Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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In 1917, Walter Perroux’s composite photograph of Proserpine’s leading citizens included not one woman. Yet women have long played vital roles in the shire’s farming, business and community life. One such woman was Edith (Edie) Grimstone, affectionately known as Mrs Grimmie.
Edith Grace Elizabeth Pepper was born December 29th 1918, in Wolfram Camp North Queensland where her father was Mining Warden. She was the youngest of six children born to parents, William Arthur Pepper and Edith Annie nee Williams.
Hoping for an easier life, Edith’s father travelled to Cannon Valley to purchase a block of land for farming. Relatives, the Byers’ family, had already moved into the district. Once William had established somewhere for the family to live, he sent for them. With two horses and all their goods and chattels, Edith and her children travelled by wagon, boat and rail to reach their new home.
And so began many years of struggling to make the farm sustainable with the older children missing school to assist their parents. Edith (Edie) attended Windermere State School for her primary years and was regarded as a very bright student, however, difficulties of the time such as low sugar prices and impending war meant that she was unable to continue with further education.
In her early working life, Edie spent some time at Yarrabah Mission in North Queensland where she lived with the Anglican Minister and his wife and was governess to their children. She also taught some of the aboriginal children there.
Prior to the war, there was a national push by the government to boost fitness levels of Australians. When the local council called for nominations, Edie successfully applied and was sent to Brisbane to do a physical fitness training course. Upon her return, she ran fitness classes. Edie maintained that the secret to her longevity was her exercising. Perhaps it also had something to do with the fact that despite having a licence, she walked everywhere.
When the war broke out, Edie answered the call and went to work in a munitions factory in Brisbane. It was there that she married Eric Grimstone, a returned WW2 soldier, on March 31, 1945.
Upon their return to Proserpine, Edie and Eric opened a menswear and sports store near the Grand Picture Theatre which was in the old Faust Building. This was the beginning of an outstanding retail service; a service that operated for over 50 years. ln 1966, they moved across the street to the old ABC Café and opened a new shop. In 1975, they purchased the building.
Edie opened the business out of hours for customers; she ordered special items if she didn’t have them. She was renowned for knowing where every item could be located right up until her retirement at the age of 80 when she sold the business.
Although best known for her years serving customers at Grimstone’s Store, Mrs Grimmie was also active in the local tennis club and was women’s champion for several years. Her love of tennis began on courts her brothers built below their house. She and Eric were life members of the Proserpine Tennis Club and often donated sports goods to local schools and charities. She was also devoted to the Anglican Church, attending every Sunday, volunteering and baking for church events.
When Edith Grace Elizabeth Grimstone died on Christmas Day 2016, just four days before her 98th birthday, the community lost a much-loved and remarkable woman.
Story sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives; photo used with family permission.
Minnie has a way of winning people over quickly. It could be her expressive eyes, her goofy smile or the fact she will velcro herself on you within minutes of meeting you.
At around eight years old and 40 kilograms, this mixed-breed girl is gentle, bright and full of character.
She is a dog of principle, such as her dinner manners, sitting and waiting patiently until she is given permission to eat. She is equally particular about affection, with a light pat on the back or bottom guaranteed to get her happily groaning and her tail going.
Windy days can make her anxious, but carrying a blanket around like a security cape until everything feels calm again is her adorable way to cope
She is good with people and other dogs, toilet-pad trained and could suit a home with a small yard or apartment. Minnie is still working on her lead manners, so a patient owner willing to continue her training would be ideal. But if she brings the same discipline she shows at dinnertime, she should have her walking routine mastered in no time
If Minnie sounds right for your family, message Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue with your name, phone number and “Minnie” to begin the adoption process.
Photo credit: R Jean Photography
After three decades spent building Taylors Property Specialists into a trusted local agency, Rob Taylor is preparing to place its future in the hands of experienced real estate professional Beau-Lea Miller.
With more than 25 years in the industry, Beau plans to strengthen the business while preserving the team, values and community connections Rob has established.
“I’m not here to change the business Rob created,” she said.
“I’m here to strengthen what he has built and support the team he has created, so they can be the very best they can be for the community they serve.
“We’re really blessed that Rob is giving us the opportunity to continue that dream for him.”
Beau began her real estate career at 17 and has since worked across property management, residential sales, agency ownership, business development, technology and team leadership.
She established and led her own independent Brisbane agency, Beautique Realty, before moving into a state operations role with Elders Real Estate across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
There, she oversaw around 12,500 properties across six offices. While she valued the experience, Beau missed the personal connection that came with working inside a close-knit local agency.
“It was important to me to get back into a business where I could be innovative, lead change and make a difference for people,” she said.
One of her priorities at Taylors will be finding the right balance between the agency’s traditional, personal approach and the systems and technology now available to support its staff.
“There’s a younger generation of agents coming through, and I really want to make sure their lives are easier,” she said.
“It’s about building on those old-fashioned ways of doing things and bringing them into the new world.
“Technology is here, but how do we make sure we keep the human element in those transactions?”
With a strong background in property management, Beau is keen to give Taylors’ rental division the attention she believes it deserves, equipping staff to help clients look after their investments.
“The rental business is always the thing that keeps the doors open, and many people forget that,” she said.
“I’m pretty passionate about saying that it is the core of the business, and it will continue to be that for Taylors.”
The team has already made a strong impression on her, particularly through the way its members support one another, with a strong willingness to collaborate and share ideas.
“They call each other a family, but I think they’re a team in the truest sense,” she said.
“Everybody supports everybody else to do their best. I haven’t seen many businesses that operate like that, and that legacy belongs to Rob.”
That connection extends well beyond the office, with the company's longstanding supporter of local schools, sporting teams, events and community initiatives, something Beau intends to continue.
“I want to make sure that whatever impact we make here genuinely makes a difference,” she said.
With the Whitsundays and its property market continuing to grow, Taylors is preparing for what comes next without losing the local values that have guided the agency for the past 30 years.
Proserpine State High School Year 12 student, Wiremu Tairaki, reflects on what it means to learn, grow and pursue opportunity in the Whitsundays.
Growing up in the Whitsundays builds a unique kind of grit. There are genuine disadvantages to being a regional student, and I do not think we should pretend otherwise. We do not have the same endless maze of electives, university programs or specialised opportunities sitting on our doorstep. Sometimes that does limit our choices. But the real story of regional students is not that we are somehow unaffected by those limits. It is what we do with the pathways we are given.
In our community, our educational landscape is materially different. We do not have a university campus on every corner or one hundred niche subjects on the school timetable; I have seen that first-hand in Year 12. When I wanted to push myself further in Law and Business, I could not simply walk into the Walter Harrison Law Library after school. Instead, I pursued Mooting and Business competitions through school and took the external opportunities I could access.
The opportunities our local schools and businesses do provide are targeted, practical and deeply valued. Whether we are engaging in Marine Science, securing a local trade certificate or utilising online learning, we learn to commit fully. This kind of education teaches us resourcefulness.
On paper, it can feel as though we have drawn the short straw - and sometimes, in terms of choice, we have. But that environment can also foster an unmatched drive. When choices are streamlined, we do not become passive, we become hungry. I have learned that being a regional student means setting a goal, valuing the expertise of local educators and making the most of opportunities when they appear, because there may not be ten identical alternatives waiting behind them.
Geography changes the nature of our opportunities, but it does not determine our potential. Regional students can be disadvantaged by distance without being defined by it. Future excellence is not decided by whether our timetable offers Advanced German or Digital Forensics and Cyber Security. It is decided by the grit and focus we bring to the opportunities we do have. We do not need equal access to prove equal ability.
Bowen State High School pupils spelling out T-O-M for Tournament of Minds. Photo supplied: Bowen State High School
Contributed with thanks to Bowen State High School.
Bowen State High School is celebrating the efforts of the students who competed in the Tournament of Minds (TOM) State Finals held at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane over the weekend.
Tournament of Minds is an international problem-solving program that challenges students to work collaboratively in teams to solve demanding, open-ended challenges.
The competition encourages creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and communication across disciplines including Language, Literature, STEM, Social Sciences and The Arts. Students are required to think on their feet, respond to spontaneous challenges, and present innovative solutions, making TOM a valuable learning experience both inside and outside the classroom.
This year, three teams from Bowen State High School represented the school at the State Finals.
“Congratulations to all students involved on their commitment, teamwork and excellent efforts in reaching this level of competition,” said Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris.
A special congratulations goes to Bowen State High School’s winning Language Literature team, consisting of Isaiah Howell, Sienna Davies, Frankie Brown, Justin Davidson and Hayley Hickey.
Their success at the State Finals means the team has now qualified for the International Finals in Darwin in October — an outstanding achievement for both the students and the school community.
Year 10 student Isaiah Howell reflected positively on his Tournament of Minds experience.
“Thinking creatively and including different team members’ ideas and perspectives not only creates a bond between team members but also helps us think on the spot and adapt to different situations. This has been helpful when I am learning new subjects,” Isaiah said.
Fellow team member Hayley Hickey said the experience had helped her develop important personal and academic skills.
“It has helped improve my teamwork and resilience when dealing with challenges. TOM provides an opportunity for students to interact with peers, strengthen relationships and connect with other like-minded students across the state and the world,” Hayley said.
Hayley also said the upcoming International Finals would be a valuable opportunity for learning and growth.
“The International Finals will provide us with an amazing opportunity to learn from students from around the world and how they think and consider topics in different ways based on their culture and values,” she said.
Bowen State High School would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the local businesses that generously sponsored the students’ attendance at the State Finals.
Community support will again play an important role as the team prepares to travel to Darwin for the International Finals. If you are interested in sponsoring the team, please contact Bowen State High School on 4786 9888.
Fr Emannuel Anroe and St Catherine’s Principal, Samantha Hinton. Photo supplied: St Catherine’s Catholic College
Long-time Local Appointed Principal At St Catherine’s
A new chapter has begun at St Catherine’s Catholic College, with long-time educator and Whitsundays local Samantha Hinton officially appointed as the school’s new principal.
Following her recent stint as acting principal, she was appointed in an official announcement with the school’s new catholic priest, Fr Emmanuel Anroe.
“I didn’t think I’d take on the principal role, but here I am,” Mrs Hinton said.
“I’m looking forward to what happens next and continuing to grow this really great community we have here at St Catherine’s.
“Being a Catholic school adds an extra layer to our community, and I want to build on what we already do here as a faith-filled community.”
Mrs Hinton’s connection with St Catherine’s spans about 20 years, beginning when it was still a primary campus on Marathon Street and continuing as the college expanded.
Over the past 15 years, she has held several leadership positions, including Deputy Principal of Primary and Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching across Prep to Year 10, along with many others.
“I believe I’ve built trust within our community and in what we do at St Catherine’s,” Mrs Hinton said.
“An important part of education is being connected with families and the wider community.
“Having been here for so long, I hope I’ve developed the trust needed to engage everyone in what we want to achieve.”
Before settling in the Whitsundays, Mrs Hinton’s career took her to schools in Brisbane, Sydney and London, giving her a broader perspective that she can now draw on in leading the college.
Mrs Hinton hopes to draw on that perspective as she supports the college’s continued growth, with a focus on consistent teaching practices, strong expectations and closer connections with families.
“I want to support that growth by making sure we have consistent practices across the school for behaviour and learning, along with high expectations,” she said.
“I want that consistency so we can continue to grow for our families, while improving what we do and maintaining those high expectations.”
She now hopes to guide St Catherine’s through its next stage of development as the college and wider Whitsunday community continue to expand.
“I’d certainly love to see more buildings as we grow and continue to beautify our spaces as we welcome more students,” she said.
“I want to make sure that as we grow physically, we also continue improving what we do and maintaining high expectations.
“We’re such a growing community, and St Catherine’s has been growing alongside it.”
A New Community Heart Taking Shape in Collinsville
There’s something exciting taking shape in Collinsville, and if you’ve been past the site of our new Community Hub lately, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Construction is now approaching the halfway mark and we’re starting to get a real sense of what this $16 million facility will become for the Collinsville and Scottville communities.
The wall and ceiling framing is complete, new footpaths are in, polished concrete has been finished through the library and mezzanine areas, and work is continuing on essential services.
Over the coming weeks we’ll see more visible progress, including work on the timber stage and gabion rock walls, along with plastering, tiling, external cladding, window glazing and installation of the rooftop solar system.
But while watching a major construction project come together is exciting, for me the most important part is what will happen inside those walls once the doors open.
The new Hub will bring the Collinsville Library, Council Customer Service Centre, computer services, gym and Community Hall together under one roof.
It means one modern, welcoming and accessible place where people can borrow a book, access Council services, use a computer, exercise, attend an event, catch up with friends or simply spend some time.
Importantly, it’s an investment in the future of Collinsville and Scottville and another example of making sure our smaller communities continue to receive quality facilities and services.
At $16 million, it’s a significant project for our region and one we simply couldn’t deliver without the support of the Queensland Government, which is contributing $14.6 million.
I want to acknowledge the Crisafulli Government for that support and also thank everyone involved in bringing the Hub to life, from our Council team and contractors through to the local community who have helped shape the project.
There’s still plenty of work ahead but reaching almost 50 per cent completion is a great milestone.
I’m looking forward to watching the final pieces come together and, more importantly, seeing this fantastic new community space full of people and activity.
That’s when a building really becomes a community hub and I reckon Collinsville is going to have one it can be very proud of.
Allan Milostic. Photo supplied: Julia Evans
If you charge customers a fee for paying by card, there’s an important change coming on 1st October 2026.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is reminding local businesses that from 1st October, businesses will no longer be able to add a separate surcharge when customers pay by eftpos, Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
In simple terms: if you currently add 1% or 2% to a customer’s bill when they pay by card, that will need to stop.
The change applies to debit, credit, and prepaid cards.
So, what should businesses do?
First, talk to your payment provider. If you use an EFTPOS machine, online checkout, booking system, accounting software, or payment links, check what changes you need to make. Your provider may update your system automatically, but it’s worth checking.
Next, look at your pricing. Businesses will still have costs associated with accepting card payments. You may need to consider whether your overall prices need to change to account for those costs.
If you do change your prices, make sure customers can clearly see what they are paying and that your pricing complies with Australian Consumer Law.
It’s also a good time to check your menus, websites, invoices, quotes, signs, and booking systems. If they mention a card surcharge, those references may need to be removed or updated.
And don’t forget your staff. Make sure everyone knows what is changing so they can answer customer questions.
The Chamber is also reminding businesses that not every surcharge is disappearing.
The new rules are specifically about card payment surcharges. Other charges, such as clearly advertised weekend or public holiday surcharges, can still apply where permitted. However, businesses should make sure these charges are not simply a card surcharge under another name.
Until 30th September, the existing card surcharge rules continue to apply.
“Our message to local businesses is simple – don’t leave it until 1st October,” said Chamber President, Allan Milostic.
“Check with your payment provider, review your pricing and make sure your business is ready.”
For more information, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) websites.
Leanne Aberthery with the Kent Family. Photo supplied: Bowen Tourism and Business
Three descendants of one of Bowen’s pioneering families returned to the region last week, retracing their family history across all corners of the town.
Last week, siblings Colin, Cameron and Dianne Kent returned to Bowen for a small family reunion and to reconnect with their family history.
The trio are great-great-grandchildren of G.F. Sandrock and grandchildren of prominent Bowen farmer George Kent. During their visit, they visited all the big sites in Bowen, from the Big mango, to the museum and their family’s original property, Woodlands.
“It was a really nice trip down memory lane,” said Colin.
“The accommodation we stayed at on the harbour felt so surreal, especially since that’s where our grandfather was the harbour master.”
George Frederick ‘G.F.’ Sandrock is credited with bringing mango seeds from India to Bowen in 1871, helping establish what would eventually become one of Australia’s best-known varieties, the Kensington Pride or ‘Bowen Special’.
He was also appointed the town’s Customs Officer and Sub-Collector of Customs during the 1860s before later serving as Harbourmaster and Police Magistrate.
One of his homesteads and orchards, Woodlands, on the outskirts of Bowen, where he helped cultivate a wide variety of produce still intertwined into the community.
“While Sandrock grew various crops at Woodlands, the orchard’s lasting place in Australian horticultural history comes from its role as the birthplace of the Kensington Pride mango,” Colin said.
“He had his fingers in just about everything in Bowen.”
During the late 19th century, Bowen was an important trading port and shipping hub for the British–Indian horse trade. Ships returning from India often carried exotic plants, fruit and spices, and Mr Sandrock asked their captains to bring him different mango seeds and other tropical varieties.
He planted the seeds at Woodlands, where it is believed his experimental orchard contained about 40 types of mango trees. Each was reportedly identified by an engraved copper plaque bearing its botanical name.
At the time, growing tropical fruit in Queensland involved considerable trial and error. Mr Sandrock observed how each variety responded to the local soil and climate, noting differences in yield, flavour and the texture of the fruit.
Colin said these experiments helped lay the foundations for North Queensland’s commercial mango industry.
“His early plantings produced the direct lineage of the Kensington Pride, which remains one of Australia’s most widely grown and recognised mango varieties today,” he said.
His grandson, George Kent, continued the family’s legacy as one of Bowen’s early tomato growers, eventually earning the nickname the “Tomato King”.
He was looking for a crop that would offer a quick return following the 1903 cyclone and started growing them on Woodlands property.
He later helped turn tomato growing into a major commercial industry for Bowen during the early 20th century, distributing the region’s produce across Australia and as far as New Zealand.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was a pleasure to meet the three descendants of these early pioneers.
“It was very interesting to learn more about the history,” she said.
Emergency services day set to showcase your local heroes. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
From police dogs and fire trucks to rescue boats, the emergency services that keep the Whitsundays safe will come together on Saturday 10th October for a free, family-friendly community field day.
Organised by Whitsunday Police Station, the field day will feature Queensland Police, Ambulance and Fire services, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Whitsunday Water Police and Whitsunday Regional Council’s disaster management.
“All the frontline emergency services will come together and do a bit of a show and tell,” said PCYC Whitsunday Sergeant Billy Li.
“The purpose of the event is to show the community a different light of emergency services available.
“It’s really an all-ages event and will be a fun day for everyone.”
Visitors will have plenty to see and do throughout the day. Each service will run its own live demonstrations, giving visitors a closer look at the skills and equipment crews use when responding to emergencies.
“All the frontline emergency services will come together for a bit of show and tell, with each agency displaying what it has to offer,” Sergeant Billy said.
“The community will be able to ask questions of emergency personnel and learn more about each service.”
During previous events, the VMR showed the community how to sandbag and let off flares, QFS conducted a swift water marine rescue, while Queensland Ambulance Service taught vital first aid skills, such as wrapping snake bites.
The program may even include some friendly rivalry between crews, with games and a possible tug-of-war giving the community a chance to pick a side and cheer them on, and join in on the action.
Younger visitors can climb aboard rescue boats, explore emergency vehicles and watch police dogs in action, while speaking directly with local personnel about their equipment and roles.
Beyond the safety lessons, the games and friendly agency challenges, this outing will allow families to see the more relaxed side of our first responders.
MRQ Whitsundays Anniversary party. Photo supplied: Marine Rescue Queensland
On 9th September 2025, the volunteers of VMR Whitsunday began a new chapter in more than 60 years of saving lives at sea, becoming the 18th unit to join Marine Rescue Queensland.
Now, MRQ Whitsunday is celebrating its first anniversary with the statewide service while honouring the generations of volunteers who have helped keep boaties safe across the region’s waters.
“Today is a chance to celebrate everything the unit has achieved in its first year with MRQ, while recognising the many years of volunteer service and local knowledge that came before it,” said a representative of Marine Rescue Queensland.
The volunteers’ efforts stretch back more than six decades to 1964.
It began when a casual meeting at the Metropole hotel in Proserpine led to 6 forward thinkers realising there was a need for sea rescue services in the region.
The organisation was formally established as Proserpine Sea Rescue in 1967 before becoming Whitsunday Air Sea Rescue later that year. It operated alongside the local Coast Guard flotilla from 1977 until the two groups merged in 1991, eventually becoming VMR Whitsunday.
As the service grew, so did its capabilities. The first dedicated rescue vessel, a Dale Sealord, was purchased in 1987, replacing the long-standing reliance on volunteers’ private boats.
After years of meetings at venues around Proserpine, the organisation later found a permanent home with the opening of the Whitsunday Marine Club in 1994.
Today, under the new name of MRQ Whitsunday, the service has more than 80 active crew members and operates with modern rescue vessels, advanced radios, mobile communications and tracking technology, providing emergency marine support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Federal member of Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP. All photos supplied: Andrew Willcox MP
Goorganga Plains is set to receive a much-needed upgrade to its section of the Bruce Highway, with construction now underway on new overtaking lanes aimed at improving safety and reducing driver frustration.
The project is a major milestone in the federal and state governments’ ongoing investment in the Bruce Highway, with new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes to provide motorists with safer opportunities to pass slower-moving vehicles.
The works will also include roadside safety improvements and upgrades to the Gunyarra Road intersection, including improved lighting and pavement treatments.
Member for the Whitsundays, Amanda Camm MP, revealed the upgrades, while also acknowledging how this can open the door for more necessary improvements to come.
“Anyone who regularly drives this section of the Bruce Highway understands how important these upgrades are for safety and reliability," Ms Camm said.
Ms Camm also praised the planning for new flood resilience roads which is currently underway, with a current proposal to raise about 10.6 kilometres of the highway between Thompson Creek and Lethebrook, looking to improve drainage and new bridge upgrades.
"Locals have endured the impacts of flooding in this region, so it is fantastic to also see planning underway to deliver infrastructure improvements to improve flood resilience where it is needed most.”
However Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, said the long-awaited and asked for project needs get beyond the design stage.
“I welcome these overtaking lanes, I welcome the extra work, but I do ask that the flood mitigation on that Goorganga section of the road be expedited,” Mr Willcox said.
During his time as Whitsunday Regional Council mayor, Mr Willcox called for the flood-prone section to be upgraded, lobbying the former Coalition government and securing $10 million for a business case into the proposed works.
“That came through and, of course, showed how important it is,” Mr Willcox said.
“The next step was the design phase, but that now needs to be completed, and then it needs to be built.
“I’m sick and tired of seeing money head down to the southeast corner while people in my electorate and across the north miss out.”
Recognising the cost of the project, Mr Willcox suggested the entire upgrade could be master-planned and delivered in stages if sufficient funding was not immediately available.
“I want to see it done as soon as possible, and I understand it’s going to be expensive,” he said.
“If there’s not enough money to get it all done in one hit, let’s master-plan the whole project and deliver it section by section, so we ultimately achieve the final result.”
Catman caught on camera at the Pitch and Wicket. Photo credit: Sharon Hinton
Currently walking his way around Australia, social media icon Catman found himself passing through the Whitsundays this week, where he attracted more than a few wandering eyes.
Kentaro Jin, otherwise known as Catman, has walked about 6,500 kilometres from Carnarvon in Western Australia to Sydney over the past two and a half years, becoming known for his distinctive Catman character and the friendships he has formed in communities across the country.
While the journey began without a clear purpose, the encouragement Ken received during the difficult stretch between Carnarvon and Perth, where Children chanted “Go, my hero,” and gave him handmade drawings, inspired him to imbue his with a deeper meaning.
Ken decided to use his growing profile to support children battling serious illnesses, turning his long walk into a fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Holding the victory trophy in front of Parliament house. Photo supplied: Heather Mollins
Following six years of nomination, Airlie Beach has taken the gold for Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town, a national accolade that will further cement the Whitsunday region as a must-visit for tourists travelling down under.
The win was put down to the town’s combination of natural beauty, tourism infrastructure and top experiences.
Airlie Beach has reached the top, claiming Gold as Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town for 2026 after six years of nominations and a determined push to bring the national title home to the Whitsundays.
Announced at Parliament House in Canberra, the win is a national accolade and a celebration of all the community members who help deliver the Airlie Beach experience.
“Tourism is in the Whitsundays’ DNA, and this recognition belongs to the thousands of people who make our region such a memorable destination,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“Awards like this celebrate what we have achieved, but they also give us a platform to keep advocating for what regional tourism communities need to succeed in the future.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP praised the efforts of the region achieving this status the obstacles of the last 6 years.
“Tourism can be a tough business, and over the past few years, with the ups and downs of covid, cyclones and the many other barriers that can be met along the way, the tourism industry always gives 100%,” said Mr Willcox.
“Airlie Beach might be small but it’s certainly mighty when it comes to providing an amazing experience of vistors from all over the world.”
This victory comes as one of two for Queensland, with Stanthorpe also claiming the top tourism town spot with a population over 5,000.
“This is an incredibly proud result for Queensland and a well-deserved national recognition for Stanthorpe and Airlie Beach,” said Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC) CEO, Natassia Wheeler.
“Stanthorpe and Airlie Beach are very different destinations, but that diversity is exactly what makes Queensland’s tourism offering so special.
“From our regional food and wine experiences to our world-famous coastal destinations, Queensland has extraordinary experiences right across the state.
“Each of them has helped showcase the quality, character and diversity of Queensland tourism to the rest of the country.”
Mackay’s popular North Wall Beach was the scene of a sombre discovery on Tuesday, sparking shock among locals as police were seen patrolling the area on a buggy to access the beach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
A 31-year-old woman, identified as Payge Leembruggen, was found deceased near Mackay Harbour North Wall shortly after 8am on Tuesday 15th September, with police seen throughout the day investigating amongst the sand dunes to the far left of the recently renovated section of the beach.
Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch detectives had appealed for public assistance as investigations continued into the circumstances and cause of her death.
However, an update from the Queensland Police Service emerged shortly after 1pm on Friday, September 18, confirming the death of the Mount Jukes woman is now being treated as non-suspicious.
On the morning of the incident, emergency services were called just after 8am after a member of the public located Payge. Police later confirmed the man who discovered her was exercising with his two dogs and regularly uses the area.
Mackay police were seen throughout the day patrolling the area and accessing the beach via a buggy, with multiple officers present among the sand dunes.
On Wednesday 16th September, Detective Senior Sergeant Emma Novosel confirmed investigations were continuing, with police yet to establish how Payge died, whether she died at the location or whether her body had been moved there.
There was also no confirmed time of death at the time of the update.
Police also commenced a search of the surrounding bushland with assistance from the State Emergency Service, looking for any items of interest that could assist detectives in determining what happened to Payge and how she came to be at the location.
At the time of the update, police said no evidence or items of interest had been located outside of the discovery of Payge’s body.
Payge was last seen at a hair salon on Celeber Drive in Andergrove at approximately 8.55am on Thursday 11th September.
She was described as Caucasian, approximately 178cm tall, with brown hair, and was last seen wearing a white top, bright red trousers and a red bow in her hair.
Police appealed for anyone who may have seen or had contact with Payge between September 11th and September 15th, or anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.
Detective Senior Sergeant Novosel said, “If anyone has seen her or anyone’s had contact with Paige between the 11th of September and yesterday, the 15th of September, we’d encourage them to contact us,”
The discovery has prompted concern among some local residents online, with questions circulating on social media about the circumstances surrounding the death and some community members expressing concern about walking alone in the area. Police confirmed North Wall Beach remained safe for public use while investigations continued.
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