Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region. Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces. Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division. Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525. CAPTION: Bianca O'Brien works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Photo supplied Makayla Groves works as a Commercial Property Manager with Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied
Read the full story
Visitors to Gooseponds Park can expect improved access and connectivity, with major upgrade works set to begin on a replacement pedestrian bridge, new fencing and a renewed shared pathway. The project, to be delivered by D&M Composites Pty Ltd, will include replacing the existing footpath between Valley and Hicks streets with a widened 2.5-metre shared pathway, enhancing links to the popular Gooseponds circuit. Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the project is another example of the Queensland Government delivering for the state and supporting important upgrades for the community. “That’s why we made Works for Queensland funding permanent, to back local councils with the funding they need to deliver vital projects like this for their communities.” A new bridge, parallel to Malcomson Street, will be constructed one-metre higher than the existing bridge to provide increased flood immunity. The existing bridge will remain in place while the new one is constructed directly behind it. Some short traffic delays are expected on Malcomson Street. Traffic control will be in place. Pedestrians can detour via Glenpark and Meadow streets while the work is completed. New fencing will be installed and 23 new trees will be planted along Hicks Street. Work is due to take place between mid-June and late September, weather permitting. Mackay Regional Council have said they apologise for any inconvenience caused by the works and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. Jointly funded by Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government. For more information visit www.connectingmackay.gooseponds-park-upgrades Major upgrades at Gooseponds Park, including a new pedestrian bridge, widened shared pathway, fencing and tree planting, are set to improve access and connectivity, with works expected to run from mid-June to late September. Illustrative image supplied.
Read the full story
Improved safety, stronger infrastructure and greater resilience are on the horizon for motorists travelling between Mackay and Sarina, with the latest round of Bruce Highway upgrades welcomed as a significant investment in the region's transport network. Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, said the upgrades form part of the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal governments and will deliver lasting benefits for road users across Central Queensland. Mr Kelly said the Bruce Highway remains one of the most vital transport routes within the Mirani electorate, supporting thousands of vehicle movements each day, including freight transport, daily commuters, tourists, school buses and emergency services. “Roads are consistently the number one issue raised with me by local residents, and that's not surprising when the Mirani electorate contains over 400 kilometres of the Bruce Highway stretching from the Mackay city gates right through to Raglan Creek,” Mr Kelly said. “These upgrades are about improving safety, reducing road trauma and ensuring Queenslanders can get where they need to go safely and reliably.” Mr Kelly highlighted the importance of the Mackay to Sarina section of the Bruce Highway, particularly its role in connecting local communities, industry and freight movements throughout the district. “The Mackay to Sarina corridor is one of the busiest sections of highway in regional Queensland. It supports our agricultural sector, our mining industry via the Port of Hay Point, and the thousands of people who travel this route every week for work and family commitments.” “That's why it is fantastic to see significant investment being directed towards projects such as pavement strengthening at both the northern and southern entrances to Sarina, along with ongoing works at Bakers Creek.” Works at Bakers Creek include bridge resurfacing and repairs to expansion joints, helping improve skid resistance and road performance during wet weather. Mr Kelly said, “Many locals were concerned about the significant deformation that had developed in the road surface at Spider Creek. “The upgrades delivered there, including road widening, wide centre-line treatments and audio tactile line marking, will provide a much safer journey for motorists.” While the investment is a welcome boost for the region, Mr Kelly acknowledged that additional improvements are still required. “For too long, Queenslanders have had to accepted that travelling on the Bruce Highway means dealing with potholes, narrow sections and safety concerns.” “These upgrades are a major step forward, but nobody is pretending the job is finished.” “We will continue advocating for further investment because regional Queensland deserves a Bruce Highway that is safe, resilient and fit for the growing freight and passenger task it carries every day.” “Every upgrade matters. Whether it's a major highway project, a bridge repair or pavement strengthening, these investments help keep people safe and keep our regional economy moving.” For more information on the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and Bruce Highway Upgrade Program projects, visit www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bruce-highway-priority-projects Bruce Highway upgrades at Bakers Creek and Sarina will boost safety and strengthen a key transport link for Central Queensland motorists. Photo supplied
Read the full story
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay A decade ago, Queensland Canegrowers was in the throes of a fierce defence of growers’ right to choice of sugar marketer. Now, the industry has been called to consider the future of the Code of Conduct that emerged from that industry debate. Growers retain an interest in the sugar produced from their sugarcane, and in the 2010’s, the industry moved away from a single desk marketer model with new marketers emerging. Some industry players wanted growers to market only through their miller. The situation was resolved through good support from some key politicians of the day – and particularly the then member for Dawson George Christensen – and through some strong and important industry tools including the 2015 “Real Marketing Choice” amendments to Queensland Sugar Industry Act, then at a Federal level in 2017 with the introduction of the Sugar Industry Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct requires parties to negotiate in good faith, and protects growers’ ability to choose who markets their Grower Economic Interest sugar, and provides access to pre-contract arbitration if negotiations break down. This week, submissions closed in the review of the Code of Conduct, with the Australian Government to consider these and consider whether the Code be allowed to sunset as scheduled on 1 October 2027, or be retained as is, or with changes made. CANEGROWERS is committed to the Code being retained in its current form. In our view, the current Code continues to provide an essential and balanced framework that promotes fair dealing, transparency and workable commercial discipline across the sugar supply chain. The review is intended to examine whether the Code is meeting industry needs and objectives. The Australian Government has described the Code as supporting fairness and transparency in commercial arrangements, and that objective remains as important today as when the Code was introduced in 2017. The underlying market conditions that justified its introduction have not disappeared. In most cane-growing regions, growers cannot simply switch counterparties if negotiations fail. Cane is perishable, harvest windows are tight, and freight economics limit alternatives. In that setting, the Code performs an important public policy function by establishing minimum rules of conduct and a framework for resolving bargaining impasses. Those protections are not redundant; they are fundamental to a fair negotiating environment. Importantly, the current Code is not an excessive or unworkable intervention. It does not remove commercial risk, guarantee outcomes, or prevent parties from pursuing their legitimate commercial interests. Rather, it sets baseline expectations for conduct, transparency and process in circumstances where bargaining power is uneven. In our experience, that balance remains appropriate. The Code provides a disciplined structure for negotiation while still allowing commercial parties to reach outcomes that reflect local conditions and business realities. It is critical that the Federal Government upholds this important industry tool, allowing us to retain the Australian sugar industry’s good reputation as an equitable, stable player in global sugar trade. The Sugar Industry Code of Conduct protects growers’ ability to choose who markets their Grower Economic Interest sugar. Photo supplied
Read the full story
Budget airline, Bonza, has announced a new flight route for the Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Before the start of summer, Whitsunday residents will be able to holiday in the Gold Coast, as well as the 10 other locations serviced by the Gold Coast Airport, which include Melbourne, Mildura, and Albury.
There will be two aircrafts to service the 11 locations, and while no exact times have been confirmed, the fares will range from $49 to $79 per person one way.
“Today’s announcement is about creating more depth in our network by connecting existing Bonza destinations with the Gold Coast and also the gateway from there to Northern NSW,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.
“It is a huge boost for the economy and allows people in our existing destinations the opportunity to book an affordable flight to Gold Coast Airport and take a much-deserved holiday or long-awaited visit to friends and family.”
The airline says there will be additional and new destinations that will connect with the Gold Coast and those will be revealed when the time is right.
“We are absolutely delighted to have this route,” said Craig Turner, Chief Operating Officer of the Whitsunday Coast Airport.
“We have been working for over two years with a variety of airlines to secure this route for the Whitsundays.
“It aligns perfectly with domestic and international connectivity, with the Gold Coast being one of the biggest destinations, and now people can pop up to the Whitsundays for a few days on holiday.”
New locations announced for the Whitsunday Coast Airport, opening up holiday routes just in time for summer. Photo supplied
An individual has stolen an excavator and a trailer from a business compound in Collinsville overnight on July 30.
Entry was gained into the fenced compound by damaging a padlock on the gate.
The machinery stolen included a yellow coloured 2008 model Komatsu excavator (track) registration number 44319C and a 2008 model Auswide pig trailer, registration number 870 PQX.
A 19-year-old woman was charged with breaching a banning order, after attempting to gain entry into a number of licensed premises within Airlie Beach.
She had previously been issues with a banning order and is excluded from licensed premises.
She will now appear before the Magistrates Court in relation to breaching the banning order.
Three men were found by police in the bathrooms of a licensed venue in Airlie Beach, at 1.15am Saturday July 29.
Police allege that the men were in the process of consuming dangerous drugs, suspected to be cocaine.
Two of the men have been charged, and an investigation will be conducted into the third.
A 22-year-old Bowen woman was intercepted on Waterson Way with a blood alcohol level of 0.54 per cent, at 3am on July 29.
At 12.50am on July 29, a 22-year-old Mount Julian woman, who has a provisional licence with a zero-alcohol limit, returned a reading of 0.36 per cent.
Both women will front the Magistrates Court in relation to these charges.
In May 2022 45-year-old Whitsunday man, Paul Malcom Henderson, barricaded himself in his Jubilee Pocket home, after local police attempted to make a welfare check.
A four-day siege at the Erromango Drive property unfolded, and police alleged that Mr Henderson armed himself with a compound bow and shot at police multiple times.
A 100-metre exclusion zone was established, and heavily armed Special Emergency Response Team officers were dispatched to the scene.
Following his arrest on May 23 at 7.30am, Mr Henderson was initially charged with six counts of attempted murder.
He has remained in police custody since his arrest, with his charges being reduced to two counts of malicious act with intent.
His case has now been adjourned until December 2023.
The 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Talent Search has concluded, with a massive effort raised by the participants for the vital service.
Organised by Brooke Hargrave, owner of Brooke Lee Modelling, the event was backed-up with the chance to be discovered by an international modelling agency.
“This year’s event attracted about 40 competitors and raised more than $33,000 for RACQ CQ Rescue, bringing the total amount raised in the last nine years to about $200,000,” explains Brooke.
Taya Rush raised $13,028.50 for the cause and was crowned the Overall Charity Princess.
She held a popular charity golf day earlier this year, which raised $11,000 in total.
Runner up for the competition was Charlotte Nielsen who raised $7294.50 for the service.
“I’m so proud of all the contestants and their families as it was an incredible effort this year to raise this record figure of $33,000,” said Brooke.
“We’ve been holding the talent show for nine years now and year on year the donation to CQ Rescue has increased, so we are so thrilled to be able to contribute to such a vital service which has touched the lives of so many people in this community.”
Australian Director for Miss World, Deborah Miller and Top Model International, Sienna-Rose Jerak attended the competition and awarded two contestants, Annabelle Munt and Chelsea Hore, into the Top Model Queensland State Final in 2024.
The even was primarily a fundraiser as well as a talent search, Brooke said, and each entrant over the age of four had paid an entry fee or raised the entry fee and above through sponsorship and fundraising activities.
CQ Rescue Talent Charity Princess Taya Rush and Runner Up Charlotte Nielsen with Brooke Hargrave and RACQ CQ Rescue crew office Ben McCauley
Dozens of locals rushed to the aid of a beached humpback whale last Friday afternoon, but despite dedicated efforts, the whale sadly died a few hours after it was discovered.
Conway locals noticed the whale on Friday morning, many of whom organised themselves with shovels and buckets in an effort to get the mammal back to water.
Jubilee Pocket locals, Ti Hokins and family, were enjoying a day off when they saw the news on the Whales of the Whitsundays Facebook group.
With wife and daughter in tow, Ti attended the scene with two buckets and a shovel.
They were some of the first people on the beach.
All the first responders had were two good buckets, one broken bucket, a serving dish, towels and shovels, which were all used in a desperate effort to save the whale.
“It was quite beautiful to see the community come together to help the whale,” explains Ti.
“The whale was groaning and grunting and blowing water from its blow hole, as well as flicking with its tail.”
The rescuers soon realised, however, that the tide was far out from the whale’s position, and Ti said it would have been a “miracle for the whale to survive that long” waiting for the tide to come back in.
“It was alive for two hours, until it just stopped,” said Ti.
“Everyone kinda just realised at the same time that it had stopped moving or making noise.”
By that time, numerous community members and even representatives from ZigZag Whitsundays were on the ground, splashing the whale and towelling it.
“It was heart-warming to see everyone drop everything to come down and do anything to help the whale,” said Ti.
“Even afterwards, when we were leaving, there were streams of people coming down to the beach to help where they could.”
To report a sick, injured, or dead whale, ring 1300 130 372, and advise of its location, a description of the whale and a description of injury or situation.
The Great Barrier Reef Park Marine Authority will then access and make a plan of action.
Until authorities arrive at the whale, it is best to splash water over the whale and lay damp towels over its skin to keep it cool, and keep dogs and loud crowds away from it to minimise stress.
A massive humpback whale beached itself last Friday morning. Photos supplied
Veterans in Bowen have gathered at the Bowen RSL last Thursday, July 27, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War.
Veterans of the Korean War Bill Barty and Garry Kirk attended the service with their family.
Both men are the only two surviving veterans of the Korean War in Bowen and were joined by ex and current military personnel from Townsville.
Mr Barty was a part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, while Mr Kirk served in the Navy.
They were both presented with certificates of thanks for their service.
Veteran of Korean War Garry Kirk presented Bowen RSL with memorabilia of his time on HMAS Bataan in Korea 1950-1952
Veteran of Korean War Bill Barty standing behind his wife and with his family
Immediate Past President John Eyles presents Korean War Veteran Bill Barty with a certificate of thanks
Veteran of Korean War Garry Kirk with his wife Edna and family. Photos supplied
With the events season well underway and gathering steam, our region comes alive with iconic events and festivals. Congratulations to the Triathlon club for a hugely successful weekend – packed with visitors and contestants.
The Whitsunday running club has also run (no pun intended) its Running Festival in mid July with the trail festival to follow.
With the Great Barrier Reef Festival followed by Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week coming up – the visitation and exposure that these events bring to the region is incalculable. We sincerely thank the organisers and volunteers – the entire region benefits from your efforts.
These regional events depend on local business support and financial contribution. Our local businesses community plays a big role in investing in our community for everyone’s benefit. As a thank you, be sure to support those businesses with purchase, a social media shout out, online review, or refer your friends as they help make these events come to life.
Another way you can support local businesses is by nominating them in this year’s Whitsundays Business Awards. The Chamber, in partnership with Tourism Whitsundays, seeks nominations for the 2023 Whitsundays Business Awards across five award categories.
The awards are open to members of the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce or Tourism Whitsundays, and you can nominate in more than one category. Nominating is easy – all you have to do is provide a 250-word statement on the business and share links to their website and social media accounts. Nominations close Monday 21 August. Visit our website to learn more and good luck with your nomination.
This year, the Chamber has undergone extensive redevelopment and expansion, and we now invite you to be part of it. One of the major outcomes is our new membership model. It aims to provide unmatched opportunities to drive advocacy and connectivity for small business, commerce, and industry in the Whitsunday region. Visit our website and join today!
Our next Chamber event will be held 10am-12pm Wednesday 16 August in Proserpine. Pop Up Chamber – a new initiative – will be an informal gathering of business owners and the Chamber team.
Feel free to pop along at a time that best suits you, learn more about business in the region, get up-to-date on Chamber developments, share your view on regional business priorities, and grab a coffee.
The theme for this Pop Up Chamber is ‘Chamber membership: What’s in it for you?’ This event is free and open to all Chamber members and the broader Whitsundays community. Visit our website more information.
Setting up shop in the Whitsundays, Adventure All Stars has taken their cast members on some of the best adventures and offerings that are available in our beautiful part of the country.
Participants are from across Australia, and each raised in excess of $10,000 for charity which was then rewarded with a trip-of-a-lifetime with Adventure All Stars, with all proceeds to go to Australian charities.
For many of the participants, this is a first taste of Airlie Beach, with them getting the chance to try some of the best adventures that are on offer.
“Part of the catch is that everything’s a surprise,” explained one contestant, AJ from Melbourne.
AJ is a teacher back home, and is living with ADHD, acting as an ambassador from ADHD Australia.
“We didn’t know we were coming to Airlie Beach until last Tuesday when we got sent our flight tickets.”
Nissy, another participant, travelled from Sydney and says she has found her time in the Whitsundays refreshing.
“I think everyone in Australia must come here for a holiday,” she said.
“The kids will enjoy it, the friends will enjoy it. It is such a great environment to be in, and it’s all about peace, love and harmony and I am very grateful to be a part of this.”
Nissy was approached to participate due to her own philanthropic endeavours, namely her own charity, Wiping Tears, an organisation supporting those experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, poverty, and limited access to health and medical resources and education.
Meanwhile, fellow cast member, Leanne, has a daughter who was diagnosed with ADHD, and she is now raising funds for ADHD education for schools, teachers, and the public.
“We did a light plane ride, which was absolutely amazing, they did a few tricks that had my stomach, but it was an awesome experience!” she said.
“We also did water biking, which was really peaceful, and a jet boat ride. That was like a mad house on steroids in the water!”
Funds from the Whitsunday episodes will go towards ADHD Australia, Heart Support Australia, Leukaemia Support Queensland, Mindfull Aus and Two Two One Mental Health Charity.
The Whitsunday episodes of Adventure All Stars make up three episodes of the upcoming season, which is set to air in 2024.
Cast and crew of the newest season of Adventure All Stars filming in the Whitsundays this past week. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
In the age of ample decisions for what to pursue after high school, Whitsunday Christian College is providing all the tools for students to discover their work ready or tertiary options and gain relevant experience before graduating.
Beginning the tertiary and industry education journey while in Year 10 allows students plenty of time to discover their options and discover what they wish to pursue after graduation.
At Whitsunday Christian College students are shown pathways for whatever industry or tertiary education they wish to pursue.
Having partnered with TAFE Queensland, Binnacle and Skills Generation, the College is able to host certificate training for students, as well as sign on for School-Based Apprenticeships with local business for students.
This is compounded with internal onsite certificate facilitators who are able to offer certificates in Workplace Skills, Sport and Recreation and Engineering, which leads into a certificate III in Aviation.
“We can facilitate learning through Distance Education providers, if a student wants to do a specialised subject, as well as partner with Registered Training Organisations to deliver a desired certificate,” explained College Principal Kylie Langshore.
The College also has a good relationship with James Cook University, often hosting representatives of the university from different faculties, and transporting students to university open days and industry workshops.
No matter the pathway that students decide to pursue for tertiary education, Whitsunday Christian College is able to facilitate relevant and valuable certificates or pre-requisite education.
No matter the pathway that students decide to pursue for tertiary or industry education, Whitsunday Christian College is able to facilitate relevant and valuable certificates or pre-requisite education.
The College is deliberate in providing personalised learning that allows for close, nurturing learning opportunities for students, where the teacher is able to closely monitor the education and wellbeing of each of their students within the classroom, providing necessary support.
“What these supportive classrooms offer is a very personalised approach to learning, particularly in our Senior years,” said Mrs Langshore.
The College has a dedicated Senior Pathways Coordinator, Mrs Phoebe Lam, who oversees senior students as they navigate their tertiary and industry options, and shares with them relevant news, opportunities, and industry trends.
This level of dedicated care begins in the early stages of the College, with the specialty, Get Ready for Prep Program that helps prepare the youngest learners for Prep.
“Kindergarten children are invited to join in a two-hour familiarisation session every Thursday with their parents, so by the time they’re ready to start school next year, they’re well-adjusted to the school environment, they know their teachers and other children, and are less anxious about this significant transition,” said Mrs Langshore.
The seamless nature of the Prep to 12 education stages, means that children can move through Foundation, Junior, Middle, and Senior phase with appropriate transition, care and targeted support.
Encouraging and growing young people of faith and character, who are capable of achieving personal excellence is what Whitsunday Christian College is committed to, and the myriad of exciting and varied pathways on offer support each and every student, promoting their strengths and their passions into an exciting profession following their graduation.
Whitsunday Christian College invites you to explore what they have on offer and experience true community. Book a tour today!
Whitsunday Christian College student, Mabel Gudes on sign up day for her Certificate III in Business Traineeship with City Beach Airlie Beach
Senior students at the James Cook University UniX Senior Excursion, sampling university life and courses. Photos supplied
The school holidays are over but the number of visitors in Bowen has certainly not slowed down.
Winter is traditionally the busiest time of year for the tourism industry in Bowen and the numbers keep getting higher.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said there was a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre in July, compared to last year.
“We had a record month in July last year and then had a record day and record month in June this year,” she said.
“Once the Queensland and NSW school holidays finished, we thought we might see a slight reduction in the number of visitors.
“This has certainly not been the case as we welcomed more than 6500 visitors in July this year. The visitors just keep on coming.”
At the time of going to print, the team at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre were still finalising the July numbers but Ms Abernethy said she expected the increase to be about 15% in July, compared to the same month last year.
“Bowen really is the hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays. We are overwhelmed by the number of people discovering this piece of paradise,” she said.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre offers an extensive range of merchandise and local produce and is also a booking agency for accommodation in Bowen and the greater Whitsundays region as well as tours to the islands and Whitehaven Beach.
Trudy Starkey from Bowen Tourism and Business with Kate and Jay Locke from Terrigal, NSW who are among the thousands of visitors making their way to Bowen this winter. Photo supplied
As Councillors, we deal with a broad range of issues but one of the more rewarding is planning for the needs of young people in our community and advocating to help deliver positive outcomes.
I represent Council on the Bowen and Collinsville Youth Action group (BACYA), which meets quarterly with lead stakeholders, businesses, and educators working in or with the youth of Bowen and Collinsville and surrounds.
We are currently working on a project aiming to have 150 conversations with young people aged 10-20 years and have their answers recorded to give an indication of what our region’s youth are needing in our communities.
These conversations and the feedback we gather from our young people will provide us with the real data that will validate why we are working towards a certain project or why advocacy is needed on different issues.
We can't pretend to know what life is like for our region’s youth so these informal conversations will allow us to better understand youth experiences in our community better.
Also, another project that is currently underway is the ‘Choose Collinsville’ Town Centre Upgrade which has commenced and, weather permitting, should be finished early September.
The works will create new irrigated garden beds, shade trees, disabled car parks, street furniture and include a new line marking, asphalt, and re-seal of the Main Street.
Works completed to date include installing the conduit for garden irrigation, the removal of hedges near Nugent’s Food Store, concreting of the hedge areas that have been removed and installation of new seating and bins.
In the fortnight ahead, Council will commence digging new garden beds. This will involve small work sites taking approximately 3 days per garden bed, moving through the street, minimising impacts on any one business for extended time.
Hopefully the works cause minimal disruptions, and the end result will be a bright streetscape for Collinsville Main Street.
Illegal dumping and littering are a major problem in our region. This behaviour leads to significant environmental issues which negatively impact our communities, ecosystems, and overall quality of life.
The unsightly waste not only diminishes the natural beauty of our surroundings but also poses significant health hazards and threatens wildlife.
In the past six months alone, Council have received over 61 illegal dumping reports and have removed a whopping 336,477 litres of illegally dumped waste and litter across the region, which has a substantial cost to Council and ratepayers.
It is more important that we all follow safe waste management practices in order to protect our environment for future generations. If you witness acts of illegal dumping, we ask that you inform Council via email at info@whitsudnayrc.qld.gov.au or phone on 1300 972 753 so that we may stop this behaviour.
For more information about waste management in our region, head to our website www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
This week the second phase of our Bonza Newcastle campaign draws to a close. We launched this two-phase campaign to entice the residents of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley to holiday in The Whitsundays with the direct Bonza flights.
There are approximately 1.3 million people living in the Newcastle and Hunter region and we knew that enticing them to visit the Whitsundays would make huge impact to local tourism.
Over the past few months, The Whitsundays has been splashed across billboards at the Newcastle Airport, and Newcastle buses, and information about our region has been sent directly to inboxes and filled social feeds across Newcastle and the Hunter.
If there’s someone in that region who hasn’t heard about The Whitsundays by now, I’d be surprised! Our partners at Newcastle Airport have surveyed 1000 passengers and awareness of the Newcastle to Whitsundays route doubled during the campaign.
It’s been great to see our members jump at this campaign with 26 local businesses involved, from accommodation providers, transport, tours and experiences. We’re absolutely thrilled that these businesses see the value in this new market, like we do.
As part of the campaign, we’ve also put together, with the assistance of many of our members, The Whitsundays Wildcard Weekend – a competition to win one of four long weekends in The Whitsundays.
Entrants go into the draw to win a long weekend in The Whitsundays focusing on adventure, relaxation and exploring the Great Barrier Reef or enjoying island luxury.
Each weekend includes return flights from Newcastle to Whitsunday Coast Airport, accommodation, one or two day tour experiences and return airport transfers.
If you know anyone in the Newcastle/Hunter regions, make sure you tell them to enter via our website: https://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/bonza/whitsundays-wildcard/
The Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade has welcomed a new piece of equipment into their fleet.
The new ATV and attached trailer will aid the volunteer fire fighting contingent to better fight and manage hard to reach locations, that the regular fire truck would be unable to service.
An official Open Day was held in honour of the new additions and Councillor Michelle Wright spoke to the community about Whitsunday Regional Council’s valued contribution.
“I am proud that Council recognised the need to support the Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade and allocated $20,000 through our special projects funding towards the new ATV,” she said.
“The Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade has been a pillar of strength in our community, tirelessly dedicating their time, courage, and expertise to protect and keep our residents safe.”
On the day, the ATV was officially named, by children from the community.
“A great morning had by all,” said Gavin Maxwell, 1st Officer of the Heronvale RFB.
“Congratulations to the Brigade and welcome Heronvale 35 aka ‘Rainbow Duck Fire Truck’ to the growing fleet of ATVs in the region.”
Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade welcomes new additions, the ATV and trailer, to combat fires in all terrain. Photo supplied
Councillor Michelle Wright attends the event. Photo supplied
It’s not every day you get an insight into regionally specific economic data from an individual who has a direct line to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
Luckily for local residents, PRD Whitsunday is bringing this level of information to town when they host their second Annual Property Research Night next week.
Featuring special guest speaker Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, familiarly known as ‘Dr Asti’, the event will inform the audience about key topics such as interest rate rises, inflation, and cost of living.
Dr Asti is PRD’s Chief Economist and an RBA Liaison Partner who attends quarterly meetings with the RBA and has a deep knowledge of the inner workings of Australia’s central banking system.
“She has her finger on the pulse and is highly regarded in the industry,” said Chief Executive Officer of PRD Whitsunday, Annette Neil.
“Better still, she delivers economic data with a personality, everything she says is relatable and easy to understand.
“Taking on feedback from last year, we are also making this event less high level, a bit easier to understand if you are not closely following economics.”
This year Whitsunday Regional Council Economic Development Manager, Gary Warrener, will also be speaking at the event and he will be accompanied by Mayor Julie Hall and Council CEO Warren Bunker.
Guests are invited to listen to presentations from both Dr Asti and Mr Warrener, with the opportunity to ask questions afterwards.
“The issues they will be discussing effect everyone,” said Ms Neil.
“We are regional and are very passionate about our region, but a lot of information that we see in the media comes from capital cities.
“Having something that is locally relevant, that’s regional and specific to the Whitsundays is vital, so you know that what we are talking about is real information that can make a difference in our community.”
Ms Neil said that providing this type of public service is at the heart of the PRD mentality, where the ‘R’ in PRD stands for ‘research’.
“This event is not about making sales or selling you anything,” she explains.
“It is about informing the community and giving you the opportunity to have more knowledge on topics that matter to you.”
With the aim of making the Property Research Night a firm fixture on the annual event calendar, Ms Neil says that she hopes many people will attend.
“This is a rare opportunity to see someone of this calibre come to the Whitsundays,” she said.
The event is gold coin donation, and all proceeds will go directly to the Tiny Homes Project.
There will be free nibblies provided and a licenced bar on site with the opportunity to network with other community members before and after the event.
WHAT: Annual Property Research Night
WHERE: Reef Gateway Hotel Function Room
WHEN: Wednesday, August 9 from 6pm
COST: Gold coin donation
Rob Ferguson, PRD Business Consultant, Dr Asti, PRD’s Chief Economist and Annette Neil, Chief Executive Officer of PRD Whitsunday at last year’s event. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
