The Ambassador Hotel is a stunning entertainment venue in Mackay, renowned for its fascinating historical background. Hosting a variety of special events such as outside festivals, parties and celebrations, corporate events and charity fundraisers, the Ambassador is sure to create an unforgettable experience this Australia Day Eve.

On Wednesday 25th Jan from 6 pm, MOJO Rooftop Bar at the Ambassador, will be opened to showcase the real Aussie spirit. Everyone is welcome to come wearing their best Australia Day outfit, bikinis and boardies included, to indulge in Smirnoff Slushies and traditional Aussie snacks like meat pies and sausage rolls. Adding to the Aussie-style celebration, DJ Funky will be on the decks pumping out tunes from 7pm. And since Thursday is a public holiday, why not kickstart the weekend a little early?

Mackay's only rooftop bar, MOJO, promises the perfect evening out with stunning views of the Pioneer River and a vibrant atmosphere. Open every Friday and Saturday, MOJO offers top-notch service and an extensive selection of cocktails. The tranquil evening bar transitions into party central as the lights dim down and the DJ music commences. MOJO is the crown jewel of the Ambassador Hotel and is the perfect destination for a night out special event or celebration.

The Ambassador offers two other entertainment venues which can be found on the lower level of the hotel. LUSH function room and G's Bar, bursting with personality, are an ideal place for a range of events from hens, bucks and birthday celebrations to comedy nights and office parties, tailored to suit all demographics and planners. Both venues can be privately hired for any day of the week.

Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Australia Day Eve on Wednesday, 25th of January at the Ambassador Hotel starting from 6pm. For function or event enquiries, email enquiry@ambassadorhotel.net.au or phone 4957 7522.
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On Australia Day Eve enjoy cocktails from Mojo’s rooftop bar

Wet weather provides a perfect excuse for a game of cards and Mackay Contract Bridge Club are inviting visitors to come and learn the game of bridge on Australia Day.

While members will be playing their regular bridge, the Come and Try Day invites guests to come and watch, learn how the game is played and even pick up some cards and have a go.

Joy Block and her husband have been playing bridge for two years and still consider themselves beginners, saying the club has been very welcoming.

“It’s very challenging, it keeps your mind going,” Ms Block said.

“We’re a very friendly club, lots of lovely people there.

“If you love cards, you’ll just love bridge, but it is challenging, it’s not an easy game, you have to be persistent.”

People of all ages are welcome to participate, with the club’s youngest member being 10 years old.

“It probably helps if you’ve played cards of some description before, but you don’t need to have any specific knowledge because it’s different to any game that anybody’s probably played,” Ms Block said.

A free morning tea and sausage sizzle will also be on offer thanks to sponsorship from the Mackay Regional Council.

For more information, email mcbc@mackaybridgeclub.org.au or call Anne on 0439 436 533.

WHAT: Mackay Contract Bridge Club Come and Try Day

WHERE: 414 Shakespeare Street, West Mackay

WHEN: Thursday, January 26 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club invites visitors to come and try bridge this Australia Day

Hi Everyone,

I am writing this Editor’s Note from Mackay where I have been ‘stranded’ for the past four days, working to get this newspaper to print while my five-year-old son asks seemingly endless questions about Minecraft, and other subjects I know nothing about!

A particular highlight was Monday morning when I was talking to our local Member for Whitsundays, Amanda Camm, and he kept interrupting because he really wanted me to peel him a pear!

Fortunately, she was understanding, and his interruption only brief.

Since then, we have reached an agreement – no talking to mummy when she is on the phone.

Despite the challenges it has been nice spending this last week of school holidays with him and, as we have been ‘stranded’ at my partner’s house, we have been very comfortable.

Sadly, many others affected by the flooding have not been as comfortable – hundreds of travellers have been forced to stay at local shelters, emergency services have been working around the clock and Mayor Julie Hall told me on Tuesday that she had just slept the night in her office.

While the flooding illustrates some of the worst that nature can deliver, it has also shown us some of the best in our human nature.

Over the past week there have been almost too many stories to tell about the kindness of individuals, volunteers, emergency service personnel and Council staff rallying around to help those affected by the floods.

We have included a few of them here in a special extended Good Deed Feed which highlights the amazing service provided by the Local Disaster Coordination Centres.

Stay safe,

Rach

Quote of the Week “If you cannot feed a hundred people then just feed one” (Mother Theresa)

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As the floodwaters surrounded our communities and the main highway was cut off, both to the north and the south, much of the Whitsundays became like an island where many people were marooned and unable to return home.

Stranded without any provisions and with local accommodation quickly reaching capacity, the Disaster Management Group, operated by the Whitsunday Regional Council, jumped into action opening two local Disaster Coordination Centres.

The first site to be activated was at the Bowen PCYC on Sunday and over the course of three days 400 people used the emergency shelter, 200 of which stayed overnight.

People slept in cars in the carpark, others camped inside the centre using the blankets, linin and hot showers provided.

Proserpine Entertainment Centre was the second shelter to be opened on Monday night, welcoming over 50 people.

Mayor Julie Hall, who is also the Chair of the Disaster Management Group, said she was pleased with the overall response.

“As the Mayor, I am proud of the community who all pulled together to help people in need,” she said.

In both locations there was a staggering amount of support from local businesses and individuals who volunteered their time.

From local supermarkets delivering provisions to the pizza shop arriving with hot pizzas, individuals bringing in spare linen, homemade lasagnes and dozens of crockpots overflowing with hot food and kindness.

Stranded motorist, Troy Hankin, who had been moving from Toowoomba to Townsville with his four children, said that he had never experienced such compassion.

“I think I’ve put on a few kilos while I’ve been here!” he joked after three nights at the Bowen PCYC.

“The kids love it here so much they don’t want to leave!

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers from the bottom of our hearts – thank you for your generosity – Bowen is a great little place and we will definitely be back!”

Sergeant Michelle O’Regan from the Bowen PCYC was on the scene throughout the event and didn’t return home until 4am on the first night.

She said it was incredible to see how, what could have been a traumatic experience, turned into something truly special.

The local vets brought dog food for any stranded pets, a volunteer arrived to conduct a yoga class and Bowen Tourism invited all the children to the Big Mango to enjoy a mango sorbet.

“For a lot of the kids, instead of it being about the tragedy, it was more about the adventure!” she said.

Councillor Michelle Wright was also at the Bowen PCYC throughout the event and said she was overwhelmed to see the generosity of the local community.

“I think we’ve got six croc pots on the go out the back there!” she said on Monday evening.

“We have a really generous community and it’s times like these we realise how lucky we are for everyone to band together when needed most.”

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Troy Hankin and his four children spent three nights at the Bowen PCYC shelter

Well fed pets and their owners found comfort at the shelter

Hot pizza was delivered for all to enjoy

Children ate delicious mango sorbet thanks to Bowen Tourism

Special deliveries kept on coming

The R.U.B.Y. crew

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Following a period of community consultation, the proposed site of the new Cannonvale Fire Station has been approved and will be constructed on the vacant plot of land on the corner of McArthur Drive and Shute Harbour Road.

The new station design is pending final approval and is being modified in response to the community consultation which raised some concerns of noise and light pollution potentially affecting homeowners on the residentially zoned block.

Acting Chief Superintendent Fire and Rescue, Clint Tunnie, said that fire stations are designed to be put in an urban interface and that there will be no impact to local residents.

“It is not unusual to have Fire Stations in residential areas,” he said.

“If anything, it is a positive and there will be no negative impact on local residents.”

The Cannonvale site was selected to best serve the growing population and its location was decided by using a ‘response isotope’ that examines the ability of the Fire Station to best serve the community.

“It was assessed according to factors like being close to where most calls are coming from and our ability to get the fire trucks across town or out to the highway to help people as quickly as possible,” said Superintendent Tunnie.

It was determined that the new central location will allow local fire services to be as quick and efficient as possible.

Superintendent Tunnie said that the station is not 24 hour and will therefore only be open during the day unless there is an emergency.

“Only four staff work there all day and training is just once a week,” he said.

“The bulk of this training is done out in the community, because that’s where we learn most.”

During the community consultation phase residents had the opportunity to participate in one-on-one feedback.

As a result, there have been changes made to outdoor lighting among other modifications to the station design.

“We now have a further community engagement plan and anyone in the community is welcome to make contact,” said Superintendent Tunnie.

“We are always happy to sit down and talk to you.”

Dates for the completion of the final design or commencement of construction are yet to be confirmed.

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Airlie Beach Fire Fighters Blair Mitchell, Station Officer Rees May, Fire Fighter Andrew Neil, Station Officer Paul Pfeifer and Fire Fighter Nick Bellinger. Photo: Rachael Smith

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Supermarket shelves are bare, tourists have been unable to make domestic and connecting international flights, the hospital has been inaccessible by land and hundreds of motorists have been stranded between flood waters.

While this amount of rainfall will undoubtedly set new local records, the annual wet season in the Whitsundays is nothing new to our region.

Each year we can expect a deluge of torrential rain to fall between January and March, but while other regions may have flood mitigation infrastructure in place, the Whitsunday’s roads remain vulnerable to flooding.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said that this is despite studies and funding already allocated to address the frequent flooding issues in key areas like Hamilton Plains.

“I am not happy at all that nothing has been done to prevent Hamilton Plains from flooding,” he said.

“When I was mayor, I fought for funding for this and with the previous Member for Dawson George Christiansen, we got the money, had it in the Federal Budget and lots of studies have been done.

“This project really needs to get moving!”

Mr Willcox said that it is occasions like this that remind us all how vulnerable we are.

“Now we find ourselves in a situation where a major area has been cut-off – the Bruce Highway is a major highway for produce to go south and all the suppliers to come up north,” he said.

In regards to Hamilton Plains, Mr Willcox says he is extremely frustrated that nothing has been done to mitigate the floods during an extreme weather event.

“The money has already been provided!” he said.

“We just need the state government to get on and do the work – this is something that I will be pushing hard for – it’s simply not good enough.”

This week, the highway south of Proserpine near Goorganga Plains and Lethebrook was closed for five days after extensive flooding caused a B-Double truck to get stranded in flood waters.

Regional roads through Mount Julian and Strathdickie were closed from Monday until Tuesday afternoon.

Further north, roads opened from Proserpine to Bowen on Tuesday afternoon, along with access through to Townsville.

At the time of going to print on Wednesday afternoon, the Bruce Highway from Proserpine to Mackay was still closed along with the only access road to Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said that she will ensure infrastructure is repaired as soon as possible.

“We’ve contacted the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, who also take part in our local disaster management group meetings, and they’re aware of the impacts to the infrastructure in our region,” she said.

“We’ll be seeking their assistance and I look forward to working with them during our region’s recovery.”

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Hamilton Plains has funding allocated for flood mitigation but nothing has been done

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Authorities are warning swimmers to be especially careful in the ocean during stinger season with records showing stinger instances in our region have already surpassed last years’ numbers and that we have over ten times the amount when compared to Mackay.

So far this stinger season, which runs from November through to May, local hospitals have recorded 13 Irukandji sting cases.

This is the same number that was recorded for the whole year in the 2021/22 season and we are only half way through the same period this year.

While Mackay have recorded just two Irukandji sting cases, Proserpine Hospital has seen nine cases, while Bowen Hospital has seen four.

Bowen Hospital Senior Medical Officer Dr Michael Reinke said the four Irukandji stings experienced in Bowen occurred at Gray’s Bay.

“We know it’s hot and that the best way to cool down is by going for a swim, but people need to be aware that there are stingers and jellyfish about,” Dr Reinke said.

“Protective clothing such as stinger suits and wetsuits will significantly reduce your risk of being stung.

“People should also try to swim in patrolled areas and know first aid.”

Residents are advised that it could be difficult to work out which species of jellyfish had caused a sting, so if in doubt, to treat a sting as if it was potentially serious by dousing in vinegar, carefully removing tentacles if present and rinsing with seawater, and seeking medical attention.

Symptoms of an Irukandji sting may not be immediate and can appear five to 45 minutes later.

Irukandji Sting Symptoms

• Severe backache or headache

• Shooting pains in muscles, chest and abdomen

• Nausea, anxiety and restlessness

• Vomiting and breathing difficulties

• In some cases heart damage and failure

First Aid Steps:

1. Call for help - Dial 000 for an Ambulance

2. Treat the sting - Pour vinegar onto sting, remove tentacles, rinse with seawater

3. Emergency care - Administer CPR if needed

4. Seek medical aid - Transport to hospital

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Bowen Hospital Senior Medical Officer Dr Michael Reinke

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Whitsunday Coast Airport is thrilled to announce that new airline, Bonza, is about to make its maiden voyage to Whitsunday shores following its successful partnership with the Sunshine Coast based company.

Bonza announced this week that it has been granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and now that they have received the final tick of approval they are making preparations for tickets to go on sale.

Whitsunday Regional Council Chief Operating Officer for Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner said he is excited to finally be able to announce the news.

“Bonza’s first flight will be from the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays,” he said.

“We will put on a big welcome for them, their CEO and owners, and it will be an unbelievable showcase of our region to the rest of the world.

“Tickets are going on sale soon and we would love to see a flight land sometime in January.”

Bonza, Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier, announced that its initial route map will include 17 destinations and 27 routes – 93 per cent of which are not currently served by any other airline and 96 per cent of which currently have no low-cost carrier.

Whitsunday residents will soon be able to travel direct to the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Toowoomba.

Sunshine Coast flights will be coming to the Whitsundays three times a week and there will be flights to Newcastle twice a week.

Once more aircraft become operational, direct flights to Toowoomba will be introduced twice weekly.

Tim Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of Bonza said this is an historic moment for Australian aviation.

“The excitement for what we are about to deliver is palpable and the timing couldn’t be better,” he said.

“Demand for domestic travel is high and Aussies deserve for travel to be a basic right for many, not a luxury for the few. This has never been truer with today’s cost of living challenges.”

Key facts

• The inaugural Bonza flight will be landing in the Whitsundays

• The first flight is expected to arrive by the end of this month

• Bonza is Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier

• One-hour flights are expected to cost as little as $50

• Bonza will fly from the Whitsundays to Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Toowoomba direct

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Whitsundays announced as first Bonza destination

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The long-anticipated expansion of the only entrance road to Airlie Beach was due to commence this week with preliminary works beginning the long process of transforming the two-lane access road into a four-lane dual-carriageway.

A recent spike in population growth is thought to be a likely reason works have been fast-tracked and it is believed the upgrade will improve traffic flow during peak times and increase safety for all road users both now and into the future.  

A recent survey showed 26,000 vehicles pass along Shute Harbour Road each day.

In total, there will be three separate projects amounting to $31.6 million needed to widen the road.

The first phase will begin on the section between Paluma Road to Tropic Road at a cost of $2.6 million which has been jointly funded by the Australian Government ($1.3 million) and Queensland Government ($1.3 million).

The initial works include the completion of a shared path project, a 3.5-metre-wide dedicated pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, the relocation of the Public Utility Plant and support for the future delivery of upgrades.

These works are expected to be completed by September and will pave the way for further phases which include the road-widening and also the addition of traffic lights at the intersection of William Murray Drive and MacArthur Drive.

There will also be new and improved active transport infrastructure such as on-road bike riding lanes, pedestrian crossings, new corridor lighting and upgraded bus stops.

During the construction phases Transport and Main Roads (TMR) say there will be minimal disruption.

“We will endeavour to minimise disruptions to road users and the community; however some lane restrictions and speed limit reductions will be in place throughout construction,” said a spokesperson.

“Please allow extra travel time, follow all signs and drive according to conditions.”

All works will take place from 6am to 6pm with some intermittent nightworks.

While this project has many merits which will directly benefit the community, it does include one feature that has been a point of contention with some residents who believe that the addition of traffic lights will impact on the ‘village feel’ of the scenic entrance way to Airlie Beach.

“My personal view is that roundabouts are a better solution for Airlie Beach and the main entrance to a tourist town,” said Division 2 Councillor Clay Bauman.

Mayor Julie Hall said that, despite personal views and Council’s ability to make requests, it is important to note that the state government makes the final decision.

“The decision will be made according to Transport and Main Roads’ Design Guidelines and engineering standards,” she said.

Main features:

• Four lanes instead of two

• Traffic lights at William Murray Drive and MacArthur Drive

• Improved intersections

• A 3.5-metre-wide shared pathway for pedestrians and bike riders

• On-road bike riding lanes

• Pedestrian crossings

• Upgraded bus stops

• New corridor lighting

• improved access to businesses

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With Amanda Camm MP

After two years in office, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP has her feet firmly on the ground and endeavours to find balance between tackling the big issues while paying close attention to the smaller grass roots of community connection.

Dividing her time between attending Parliament sittings in Brisbane, where she passionately advocates for causes important to our region, Ms Camm also attends regular local events and meetings with constituents in her electorate.

Over the past year she has been able to give voice and create change to countless local causes, most notably by raising awareness for failings in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward at Mackay Base Hospital.

“By shining a light on the substandard conditions and tragic atrocities we will now see an improvement for many,” she said.

Another example of raising the profile on local issues to create national conversation was Ms Camm’s dedication to changing the procedures around forensic lab testing.

Working alongside those affected, including Mackay local Vicki Blackburn whose daughter was murdered in 2013, the consistent advocacy has led to the acceptance of new lab evidence which could lead to the conviction of a killer.

“With the help of families who shared their tragic stories, we have brought attention to the issues and paved new ways for better forensic lab procedures,” she explained.

When planning for the year ahead, Ms Camm says that her biggest priority is to find avenues to further engage with the community and bring local issues to the attention of the state government.

“I really want to get the decision makers in the South East to understand the challenges we face here in our community,” she said.

“A lot of common sense has been lost at a state government level with decision making, policy making and what’s important”

“I am committed to bringing common sense back to the conversation”

Believing that state government decisions can often be out of touch with what matters to “everyday people”, Ms Camm firmly believes that people need tailored assistance and that the current focus often misses the most important points of an issue.

“The problems out there can be easily fixed with a little common sense!” she said.

This year, Ms Camm and her team aim to connect further at the grass roots level and will now be closing the head office in Proserpine on a Wednesday so that they can complete ‘business walkthroughs’ and be more available to visit the rural areas within the electorate.

“I want to be accessible to more people and get out into the region,” said Ms Camm.

“I think it’s important to connect at the grass roots level and connect with people who can’t necessarily get back into town so we can understand what’s important to everyone.”

What’s on your wish list this year?

1. The Kidney Renal Unit in Proserpine still hasn’t been built despite the fact it was committed and planned for. People are still driving up to Mackay, but they would not have to if this was built.

2. The Shute Harbour Boat Ramp safety concerns still need to be addressed before an accident happens. It needs to be accessible and upgraded immediately.

3. We need a real commitment to housing – the biggest challenge is the staff shortages this issue creates; we can’t get enough teachers and other major industries struggle as well. We need more housing supply and plans for future growth, but I think this will get worse before it gets better

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm heads down to parliament twice a month to advocate for the region. Photo supplied

Amanda Camm with Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli at the Shute Harbour boat ramp which desperately needs fixing. Photo supplied

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By Andrew Willcox MP

With Australia Day just around the corner my thoughts go to, what does it mean to be an Aussie? Sadly, in current times, there’s more concern than excitement, that stems from this question.

We have so much to be proud of in this lucky country of ours. It is the land of opportunity and certainly the best place to raise a family. We have a high standard of living and a democratic system that allows everyone a say in how our country is governed.

We should love the country we call our own and be proud of what we have achieved as a nation. But there is a plague spreading that could bring this all down.

It’s starting in our schools and universities, slowly but surely weaving its way through our workplaces and now mainstream media, and it’s encouraged by Labor. It’s called shame.

There was once a time where we flew our Australian flag proudly without a second thought, and it held centre stage with our leaders. Now, there are times it is not flown at all.  

There was a time when we sang our Australian Anthem and God Save The King or Queen in our schools and before every social event. Now, there are times both are not sung at all. This is a step-by-step depletion of our national pride - and this is wrong!

The Labor Government has now told local councils across the nation it is acceptable to opt out of citizenship ceremonies on our national day. They have made their agenda clear.

At this time of year, we should be celebrating our great nation, rather than descending in debates that create tension and unrest.

We are a proud multicultural nation – one of the most successful in the world. What kind of message does shirking our own citizenship ceremonies send to the new Aussies beginning their Australian dream?

This kind of attitude will only lead to a divided Australia with an identity crisis.

Let me tell you about the Australia and the Aussies I know and love. We are the country with the belief of giving everyone a fair go and we live in a society that knows how to have a laugh. We know how to put on a good barbie, down a beer and have your mates’ back. That’s the Australia and the Australian people I will always fight for in Parliament.

We don’t pretend our history is beyond reproach. We can’t change this. But there is more to our history than just one narrative and this is what makes us Australian.

There is nothing wrong with being proud of our country. We should be proud to stand tall and say, I Am Australian!

Caption:  Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP with Ms Sarmiento at a citizenship ceremony in the Whitsundays. Photo supplied

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Sigh, weather chaos strikes the Whitsundays Region yet again, impacting businesses, visitors and residents alike. To be fair, whilst we are not the only region affected, some of the localised flooding is so predictable it is becoming boring. Surely it is time to apply some simple fixes to Goorganga and Hamilton plains – even if the cost of raising the road is prohibitive – surely some extra culvert drains would make a huge difference in key areas. Let’s not hold our breath.

After such a cracker festive season, the deluge has certainly challenged businesses trying to restart after a break and also those trying to deal with lack of supplies and stranded visitors – but they are scenarios we have faced and dealt with many times before.

The Chamber kicked off the “networking season” with an evening event on Thursday focussing on the impacts that the recent Fair Work Legislation Amendment will have on businesses. There are major industrial relations changes that have been implemented and need to be complied with.

Joanna Minchington, CCIQ General Manager for workplace relations was invited to outline the changes and what is required to remain compliant. She was able to address any concerns and answer questions from the floor.

With significant changes in Gender Pay Equality, Flexible Work Arrangements, Pay Secrecy, Fixed Term Contracts, Enterprise Agreements, Anti-Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and the introduction of paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave, it was an important event for all small businesses.

Keep an eye out for further details soon.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Coast Chamber President Allan Milostic.

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Coral Sea Marina Resort has started 2023 on a high by once again being awarded the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation.  

The Platinum level accreditation is the highest possible accolade under the Marina Industries Association’s (MIA) Global Gold Anchor Scheme and is reserved for marinas that provide exceptional guest experiences, high-quality facilities and outstanding service.

“Coral Sea Marina Resort again sets the bar for Gold Anchor marina standards, with service and facilities that continue to exceed the expectations of its tenants and guests,” said Marina Industries Association CEO Suzanne Davies.

“What’s so impressive is that the marina team continue to look at ways to better their facilities, whether it be the service they provide, the facilities or their environmental and community initiatives.”

This spectacular start to the new year comes off the back of a hugely successful 2022 when Coral Sea Marina won the prestigious ACREW Superyacht Business Award for World’s Best Superyacht Marina 2022.

After record-breaking marina occupancy levels during the winter cruising season, the year finished with a bang with Coral Sea Marina also becoming one of the first marinas in Australia to accredit under the Marina Industries Association’s newly launched Superyacht Ready Scheme.

“Superyacht visitation to the Whitsundays has grown exponentially over the last three years and our Superyacht services and facilities have likewise been enhanced to meet that demand,” said Coral Sea Marina CEO Kate Purdie.

“The addition of our new MIA Superyacht Ready accreditation gives captains and owners that extra vote of confidence that they have chosen the premier Superyacht marina in the region to accommodate their needs.”

Bookings for 2023 are stronger than ever and the marina is ready to showcase why the Whitsundays is the destination of choice for boating enthusiasts on Australia’s east coast.  

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Coral Sea Marina’s Superyacht berthing facilities

The Marina Village is also world class. Photos supplied

Council has a Community Grants Program which provides financial support for local sports, arts and non-for-profit groups in the region.

Last year, Council contributed $1.9 million in community grants. Round 2 is currently open until February 17.

To find out more go to whitsundayrc.gov.au and search the Grant Finder.

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I would like to start by wishing a very Happy New year to all our community and visitors to the region.

2022 was a year of positive change for me, as I learnt new skills and stepped into my exciting role as Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council. I would like to thank you all for your continued support since my election.

I am excited to kick start 2023 by celebrating the inaugural Whitsunday Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremonies. The ceremonies will be held after the Australia Day, Our Whitsunday Way Family Fun Day which will take place at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre form 10am – 1pm, on January 26.

The family fun day will kick off the Australia Day celebrations with free family activities for all to enjoy, as well as live music, craft workshops and a free sausage sizzle. It will also include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to acknowledge Australia’s First Nations people.

This year, Councillors and I voted to combine the separate awards ceremonies across the region to create one inclusive and united regional event. Collinsville will still host their traditional Australia Day Breakfast and Award Ceremony from 7am at the Community Centre.

The Australia Day award ceremonies honour the members of our community who continue to go above and beyond to make our region a better place. I am incredibly honoured to be able to present the awards this year and to give my personal thanks to these amazing community champions.

The citizenship ceremonies offer us a chance to welcome our new residents into our beautiful region with open arms and celebrate the diversity of our wonderful community. The beauty of the Whitsunday region comes not only from our landscape and scenery, but also from the people that call this place home.

The year ahead is set to be an exciting one, with a number projects on track to help our region prosper such as the Bicentennial Board Walk upgrade, Choose Collinsville Streetscaping plan, Richmond Road floodway upgrade in Bowen and additional grey water storage at Lake Proserpine.

I wish you all a wonderful 2023 and hope to see you at the Australia Day celebrations on Thursday.

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