first responders, including our council traffic crews who worked through a very serious incident.”
Premier David Crisafulli described the incident as a tragedy, expressing condolences for the woman who died and noting multiple patients were still fighting for life in hospital.
He declined to speculate the cause of the crash, but reiterated his commitment to improving safety on the Bruce Highway.
“It’s a road that means everything to the state, and it’s a road that’s a long way short of where it should be.”
The Whitsundays Writers Festival has announced the winners of its 2026 Stanza Bonanza poetry competition and inaugural Fast Fiction competition, showcasing storytelling talent inspired by the Whitsundays’ landscapes, people and imagination.
Sydney writer and journalist Linda Daniele was named the winner of the 2026 Stanza Bonanza poetry competition, while Airlie Beach author Natalie Stockdale took out the festival’s first Fast Fiction title.
Presented to mark World Poetry Day, the Stanza Bonanza competition invited poets of all levels to submit an original poem of up to 20 lines inspired by the prompt: “A Whitsundays postcard from 100 years ago, or 100 years from now.”
Meanwhile, the Fast Fiction competition — launched for International Day of Storytelling — challenged writers to craft a story in 250 words or less responding to the prompt: “Something unexpected washed ashore on Whitehaven Beach…”
Festival Director Richard Evans said both competitions attracted a strong response from writers across a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels.
“The response to Stanza Bonanza was a wonderful reminder of how powerfully poetry can connect place, memory and imagination,” Richard said.
“Writers embraced the prompt in inventive and surprising ways, and the standard of entries was exceptionally strong.”
Speaking about the inaugural Fast Fiction competition, Richard said the quality of submissions highlighted the creativity within the region and beyond.
“The standard of entries in our first Fast Fiction competition was excellent,” he said.
“It was exciting to see so many writers embrace the challenge of telling a compelling story with limited words and time.”
Based in Sydney, Ms Daniele is a writer, journalist and editor who has worked in legal publishing for more than 15 years, alongside freelance journalism and editorial work for On The Side. Her writing has also been recognised in the Sydney Mardi Gras Short Story Competition.
Her winning poem, Dear You—, explored themes of memory, time and environmental reflection through imagery inspired by the Whitsundays landscape.
Airlie Beach-based Ms Stockdale is published by Big Sky Publishing and works professionally as a memoir writer. Like many locals, she draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty, including Whitehaven Beach, which she describes as “our own backyard”.
Her winning short story follows a man confronting memories of conflict after discovering a rusted rifle washed ashore decades after losing it during the Rhodesian conflict.
A highlight of the Fast Fiction competition was the participation of students from Whitsunday Christian College and Proserpine State School.
“Seeing teachers and students encourage with the competition reminds us why these opportunities matter – they create space for young people to imagine, write, and share their voices,” Richard said.
Both winners will receive a $100 cash prize and a free day pass to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, which will be held on Sunday, September 13, at the Whitsunday Marine Club.
Richard encouraged entrants to continue exploring opportunities through the festival’s literary programs and competitions.
“We’re grateful to everyone who entered,” he said.
“The quality of work we received was inspiring, and we encourage all entrants to keep writing, keep experimenting, and keep sharing their work.”
Festival organisers have confirmed the full 2026 program and tickets are now available through the festival website.
Bella is looking for her forever family in the Whitsundays and beyond.
She is a one year old Staffordshire cross, medium sized, full of love, and so ready for someone to choose her and mean it.
She has been through more than most. Surrendered, rehomed, then unwell, and then without a home again through no fault of her own. Through all of it she has remained gentle, affectionate, and completely devoted to the people around her.
Bella loves children, thrives on connection, and just wants to be close to her people. She is best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time because when she has her person, she gives everything she has.
She has already been through so much. She just needs someone to choose her for life.
To adopt Bella, DM Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc on Facebook with your name, phone number and "Bella".
The adoption fee is $400. She is microchipped, recovered and healthy.
Tamara Noble and Rebecca Woods from the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre with raffle prizes at the organisation’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. Photo supplied
The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has raised $1,860 for Cancer Council Queensland during its annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event.
Held with a tropical theme, the fundraiser brought together locals for a colourful morning filled with community spirit, laughter and friendly competition, including prizes for the loudest tropical shirt.
The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre thanked everyone who attended, donated and supported the event, with special recognition given to Club Whitsunday for partnering on the event and providing the brunch menu.
Organisers said events like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea highlight the strength of the local community in supporting people impacted by cancer.
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Volunteers with Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. sort and remove marine debris collected from Whitsunday islands as part of efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef and turn ocean waste into recycled products. Photo supplied
A new North Queensland billboard campaign is calling on the community to help turn ocean waste into something useful, as Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. continues its mission to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Every year, Eco Barge removes tonnes of marine debris from islands across the reef. Now, in partnership with Paradise Outdoor Advertising (POA), the organisation is urging locals to join volunteers in transforming 24 tonnes of collected ocean waste into recycled products.
The campaign, displayed across key regional locations, encourages people to sign up and become part of the solution by volunteering in the Whitsundays.
Libby Edge, Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, said the initiative represents an important next step in the organisation’s work.
“Every piece of marine debris we remove from the islands has a story,” Libby said.
“With the support of our volunteers, we’re now working to transform that debris into new products, showing that what washes up on our shores can become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.”
Since 2009, Eco Barge volunteers have removed 277,947 kilograms of marine debris, completed 569 clean-up trips, engaged 14,291 volunteers, and cared for 297 sick and injured marine turtles.
POA CEO Mitch James said billboards were a powerful way to inspire action. “Billboards are designed to capture attention and deliver a powerful message, in this case giving people an opportunity to protect the Great Barrier Reef through local action.”
He added the campaign aims to turn awareness into participation across the region.
The campaign will run year-round. More information is available at www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au
Zoran teaches self-defence across all age groups, equipping individuals with important skills. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
With 43 years of experience across 8 different martial arts, Whitsunday local Zoran Stublin is passionate about bringing his expertise to the region. Zoran runs the Whitsunday Self Defence Academy, a completely free community initiative open to all members of the public.
Zoran’s approach to self-defence training comes from a synthesis of 8 different martial arts – Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Ninjutsu, Kyosho, Jutsu, Kapap, Krav Maga and Russian systema.
Moving to Whitsundays in 2021, he set up what is now known as the Whitsunday Self Defence Academy to provide guidance to the community on public safety and self-protection.
Zoran has also taken his training across the country, acting as a visiting instructor in Melbourne and Cairns.
Zoran’s professional background plays a huge part in what he does. His military training and additional consultancy work in security and government have helped him form a program that extends beyond just physical defence – examining ways to navigate different social situations when a person is under threat.
“It’s not just about martial arts.” Zoran said.
“There is a psychological element. I teach people how to recognise sociopaths and psychopaths. I also teach them how to de-escalate aggressive situations.”
“When I started the academy, a major issue amongst kids was bullying and harassment. I started a bullying programme that looks at navigating those situations. I also developed a specialised programme for women and self-defence. I teach them about home intrusion and provide tips on how to use everyday household objects such as spoons, towels and pans to defend themselves.”
Zoran’s self-defence program also covers theft attempts in carparks, sexual predators, abductions, kidnappings and ATM holdups.
“I’ve tried to create a realistic programme to equip people with skills for domestic situations.” He said.
Participants attend the class in their everyday clothes to prepare them for potential real-life situations.
“When you make someone wear a uniform in a dojo it creates a certain kind of psychology. They may be unprepared in a real-life situation without their uniform.” Zoran explained.
“Making people wear civil clothes removes the comfort that someone might get from putting on a uniform and prepares them better for real life situations.”
In the midst of Queensland Domestic and Violence month, Zoran’s priority is ensuring protection in domestic environments.
“It’s an issue in the region. I collaborate with counselling services, providing tips such as arrangement of furniture that would allow easier escape routes and better protection.”
At the core of Zoran’s initiative is a passionate desire to help the community as much as he can.
“My only aim for the region is to promote confidence in people, so they don’t walk around with fear. I’m not teaching them to be paranoid, but rather to be aware. I want to provide everyone with basic tools for their toolbox that they can take out when they need it.”
Sessions are conducted at Club Whitsunday every Tuesday and Thursday with kids’ sessions running from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and adult sessions commencing at 6pm.
Zoran strongly urges anyone interested to come along.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer, Julia Evans said many Whitsunday businesses were built over decades through personal sacrifice and should not be treated as speculative investments. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
By Julia Evans
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has listened to the deep concern among local business owners following last week’s Federal Budget.
Proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Negative Gearing settings, particularly the potential move from the 50 per cent CGT discount to inflation indexation, have raised serious questions for family businesses, farmers, and sole operators across our region.
For many Whitsunday business owners, their enterprise is not a speculative asset. It is a lifetime of hard work, a retirement plan, a family legacy, and the backbone of local employment.
Under current proposals, when that business is sold to fund retirement, the tax outcome could be significantly higher, especially for those who built value over decades from modest starting capital. That risk is not abstract. It directly affects succession planning, reinvestment, and the economic stability of our communities.
In the Whitsundays, around 4,200 businesses employ more than 21,000 people. They already carry the weight of income tax, company tax, payroll tax, GST, and rising compliance costs from federal, state and local governments. Adding poorly designed CGT changes without proper regional consultation would risk making local businesses collateral damage in a national tax debate.
But this statement is not about attacking the government.
It is a clear signal that the Whitsunday business community cannot afford to be silent or fragmented. The scarcity of visible consultation with our North Queensland region reinforces one hard truth: without a strong, united voice, our realities will not be understood in Canberra.
The Chamber is calling on every regional business – micro, family, or medium-sized – to join us. Not just to complain, but to shape solutions. To feed real experiences into advocacy that matters. To ensure that future policy encourages investment, not uncertainty, and backs the people who build regional Australia.
As one, we are a strong and loud voice. Alone, we are easily overlooked.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages all local businesses to become members and help drive a practical, united response to the policy challenges ahead.
Each year the Federal Budget arrives with big headlines and plenty of commentary, and this year has been no exception. The recent Budget has generated most of its attention around proposed changes to property taxation, particularly capital gains tax and negative gearing, while at the same time leaving the superannuation and pension system largely untouched.
The biggest proposed changes relate to property investors. The Government has flagged plans to limit negative gearing on residential property so that, from 1 July 2027, it would apply only to newly constructed dwellings. Existing investment properties would be grandfathered, meaning current owners could continue using negative gearing under today’s rules until they sell. The stated aim is to encourage new housing supply and improve affordability for first‑home buyers.
Alongside this is a proposed overhaul of capital gains tax. The familiar 50 per cent discount for assets held longer than 12 months would be replaced with an inflation‑based indexation method, combined with a minimum tax rate on realised gains. These changes are also proposed to start from 1 July 2027 and would apply prospectively, with transitional rules to ensure gains already accrued are not retrospectively taxed under the new system.
While these announcements sound dramatic, it is important to remember that they are proposals only. None of these measures are law yet, and they will not take effect for more than a year at the earliest.
In contrast, there were very few new announcements affecting superannuation and the Age Pension. Most Australians will see little direct change to the retirement system as a result of this Budget. Previously legislated measures, such as the increase in the Superannuation Guarantee to 12 per cent and the introduction of payday super from July 2026, are proceeding as planned, but these were already known. Pension rates will continue to be adjusted through the normal indexation process, and there were no major structural changes announced.
Another key point often lost in the Budget noise is the legislative process itself. For these tax changes to become law, they must be drafted into legislation and passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate in identical form before receiving Royal Assent. This process can take months, and it is common for amendments to be made along the way, particularly for complex or controversial tax measures.
History shows that what is announced on Budget night is not always what ultimately becomes law. Start dates, thresholds and exemptions can change as legislation moves through Parliament.
For investors, retirees and those planning ahead, the sensible response is not to panic or rush into decisions based on headlines. This is a time to review, seek advice if needed, and wait for clarity. In Canberra, as in financial markets, proposed change and final outcomes are often not the same thing.
If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment today.
This year brought a few surprises. So did some of your legal questions.
Whether it was "Can I leave my estate to my dog?" or "Do I really need a lawyer to buy land off my cousin?" - we’ve heard it all. And we’re still smiling.
Here’s to another year of good advice, plenty of coffee, and helping our local community through whatever comes next.
Whitsunday Law – Still here. Still local. Still on your side.
What a milestone moment for our market. On Sunday, 10th May our auction event exceeded expectations, generating incredible energy, strong buyer interest, and competitive bidding across 8 of our 13 auctions. One property even sold prior to auction, highlighting the urgency and demand created before the day began.
Most excitingly, the event reignited buyer engagement across several properties that had experienced quieter enquiry periods, with multiple homes now in active post-auction negotiations with motivated buyers.
The atmosphere in the room was electric and a powerful reminder of what a well-executed auction campaign can achieve for buyers, sellers, and the broader market.
Stay tuned...the best results may still be to come.
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