When it comes to Valentine's Day, it’s often the most thoughtful and sentimental tokens that mean the most.

With Cupid just around the corner, local restaurateur Mark Laffin is offering the people of Mackay the chance to spread positivity and love this month with a unique social media experiment.

Mark “Laffo” Laffin, owner of Laffos Bar and Pizzeria at Caneland Central, is asking people to share their love for those special to them on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Participants are asked to post a photo or video of themselves as a public display of affection and love to their special someone, with the incentive of $1,000 cash for the winner on offer.

"This is a great opportunity to bring some cheer to the town during February, which can otherwise be a pretty drab month," Laffo said.

"We are hoping for people to get creative, have some fun and make others happy."

The winner will be decided based on creative effort, heartfelt-authenticity and the number of Likes their post receives.

The winners will be announced on Laffos Bar & Pizzeria Facebook page and via Messenger on February 28, 2023.

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Caption: Laffo leads the way in Laffos Bar and Pizzeria Valentine’s Day competition by posting this photo for his wife, Nicole. Photo supplied

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If you watch the national news and you’re easily spooked it would be natural to curl up in your darkened bedroom, pull the covers over your head and brace for the Armageddon that is about to rain down upon us.

War in Ukraine, Chinese spy balloons shot down over US territory, interest-rate increases strangling real estate markets, man-made climate change destroying the planet.

The message is: be afraid, be very afraid.

Well, I’m not afraid and most of the people I know in Mackay aren’t either.

The war in Ukraine is terrible and, while we feel for the people involved, there’s not much we can do about conflict in a far-away place. China is going to be an increasing issue and the US, Australia and other nations need to stand up and be bold but that’s international power politics, it’s not new and you and I can’t do much about that either.

The climate change narrative is a new religion among inner city influencers and big city media types but while we all know the environment must be looked after, those of us in the real world remember that weather extremes are not new.

These days every weather event is linked to climate change; if it’s cold, if it’s hot, if it’s dry, if it’s wet, if it’s windy … it’s all climate change and we are in peril.

But as the old poem says: We live in a sunburnt country, a land of drought and flooding rains. We always have. So we get on with work, paying mortgages, raising kids and celebrating life in a fantastic part of a wonderful country.

As for interest rate increases, they will have an impact and they certainly are in places like Sydney and Melbourne. But in Mackay, average mortgages are lower and people are getting on with life and buying properties.

I’m not going to pretend I have a crystal ball but the real estate indicators are excellent for Mackay; rental vacancies are low, unemployment is virtually non-existent, wages are generally good and our coking coal production and exports are looking good.

The real estate market has started well in Mackay this year and there is very strong activity among buyers at open homes.

The news around the Chinese economy is very promising for us. Political leadership in that country is pushing for the sort of strong economic growth we haven’t seen for some years and Bowen Basin coking coal is expected to be a beneficiary of that change.

We have diversified our export markets so we are no longer as reliant as we once were on China, however the easing of political and trade hostilities with the Chinese has created a fantastic economic opportunity for our region.

So if you see someone metaphorically curled up in the corner with the doona over their head worried about all the negativity, remind them of who we are and how good we’ve got it.  

We’re gonna be okay.

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We have all seen photos of the damage to Mackay-Eungella Road from the January rainfall event that made national headlines.

The heavy rain has also affected our road network of 1551 km of sealed and 873.43 km of gravel roads with some areas suffering damage and needing repair work. I think we have fared reasonably well, and I would like to thank our council crews who have worked to make our roads trafficable again repairing everything from a few potholes to major washouts that left some roads inaccessible.

The extent of the damage means we will qualify for QDRA funding to assist with repairs. In sites that suffer damage on a regular basis we can now claim betterment to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

So, if the roads in your area have suffered damage rest assured we will get there to do the repairs. In situations where improvements will be made it will take a bit longer as redesign maybe necessary and then works will need to be programmed to meet crews or contractor availability.  If you have major road damage in your area that has not been attended to please call our client service centre on 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).  

As I write this the weather forecast is predicating possible cyclone disturbance off the coast, if the weather has turned bad, please remember to stay off the roads unless essential, tidy up around your home, and check on your neighbours.

Cr Laurence Bonaventura
Mackay Regional Council

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The Whitsundays helped to make aviation history this week when the first ever Bonza aircraft landed its inaugural flight at the Whitsunday Cost Airport on Tuesday morning.

With flights starting from just $49, Bonza aims to be here for ‘Allstralia’ and will open the Whitsundays up to new markets that would not have previously been able to access or afford a holiday to the region.

The new low-cost airline will also allow Whitsunday residents to fly directly to Sunshine Coast, Toowomba and Newcastle, opening up more opportunity to visit family and friends in previously unconnected areas.

A Bonza Day For The Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Coast Airport was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday morning when the highly anticipated Bonza flight touched down on schedule, bringing with it 160 passengers from its home base in the Sunshine Coast.

Chief Operating Officer of Whitsunday Coast Airport, Craig Turner, said this flight represented the beginning of a new era for local travel which will open our region up to 2.5 million people that would not otherwise be able to get here conveniently or cost-effectively.

“This is 15 months’ worth of negotiation, communication and organisation,” he said.

“We’ve built a magnificent relationship with Bonza and to see the first aircraft land and know that they are going to bring 134,000 seats to the Whitsundays is incredible.”

“It places us very well to exceed over 500,000 passengers this year which will be the first time in the 70-year history of the airport.”

Bonza Airlines will service 27 different routes across Australia, 17 of which went on sale last week.

93 per cent of these flight paths are not currently served by any other airline and 96 per cent currently have no low-cost carrier.

Within two days of opening ticket sales, Bonza sold 10,000 seats, many of them booked for the Whitsundays.

Chief Commercial Officer of Bonza, Carly Hovey, said they chose to make their inaugural flight to the Whitsundays because of the warm welcome they were given when scouting locations the previous year.

“When we made the largest network announcement in Australia aviation history a year ago, we travelled to all our destinations,” said Carly.

“And when we came to the Whitsundays there were around 200 people that had come along to meet us, to thank us, and to explain what a difference it would make.”

“They all chanted Bonza for five minutes – the support has been phenomenal!”

Bonza airline is the only low-cost airline to launch in Australia in the last 15 years and its presence will make the market a much more competitive place.

All interactions, from ticket sales to in-flight meals, are only able to be made through the Bonza app and many other services are streamlined, sustainable and modern.

“This is a chance to fly like you’ve never been able to before,” said Carly.

“There are now choices that have never before been available, we thank you for your support, and we are delighted that we are here today to deliver on our commitment.”

Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton, said that a whole new market will now be able to visit the Whitsundays.

“When fares are maintained at such a low price it actually means there is a whole new customer coming into the region that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to come here,” he explained.

“It’s a big injection for the region and we will see countless long-term benefits.”

Craig Turner said he has big plans for the future and that he is looking forward to opening even more routes with a variety of aircraft carriers over the coming year.

He hopes this will include a seasonal 10-week period of direct flights to Canberra.

“This will bring people up out of their winter, but it would also mean the Whitsundays could be the gateway to the snow!” he said.

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Image:

1: The first passengers disembark

2: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Chief Commercial Officer of Bonza, Carly Hovey and Chief Operating Officer of Whitsunday Coast Airport, Craig Turner

3: Mayor Julie Hall welcomes the first Bonza Flight

4: Tourism Whitsundays Chair Julie Telford, Mayor Julie Hall and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton at the long table lunch in Airlie Beach

5: Bonza CEO Tim Jordan makes a speech

6: The dedicated team from Whitsunday Coast Airport

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For the first time in Bowen TAFE’s history, a range of specialist courses in agriculture will be available thanks to its brand-new $3.4 million upgrade which was celebrated with the opening of its Agriculture Centre Of Excellence on Tuesday.

The facility will offer advanced technology which includes a Farmbot for robotics, nutrition, soil science, biology and coding; and there’s a Growpod for monitoring stable growing environments and producing horticultural and agricultural products in all climates.

There will also be a virtual reality room providing advanced technology for emerging industry needs and a science lab.

The facility also has remotely monitored and controlled technology and devices, so that Bowen students can connect to the Rural Centre of Excellence on the Toowoomba TAFE campus.

Councillor Michelle Wright attended the opening and was excited to receive a full tour of the facilities, allowing her an insight into the high-tech modern working spaces that students can now enjoy.

“It will be a fantastic place for growing new skills and I don’t think kids today are necessarily aware of the different careers you can have in agriculture,” she said.

“Being the salad bowl of the state, we are in a really good place to help and assist our local growers.

“This facility will be a game-changer for Bowen and the agriculture industry as a whole.”

Jobs Queensland predicts agriculture industry jobs in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday and Townsville regions will increase by more than 10 per cent from 2020-21 to 2024-25 employing more than 10,300 workers.

The new facility in Bowen will be able to cater for this substantial growth and will be able to upskill and educate a thriving local workforce.

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Image: Bowen TAFE received a $3.4 million upgrade and opened its Agriculture Centre Of Excellence on Tuesday. Photo credit: Liz Andrew Photography

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RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter transported a four-year-old boy to hospital after he was found unresponsive at the bottom of a pool on Hamilton Island at 1.06pm on Tuesday, January 25.

The child – who was swimming in the main resort pool – reportedly gave his goggles to his mother on the side of the pool before disappearing once she turned her back.

He was then found unresponsive at the bottom of the pool’s shallow end.

The mother, a midwife, was able to pull him from the water and commence resuscitation, according to a CQ Rescue Helicopter spokesperson.

“[RACQ Rescue] happened to be in the right place at the right time, having already landed at the airport on the island to transport another patient to medical care on the mainland,” the spokesperson said.

“The chopper medical team were alerted to the near drowning and rushed to the pool immediately to recover the child, who was by now conscious, and transfer him and his mother to hospital in Mackay.”

Queensland Ambulance Service reported the boy arrived at Mackay Hospital in stable condition and underwent further treatment post immersion treatment.

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When Harry Russell was returning home from work earlier this week, he spotted an elderly lady walking around at the end of his road looking lost.

Deciding to pull over and ask if she was ok, he was informed that she needed to get back up the hill, so he offered her a lift.

The lady gladly accepted, and the pair drove up the hill.

When Harry asked where she lived, however, the lady suddenly looked confused.

“She started giving me addresses for streets in England,” said Harry.

“And that’s when I realised, she must be living with dementia.”

With Harry’s own nan also living with dementia, he could recognise the signs and so he gently offered to help her look for her home instead.

“I was driving her around for about an hour and a half!” said Harry.

“By the end I think we’d driven down every street in Airlie Beach and then we came round a corner, and it was like a fog cleared and she said – ‘that’s my house!’”

Fortunately, a neighbour was home at the time and was able to look after the elderly woman until her daughter came home.

“We ended up having a really good talk when we were driving around and had a few giggles together,” said Harry.

“Any decent person would have made sure she got home safe and if it was my nan then I hope someone would have done the same for her.”

Harry is the proud owner of WhitCool Air Conditioning – a local company that services and supplies air-conditioning, both domestic and commercial.

He is also a really good person.

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Hi Everyone,

It was a great privilege to be nominated for an Australia Day Award this year and I was deeply honoured to walk alongside the other nominees at last week’s ceremony.

When I was made aware of my nomination for Citizen of the Year, however, I have to admit to you that I felt like a complete fraud.

What had I actually ‘done’ for my community this year?

Who had I served? What exceptional impact had I made?

Citizen of the Year is usually reserved for someone who has achieved something amazing, contributed in some incredible way or volunteered hours of their own free time for the greater good.

I had done none of this and, as a result, when I received my nomination, I felt like a fraud.

I was so embarrassed about others seeing me as a fraud as well that I barely told anyone, not even my workmates.

As the ceremony loomed, I hoped that I’d be forgotten, and I even tried to wriggle out of attending the presentations stating that I would prefer to take photos for the paper instead.

On the day I felt like a complete imposter, but then I was welcomed by the Council staff and assured that I did have a place there and that I was deserving of the nomination.

When I went up on stage with the other nominees, no-one was surprised to see me, in fact, the Mayor even smiled like she was glad I’d been nominated.

I now realise that even if it is just one person who sees the light in you, whose life you touch in such a meaningful way that they think to nominate you for an award – well that is plenty enough.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Be the light you wish to see in the world” adapted from Mahatma Ghandi’s famous quote

Two new doctors have just arrived at Bowen Hospital and the young couple say they are excited to embark on a career that not only brought them both from Singapore to Australia but also brought them together in love.

Ruo Han Ngian and Maxswen Gozali met as students at the University of Queensland (UQ) where they studied medicine.

“We met in our first semester in our tutorial group, and it was very easy to tell we were both Singaporean. We became friends and later in medical school we got together,” Ruo Han said.

Following graduation, they decided to embark on a career in regional medicine after they graduated.

They are both excited about the opportunity to have their first rotation at Bowen Hospital and are looking forward to getting to know the staff, patients and the community.

“Everyone is so lovely and willing to help you, we think this will be a safe place to start our careers and that we will enjoy ourselves here,” Maxswen said.

For both Ruo Han and Maxswen, their path to medicine began later in life.

Ruo Han was volunteering in a low-income estate where a lot of elderly people weren’t going to doctors because they were afraid of expensive healthcare or didn’t read English.

“I thought if I had the skill set to be a doctor, I could come to them and solve a small part of the problem. That’s the training that I wanted to equip myself with and it’s why I chose medicine,” she said.

Maxswen was working for his father when he realised he wanted to pursue a career that was more meaningful for him.

When he tried medicine, he realised he loved interacting with patients and learning from other doctors.

When they came to Australia, they fell in love with the country and decided to stay.

Ruo Han is now planning to follow either a career in a medical speciality or anaesthetics and Maxswen is interested in surgery or emergency medicine as long-term career options.

Image: Doctors Ruo Han Ngian and Maxswen Gozali recently started at Bowen Hospital. Photo supplied

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An independent Queensland-based craft beer company with a brewery in the Whitsundays has gone into voluntary administration, leaving locals wondering what’s next for its Cannonvale venue.

Ballistic Beer Co - which began its local operations in March 2021 after acquiring Whitsunday Island Brewing Company – announced the decision on Monday, stating it had suffered financially during the Covid pandemic and through a product recall late last year.

Speaking with an industry publication, The Crafty Pint, company co-founder David Kitchen said Ballistic hoped to remain trading after “a massive restructure”.

“The present intention is to continue trading,” Mr Kitchen told the publication.

“The aim of that VA [voluntary administration] is just to reorganise and restore the balance sheet. And we expect to be out of it in five weeks’ time, and onwards and upwards.

The company is a local favourite and national award winner, recently making it into the top 10 of GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer countdown – one of the largest beer festivals in the world.

As well, it has garnered popularity locally for its Reef-themed beers and philanthropic donations to local charity Eco Barge Clean Seas.

Administrators at PKF Melbourne have been appointed for the company and in a statement said their present intention is to carry on Ballistic Beer Co’s activities and to continue trading.

“We are reviewing the company’s operations, activities and financial position to enable us to provide an opinion on the company’s future. It is expected that a proposal will be received and that, if accepted, will see the company continue into the future,” the PKF statement reads.

It has been confirmed that the administration will not be felt by its related companies, Ballistic Whitsundays included -- only Ballistic Beer Company and Ballistic Springfield will be impacted.

Mr Kitchen said in five weeks’ time, they expect “the company will be in a much better shape.”

“In the meantime, Ballistic will continue trading and our product is still available in venues and in bottle shops, national chains, and for wholesale. So that doesn’t change,” he said.

Local workers were contacted for comment.

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My commitment is to encourage and support a long-term vision for a vibrant and livable Whitsundays whilst keeping our unique visitor experience. I want to see more of the successful types of low-rise development that we had under our old town plan, and it is evident, with over ten times the number of people commenting on our planning scheme compared to the last consultation that the far majority of the public agree.

It is no secret that the current lack of housing is having a negative effect on residents, rent affordability, our available work force and hindering us on taking full benefit of the recent regional boom. Not one major accommodation development has begun since our new town plan took effect.

Building affordable housing and more purpose-built accommodation for tourists is a must to keep our economy thriving, and employment within the region growing. Many low-rise developments require less funding to begin, could be finished quicker and be more likely to employ local contractors than the high-rise developments which seem to be supported by very few.

I believe a better outcome would be facilitated by a clear, concise plan supported by the majority of our residents and visitors.

As Councillors we must focus on the long-term objectives for our region, but our job isn’t just working together to set a strategic direction, it is to also serve and provide for your day to day lives, from footpaths to parkland and the Council core of roads, rubbish and rates.  

Whilst COVID may have put us behind on delivery of some of our planned works, major projects such as Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Flagstaff Hill and Shute Harbour Terminal are open for business.

While I’ve been enjoying interacting with Council Officers, I am also working on opening channels of communication with the State Government to lobby for the Whitsundays, especially concerning the Shute Harbour Road works, Shute Harbour boat ramp and Hamilton Plains upgrade.

My place in Council is to do my best to make your region yours, and to help deliver the projects and plans which matter most to you. With budgeting for 23/24 underway, the one thing I need most, to do my job better, is feedback from you.

So please feel free to get in touch with me.

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Residents and locals are reminded that they have until the end of March to go in the draw to win $2100 worth of holiday vouchers to be spent in the Whitsundays and Mackay regions.

To participate in the Passport Competition, simply call in at all three Visitor Information Centres - Bowen, Proserpine, Sarina – and ask for a “passport” which you will need to get stamped at each of the centres.

Then place the stamped passport with your name and contact details in the box at one of the visitor information centres and you could be the lucky winner.

All three Visitor Information Centres have something unique to offer.

Explore the interactive information table display at the award-winning Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre at Sarina.

Enjoy the richness of the coffee that is being served at the Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre located next door to Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation.

Try a delicious mango sorbet at the famous Big Mango, located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.

The Passport competition is an initiative of Tourism Whitsundays, in partnership with Mackay Isaac Tourism and Bowen Tourism and Business.

The staff and volunteers at each of the three centres look forward to welcoming you and telling you all about what our regions have to offer.

Contributed with thanks to Leanne Abernethy from Bowen Business and Tourism.

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Image: Sales consultant at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, Melissa Beuzeville (right) gave a passport to Natalie Hansen from Shell Cove in NSW when she visited the Big Mango with her dog Molly. Photo supplied

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The Boathouse Apartments on the Port of Airlie is now under new management. Lea and Ross Andrews, from Victoria say that their family are thrilled to be managing the popular coastal-inspired holiday apartments.

Lea, who is an ex-school principal, and Ross, a registered builder by trade, decided to make a career and territory change to the sunny Whitsundays after pondering the idea for many years.

Having taken over the property from Mantra in June 2022, Ross and Lea manage the 32 holiday apartments at The Boathouse Apartments, which are now proudly independent, family-owned, and operated.

“We are really hands-on people and are dedicated to ensuring every guest experience is the best that it can possibly be,” said Lea.

For the past few months, they have been steadily renovating the rooms together with brand-new beds, a new key system, free WIFI, and updated air-conditioning.

They are also working with a local interior designer to infuse a streamlined coastal theme across all rooms, with signature photography showcasing the local area.

“We are so close to the water, but you don’t need to walk up the hill to see it as all of our apartments have water facing balconies,” said Lea.

“The Boathouse Apartments is in an ideal location that is a few minutes’ walk from Airlie Beach town centre and the ferry terminal, almost everything you need is on our doorstep.”

Port of Airlie also boasts two cafes, two restaurants, a small selection of boutique shops, and a day spa.

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Image: Ross and Lea look forward to welcoming you and your family soon. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Do you have scraps of metal left over from jobs? How about old electronic goods and metal household items cluttering up the garage? Or are you embarking on a new project and need off-cuts and inspiration to get you started?

Whether you are looking to sell, buy or simply ensure your metal is recycled and reused – Whitsunday Recyclers in Proserpine is the place to go for all local residents, tradies, and business owners in the Whitsunday Region.

You can either request a free scrap metal bin to be dropped off and picked up at your business premises or you can simply come down to the yard at 19 Anzac Road, Proserpine, and talk to the friendly team.

The site is a treasure trove of metal goodies, and anyone is welcome to explore, search for items and make an offer.

Whitsunday Recyclers is a family-run business that was purchased by brother and sister team, Luke Purvis and Clare James, in December last year.

These long-term Proserpine locals are passionate about redirecting scrap metal from landfill and they have spent the last two months clearing the old cluttered yard so that customers will now experience an orderly and revived site with friendly and personal service.

“We are dedicated to diverting waste and providing an opportunity for everyone to recycle metal products so they don’t end up in landfill,” said Luke.

“We are helping to create change and are proud to provide the local community with a good local trader here in the Whitsundays.”

Brass, copper, aluminium, and any other type of metal can be processed through the site.

The products are then sold to larger companies, where they are further processed and re-manufactured into reusable materials.

At the Proserpine site, Luke, Clare and the team can receive a wide range of metal goods -from washing machines to air-conditioning units, electronic motors to old drainage piping – they will give you a fair price for every item and then process them down into raw metals before on-selling.

“You can find everything, and anything here – stainless steel benchtops, aluminium off-cuts, or even mesh for your chook pens!” said Clare

Simply browse the on-site shop or ask the friendly team for some advice, they will be sure to greet you with a smile and help you with anything you need.

How can Whitsunday Recyclers help you?

• Free bins for trades and businesses – regular drop-off and pick-up of scrap metal

• Bring in your old metal household items and receive a fair price in exchange

• Complete a home project by shopping for scrap metal at their on-site store

• Free bins for farmers so they can complete post crush shed clean-outs

Image: Bring in your scrap metal or shop for parts with Luke and Clare, the new owners of Whitsunday Recyclers in Proserpine. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Celebrating its first year in business on a high note, SeaLink Whitsundays has just announced that they have received 100 per cent five-star customer reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Business Listings over the past 12 months.

The company’s Big Island Day Tour has proven popular with tourists who are looking to explore the islands in comfort on a vessel that is spacious and deliberately booked at less than capacity so that guests can enjoy a leisurely day without the crowds.

"What makes our cruise different is our passenger numbers are capped for maximum comfort with space to roam around each of the three levels to get the best vantage point,” said General Manager for SeaLink Whitsundays, Mr Rob Mitchell.

“Our vessel is also airconditioned for extra comfort and guests enjoy a premium lunch, morning and afternoon tea on board as part of the package.”

SeaLink has also recently added a half-day tour experience, Purely Whitehaven, with the choice of a morning or afternoon departure where guests get to spend more time enjoying Whitehaven Beach.

Mr Mitchell says that the team are thrilled to achieve the perfect customer experience scorecard from passengers and that it is a testament to the premium service provided by the entire SeaLink Whitsundays team.

“It is always great to read such positive feedback from our guests,” he said.

“The positive comments and ratings further fuel our drive and passion to continue delivering and growing our brilliant customer service and experience offerings.”

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Image: SeaLink Whitsundays receives 100 per cent five-star customer reviews

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