The annual Women in Sugar Australia (WISA) conference was another success, being held at the Bargara Cultural Centre, east of Bundaberg.

Seven members of Canegrowers Network Mackay District attended the conference, which has the theme ‘Women of Worth’.

The conference consisted for talks delivered by key individuals in and associated within the sugar industry.

The conference was officially opened by Stephen Bennett MP, member for Burnett, who shared challenges within the community, particularly with attracting young people to communities.

Mark Pressler, Chairperson of Bundaberg Canegrowers, shared issues with Bundaberg’s sugar industry, not dissimilar to Mackay’s own late cut cane.

The special guest speaker for the event was Georgie Somerset AM, president of Agforce Queensland, who spoke of her youth, of being 18-years old and not knowing what she wanted to do professionally. She shared that she believes that women have an invaluable place in the sugar industry and encouraged women to ‘Find Your Voice’.

She encourages the belief that changes happens, and to connect community despite geographical isolation, and invest in individuals and continued education.

For the Conference Dinner, the guest speaker was Angela Williams, membership and engagement practitioner of Canegrowers Isis and contributor to ‘Walking the Wire’ a publication to strength the financial stability of rural agribusiness women.

Angela spoke on holding critical conversations, unintended consequences, how more than two in a marriage is crowded, and the importance of succession planning.

The second day of the conference consisted of a trip to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, One Little Farm Market, and Bundaberg Rum Distillery with a self-guided tour and tastings.

Other special guests for the conference included Lisa Deveraux and Cathy Mylrea from Sugar Research Australia (SRA), who spoke on gender and diversity, Glen Harris from Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), who shared the market prices of sugar, global influences and organisations that buy and sell sugar.

RaboBank also presented on horticulture, sugar, and wine, as well as by products, including aviation fuel and tights global supply.

Mary Wallace of Canegrowers Network Mackay said, “The conference is an excellent opportunity for the ladies to share their experience with other likeminded women, on current issues and diversity within the industry.”

Marice Perna, another Mackay attendee, said, “I enjoyed catching up with WIS members from other districts.

“The bus trip with the ladies from here is always a highlight.

“I enjoyed the conference speakers from diverse sections of the industry."

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The Mackay branch of the Canegrowers Network

The conference saw an excursion to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, with a tour and tasting. Photos supplied

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Additional taxes for farmers are a feature of the Federal Budget which was released last week and Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, says Australia’s agricultural producers deserve a help-up not a set-back.

He believes the May Budget has been used as a platform to unveil an array of new taxes, which will create extra expenses for Australian farmers.

One of these is the new ‘bio-security levy’ which is set at a rate equivalent to 10 per cent of the 2020-21 industry-led agricultural levies.

Willcox calls this the ‘Fresh Food Tax’ and asserts that it is charging Aussie farmers to quality-check international importers’ goods.  

“The Labor Government are charging Aussie farmers to make it easier for competitors to import their goods here. It’s charging farmers to quality-check their competition”, Mr. Willcox said.

“If an overseas importer hasn’t secured the safety of their product, the Government shouldn’t be punishing our primary producers for this.”

It is expected that this new levy will raise $153 million over three years and that it will fund increased bio-security measures.

Another tax that will impact local producers is the ‘Truckie Tax’ which is set to increase truckies’ diesel prices from 27.2 cents to 32.4 cents per litre.

This will then snowball into the price of transporting goods around the country and the price of products on the supermarket shelves.

“Labor is aiming to increase the road user charge by approximately 19 per cent over three years, making it that much more expensive to get produce from paddock to plate,” said Willcox.

“This will increase the price for both our farmers and the customers at the checkout.

“This isn’t fiscal management; this is daylight robbery.”

Additionally, the average energy bills for businesses, which includes farmers, are set to increase by around $1,700.

“What’s the incentive for our farmers to keep feeding our nation?” said Willcox.

“They’re paying through their teeth to operate, energy prices are through the roof, and all the Government can do is slog them with a raft of brand-new taxes.”

“Without food and fibre, the country starves and under the current rising cost of living crisis now is not the time to add more pressure on grocery and retail prices.

“I am urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to come and visit Dawson and see firsthand where his food comes from.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is concerned about how new taxes will impact farmers. Photo supplied

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Porters Mitre 10 are inviting friends, family, and the community to come together, share a cuppa, and some delicious food to raise funds for those affected by cancer. For the past 30 years, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has been a fundamental community event that raises vital funds to make a big difference for those impacted by cancer. One in two Australians are being diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, and the team at Porters Mitre 10 want to help change that – with your help.

The team at Porters Mitre 10 would like to invite the Mackay community to join them on Tuesday 23rd May from 9:30am until 11:30am at Charlies Café for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

Director of the Trudy Crowley Foundation, Jacquie Camilleri, will be welcomed alongside one of the Foundation’s beautiful nurses as the event’s guest speaker to raise awareness of all forms of cancer that affect so many people and their families across the Mackay and Whitsunday Region.

The team at Charlies Café will be cooking up a storm - baking heavenly sweets, delicious scones, and fresh sandwiches to enjoy while sharing a cuppa and some stories along the way.

If you are unable to attend, you can still show your support by heading into Porters Mitre 10 Mackay and purchasing tickets to the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Raffle.

To purchase tickets to Porters Mitre 10’s Biggest Morning Tea, head to the Porters Facebook Page or see the team in-store. All proceeds from the Morning Tea and Raffle will be donated to the Cancer Council.

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Across three jam-packed days, Mackay Showgrounds will play host to the biggest outdoor, home and lifestyle event in North Queensland.

Running from May 19-21, Mackay Expo is the ultimate one-stop-shop for outdoor and indoor adventure, showing the latest and greatest in gear, technology, and accessories.

The best in camper trailers, caravans, boating, fishing and 4x4 accessories will also be showcased with access to the exhibitors ready to help craft your next big adventure, all in one convenient location.

Or if you're into sustainable living and looking for captivating home and lifestyle ideas such as sheds, spas, bedding, and more, the Expo’s got you covered.

Discover new holiday destinations you’re yet to lay your eyes on, sit back and observe as the experts demonstrate first-rate outdoor accessories, be enthralled with quality entertainment and ‘be in it to win it’ with some of the best major prizes up for grabs.

Gear up and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2023 Mackay Expo.

WHAT: Mackay Expo 2023

WHEN: Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21

WHERE: Mackay Showgrounds

TICKETS: www.MackayExpo.com.au

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Mackay Expo returns to Mackay Showgrounds this weekend. Photo supplied

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A few of us this week have been talking about our rents and mortgages with Star giving you the chance to Live Rent Free.

Some of us here are renters, while others like myself have a mortgage, but wondering how the renters can even have a chance to save up to be a home owner. The gap between what some people around Mackay and Whitsundays are paying per week is immense, there are people renting a room in a share house for under $200pw, and some of us have $1000pw mortgage.

It makes me think more of the year I moved out of home and rented a caravan in a caravan park for a few months at Port Pirie in SA and how that seemed really expensive. It actually was for a first-year radio announcer in 1994 earning around $21,000 a year. The first unit I moved into from memory was about $125 a week and it was a ripper, very basic, but new 2 bedroom with a decent sized loungeroom.

Moving to Mackay in 2005 I’ve lived in Eimeo, Mackay City, South Mackay, Beaconsfield and now Rural View … while searching for some of those places I looked at some total dives.

Finding a rental in a tight market is horrible, you’re looking for something nice and affordable, but you might end up in 1 star just because you need a place, and you need it now. The last time I was in that situation was around 15 years ago and to be honest it was like some agencies were treating tenants like cattle that could just be pushed around, not treated well and it was a struggle to get your full bond back. I hope things have improved.

If you want your rent paid for a bit, tune into Star, Scotty & Rach with Kaley’s Live Rent Free. And good luck if you’re looking for a new rental at the moment, or, like me, paying a mortgage and waiting to hear about the reserve bank’s next move.

Scotty

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A record numbers of travellers have passed through the Whitsunday Coast Airport this past April.

The new record of 49,000 travellers smashed the previous record, of 47,000, from April 2022.

“The record-breaking numbers of passengers not only reflect the increasingly popularity of our Whitsunday region, but also signify the huge potential and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall.

“The unprecedented growth in passenger numbers speaks volumes about the collaborative efforts of our residents, businesses, and tourism industry in showcasing the unique experiences and warm hospitality that our region has to offer.”

“Working together, we have firmly positioned ourselves as one of Australia’s premium tourism destinations,” Major Hall said.

Whitsunday Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Aviation and Tourism Craig Turner said, “It’s exciting that the airport has never been busier in its 70-year history and has become more than just a gateway to the Whitsundays.

It is now a vibrant hub that connects our community to a record number of destinations and is a key economic driver for our region.”

“Stay tuned for some more positive news in the next few months, as we have been actively exploring new destinations and are close to making several exciting announcements,” Mr Turner said.

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The loss of someone close is devastating and knocks your world out of kilter. Everything feels different and you know things are never going to be the same again.

The great benefit of a funeral and a subsequent wake is that you get to share the grief and somehow it seems more bearable when you know there are others, people close to you, who feel the loss the same way.

The Gardian Group lost our CEO, Peter Phillips, on the 7th of May and his funeral was on Friday of last week.

Peter was a husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, son, uncle and cousin and nothing can compare to the pain felt by those closest. All you can do is support those who are suffering the most.

And that’s what we did. But Peter was also more than just a boss to the rest of us. He was our mate and Gardian people were able to be there for each other as well as for his close family members.

Everyone was in shock last week, stunned by the loss of a leader and mate. But we are a close tribe and we all gathered around, checked in with each other, sharing the pain of the loss.

But we also owed it to Peter to celebrate his life. He lived a big life, audacious and energetic and generous and entertaining and there are plenty of funny stories to tell and recall. And we’ll continue to do that.

Coming back to work on the Monday, the loss and feeling of something missing was there and that won’t change.

But as I went through the process of getting moving again, it was Peter who flicked the switch in my head.

I thought about what he created, a thriving business that includes a real estate agency, mortgage broking, insurance broking and financial planning, employing about 75 people in total.

And I imagined him thinking: I haven’t set up all this, built the business to what it is today for it to fall apart. You’ve got a friggin’ job to do so get to it and don’t hold back.

I know that’s what we will now do. There is a sense of duty to help the business succeed, help it grow and build on the success that is already there.

We have a duty to be the best we can be for our clients, work harder than ever, be more focused than ever on getting them the best possible result.

A few years ago, Peter was the driving force behind creating the words for what we call our Just Cause. It goes like this: “At Gardian, we pledge to give of ourselves by EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS together, UNITING our family and community. Leaving ETERNAL footprints for all to follow.”

One of Peter Phillips’ legacies is he had already set out for us what to do now.

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A medical bus that will ensure the safe transport of patients from the Whitsundays to Mackay for hospital appointments is one step closer to operating the service following a successful volunteer driver course.

This represents one of the last hurdles to overcome getting the bus on the road.

A total of six volunteer drivers were given a driver safety presentation and first aid course at the Proserpine Community Centre last week.

The new bus will be based in Cannonvale and will operate three days a week, transporting up to eight patients to and from Mackay from late June.

Main pick-up points include Whitsunday Community Health, Proserpine Hospital and Bloomsbury.

Mayor Julie Hall said that she is thrilled to see the service so close to operating.

“The Whitsunday Community Medical Bus Service will bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, providing a lifeline for those who may face challenges in reaching medical facilities,” she said.

“This project represents a collaborative effort to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to receiving the medical care they require.

“No one should have to choose between their health and their ability to access medical care.”

She thanked Kristi Algate and the rest of the team at Mackay Hospital Foundation for all their help, as well as Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm for her advocacy.

Mayor Hall added that she is very aware that there is a massive need for a similar service to operate and service Bowen and Collinsville.

“Our Economic Development team are working to explore potential funding opportunities for a community minibus for Bowen and Collinsville and surrounds to transport patients to Townsville for regular medical appointments,” she said.

“Access to this service for regional communities is so important, but it will be no quick fix as there are multiple funding, legal and operational logistics to be negotiated.”

Mayor Hall says she welcomes the announcement that a private operator has started up a regular daily service between Bowen and Mackay return as an option for medical patients.

"Mackay Whitsunday Buses will provide a transport option for Bowen patients needing treatments in Mackay which is great,” Mayor Hall said.

“However there remains a need for Bowen/Collinsville Patient transport Service as the new option would only be suitable for reasonably active patients and does not cater for those patients with appointments in Townsville.”

"The service also does not solve the issue of those with serious medical needs or patients with mobility issues and needing medical support during the journey.”

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Volunteers doing drivers safety and first aid training

Mayor Hall with Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager Kristi Algate

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Bowen residents worried about the future of the town's dilapidated jetty have received a "don't panic" assurance from some key players involved with the facility.

At the Bowen Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday night, guest speaker John Martin, a former manager of the North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) tug facility on the jetty, spoke about the history of the facility and how it would be no easy task to demolish it after the NQBP lease on the facility lapses later this year, and if a new leaseholder cannot be found.

Mr Martin, who became manager of the facility in 1985 with responsibility for seven ports throughout Queensland, recalled how fire had damaged part of the wharf, which had to be knocked down.

"Nearly 18 months later they were still trying to demolish the piles," he said. "The cost of demolition is staggering.

"This wharf was built to carry trains ... the timber (Tasmanian hardwood beams) is just staggering and this is why it is still here now.

With loads of up to six tonnes per axle, Mr Martin said that once heavy traffic was no longer used on the jetty, it would last for "a very long time".

"I wouldn't be panicking right now about its demolition," he said.

Mr Martin said the Bowen community needed to consult with all levels of government about developing a long-term plan for the jetty.

He said the facility still had a role to play in developing tourism in the town.

NQBP community and stakeholder advisory director Lorelei van Dalen told the meeting that while the preferred base for the tug fleet was Abbott Point,"this will take time".

"We know how important the jetty is to the community. I'm sure we can find another partner to take on the lease," she said.

Bowen businessman Neil Holloway also was at the meeting to air his proposal for redeveloping the facility that potentially has spin-offs for the town as well.

Under the proposal, which is as yet to be costed and without timeframes, a rock groyne would almost encircle the jetty, which Mr Holloway said would eliminate the tidal surge that frequently backs up the town's drainage channels. It would also allow a range of ventures to go ahead on the jetty.

These included drawing a marine research facility to set up on the jetty; an observatory and a 'coral garden' being established between the jetty's arms; restaurants and a delicatessen to take advantage of Bowen's reputation as a food bowl; and possibly even attracting cruise ships.

The proposal would benefit the existing foreshore water park and skate park facilities and there were even plans for fishing platforms to be built on the proposed rock groyne.

Mr Holloway said that Bowen needed to develop as a tourism destination. "Only six per cent of traffic (on the Bruce Highway) comes to Bowen," he said.

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The proposed Bowen Harbour and sea wall jetty development

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The Local Buying Foundation (LBF), a not-for-profit initiative established by BHP in partnership with C-Res, is positively impacting the Mackay region delivering economic benefits to local businesses and communities.

To ensure that the LBF funding opportunities target genuine community needs, an Advisory Committee was formed to provide guidance, inform, identify and support the investment and disbursement of the foundation’s funds whilst ensuring effective governance of the Foundation. The committee is a representative body made up of key stakeholders from across the LBF regions with an interest or skills and expertise in regional economic development.

I have represented Mackay Regional Council on the Queensland Committee since 2020 and have assessed many grant applications which have benefited businesses in our region.

The LBF, which has been active in the region for over 10 years provides funding in support of projects and programs which facilitate workforce development, innovation, and capacity building of business and industry to grow the potential of their regional economies.

The LBF is a critical element of BHP’s Local Buying Program, for every dollar spent through the Local Buying Program, BHP commits an amount into trust to the Foundation.  To date, LBF has distributed over $7.5 million into Mackay, Isaac and Central Highlands regions.

These grants have supported a diverse range of businesses, community events, networking, professional development workshops and workforce training programs, and have helped the local business community grow their capability and improve their competitiveness.

The LBF has championed business development in the region. In Mackay this includes GW3’s Grants Officer and the Trading Tracks program a partnership between the LBF, BHP and BMA and is delivered by Mackay organisation MARABISDA, it aims to build strong, sustainable Indigenous businesses through workshops and mentoring programs.

The LBF's commitment to supporting the Mackay region is unwavering and continues to impact the region's economic opportunities and growth.

For further details please feel free to contact me at Cr.alison.jones@mackay.qld.gov.au.

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Cr Alison Jones

Mackay Regional Council

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A new book entitled ‘Mental Health on the Land’ is offering local farmers guidance and support for coping with mental strain they may experience due to the uncertainties within their industry.

The book, which was created by Royal Flying Doctors Service and funded by Thankful4Farmers, is an invaluable guide written specifically for growing areas of challenge for rural people.

It includes information on maintaining healthy relationships, reducing loneliness, stress management, strategies to cope in difficult times, seeking help for mental health conditions, suicide prevention and details for further mental health resources.

Earlier this month Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) hosted a special event which was held at Flagstaff Hill and attended by farmers, industry, and community representatives from in and outside of the region.

Carl Walker, President of BGGA said he’s seen first-hand the impact that mental health challenges have had on friends and many farmers who are struggling with the stress of farming today.

"Often, as farmers, we don't realise the impact that these challenges - we just get on with the job, but it can take a toll,” he explains.

“This book brings awareness, makes us feel like we're not alone, and provides us with the tools we need to help manage our mental health and wellbeing."

Mr Walker states that a high percentage of mental health issues stem from uncertainties within the industry.

“Just when we think we are in for a bumper season we are hit with bad weather and the whole season is a write-off,” he said.

“We invest time and money into the crop and just like that it’s gone and there is nothing we can do about it. It takes its toll on our health and we are told as farmers we are resilient and tough.

“But the industry needs to change the narrative and recognise that it is ok not to be ok so people can ask for help when they need it.”

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There was a good turn-out at the book launch at Flagstaff Hill. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday residents are encouraged to support two local destinations that have been announced as finalists for the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.

Bowen was entered in the Top Tourism Town category and due to its size, Airlie Beach was eligible for the Top Small Tourism Town.

This means that both locations are in with a chance of winning and, if successful, the Whitsundays could take out the two top spots.

If Airlie Beach wins this will be its second consecutive year at the top.

Winning an award, or even becoming a finalist, allows our local townships to shine on a state-wide stage, raising awareness for tourism in our region.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton is hopeful that Airlie Beach and Bowen will both take out the top spots.

“As a region, we’ve seen record-breaking visitation from the domestic market as people continue to discover and rediscover what is in their backyard,” said Mr Hamilton.

“Being able to say we’ve got two Top Tourism Towns within The Whitsundays would be a great achievement and one that Bowen and Airlie Beach deserve.

“The Whitsundays is the overseas holiday you can get to without a passport and usually within a few hours; what a special place to have in Queensland.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, was very excited that Bowen had been named as a finalist in the QTIC Top Tourism Town awards again.

“Bowen, at the top of The Whitsundays, is the heart of secluded beaches and the home of the iconic Big Mango,” she said.

“We love welcoming tourists including the many southerners who come for the entire winter months to escape the cold.”

Voting is now open, but closes on Wednesday, May 24, so make sure you get your vote in quick and support our local towns as they bid to be the best.

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The Whitsundays’ Top Tourist Attraction of 2022 is celebrating its 21st birthday this month and everyone is invited to join the celebrations.

An iconic mascot of Bowen, the 10 metre tall Big Mango cost $90,000 to construct but has more than paid for itself with an estimated 1.5 million selfies taken in front of the giant structure over the last 21 years.

Over 80,000 people visit the Big Mango each year and Bowen Tourism and Business, which operates an Information Centre from the same location, has become a thriving mecca for visitors far and wide.

Bowen Tourism and Business have over 200 members, all of whom are invited to a special Tourism Whitsundays networking night at the Big Mango on Thursday, May 25.

The event will take place from 5.30pm until 8pm with an afterparty at the Grand View Hotel until 11pm.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the Big Mango represents something truly special for Bowen locals.

“While it’s an object in reality, this icon is now an internationally renowned symbol of our town and our region,” she said.

“We’re a proud coastal town of many farming families who value the opportunity to share our pride with as many visitors as possible – and the Big Mango plays a huge role in attracting these visitors from all over the world.”

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Firstly, I would like to thank all the people who attended our Council meetings and the community catch-ups that have been held so far. It was reassuring and reinvigorating to hear dozens of people applaud as Council voted to maintain “Maximum Building Heights” and what I call our Airlie Beach vision statement which calls for us to maintain our vital, small-town scale, blue views to the sea, green views to Airlie Hill, and heights.

For those interested in our local community discussions, the summary documents for the Cannonvale catch-up are now available on the WRC Your Say webpage.

The many different responsibilities I now cover as a Councillor have proven to be just as rewarding and sometimes challenging to me as my years of involvement in town planning, working for a prosperous and liveable future for our region. I was happy to see the passion I’ve held is shared by many locals who know its importance as to how we will develop and grow to accommodate the sudden boom we have experienced recently.

Our current housing crisis is having a detrimental effect on so many, including residents, business, and tourism. It is a problem shared far beyond the Whitsundays and I welcome that the Council is taking measures to reduce the impacts and facilitate more development that will help alleviate the problems.

Another difficult challenge in our community is being highlighted in May as Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. I have been actively working with DFV groups to help where I can. The stories and strength of survivors is something that pains but motivates me.

‘Love does not equal Control’ is this year’s theme to show abuse is not always through physical violence. One way you can help is by taking the old or broken mobile phone out of your draw and dropping it into a Library and Council will send it on to the charity ‘DV Phone Safe’ who will repair and reset before giving it to a victim or survivor in need of communication for safety and support.

Please let your friends and colleagues know that an old phone can make real change for someone in need, and it may just start a discussion of other things we can do to help.

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The well-known Yacht Share Mariner Group, which currently has two vessels operating in the Whitsundays, are expanding to offer a brand-new yacht share opportunity in the Mediterranean.

The Fountaine Pajot, Astrea 42 is scheduled to arrive this September and will spend its first season in Marmaris in Turkey, year two in Sibenik in Croatia, and year three Sardinia, Italy, returning to Marmaris each winter.

Interested parties will receive a share-entitlement of four weeks sailing in the high season between April and September inclusive and four weeks in the off-season.

Price per share is AUD $194,500.

The yacht is a four-cabin, four-bathroom vessel which has all the luxury extras including a light filled galley/saloon – and it is fully air-conditioned.

There are three generous lounge areas, a generator, solar power, upgraded 50 HP diesel engines, water maker, furling gennaker, and fully battened mainsail with power halyard winches.

Distinguished by the abundance of natural light, energetic lines, elegant living spaces and unparalleled comfort, the yacht delivers sheer pleasure and is a joy to share as a couple or with family and friends.

Live the dream with Yacht Share Mariner

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