Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The photo of the week winner is Elise Dunckis for the theme ‘Off the Beaten Track’. Elise’s photo is of a night under the stars which, was taken in Morgan, South Australia. Next week’s theme is ‘Vintage’. Budding Photographers can enter by joining the Whitsunday’s Amateur Photographers group on Facebook. Contributed by Whitsunday Amateur Photographers
Read the full story
Residents of the Greater Whitsunday Region are no stranger to the burden of box jellyfish. They have no brain; they pose a deadly threat and have been nearly impossible to detect in the water – at least until now. Growing up in Bowen, Dr Scott Morrissey’s passion for marine life was fostered by the town’s beautiful beaches and the opportunities they provided for underwater exploration. “I spent as much time as I possibly could underwater. I wanted to learn as much as I could about what I was seeing,” Scott said. With a robust education courtesy of Bowen State High School, Scott was able to foster his passion for marine life. Hig “Chemistry is okay but it’s like cooking to me. Physics was too much math. Biology was what I really enjoyed. It’s about building an understanding of how everything works together and why things are happening in the environment. It’s great learning biology because you can go outside and apply what you’ve learnt immediately. It definitely resonated with me.” Scott’s classic North Queensland grievances towards the threat of box jellyfish influenced a unique study path that eventually led him to producing groundbreaking research. “Box jellyfish are a huge pain in the backside, especially in summertime when you want to snorkel. The more I looked into jellyfish, the more I realised we actually know very little about them considering the threat they pose. So thought it would be a pretty cool place to start asking questions.” Following his undergrad studies at James Cook University in Townsville, Scott pursued further studies through a PhD leading to monumental research breakthroughs in the realm of jellyfish. “Jellyfish are basically invisible in the water. We know very little about what causes them to appear, when they’re going to appear and how many of them will be there. I wanted to try and create a new way to be able to detect them.” Scott applied general characteristics of biology to investigate the phenomena further. “When animals move through an environment, they leave behind their DNA in the form of things like skin, snot or blood. It’s like how forensic scientists scan for DNA at a crime scene. Our method is quite similar. We take two litres of water and filter it down, leaving us with a soup of DNA that’s been left behind by all animals in the area. We search through that and look to see if there is any jellyfish DNA and we use that as a means of detection.” This research will aid in risk management and monitoring safety around beaches. “The more we understand about them and what they’re doing – the better equipped we are to assess and manage risk. With normal species there is so much information related to population figures and movement that we don’t have with jellyfish. If we’re able to fill in that gap of knowledge, then we will have a complete understanding so that we can actually forecast likelihood of jellyfish in the area with greater accuracy.” The research is will also have broader application on both national and international levels. “We’ve been working with another group in Western Australia. They also have really nasty Irukandji jellyfish that love to sting tourists. We’ve been able to apply the technology to that species and it’s starting to be picked up internationally. There’s work being done in Thailand. The hope is we can continue the research and start looking at things such as are box jellyfish moving South.” Scott shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to consolidate his work. “I would love to be able to conduct our lab work on site to reduce delays. If we can test the water straight away, then we can get an answer on site in three hours as opposed to the three to four days it would take in a lab. I would love to get the process down to an hour or even 45 minutes. It would be great to even develop some sort of user-friendly tool that anyone could use.” Scott expressed gratitude to the support he’d received for his work. “I need to say thanks to Lions Australia, they fund 99% if this research.” The Bowen and greater Whitsunday community look upon Dr Morrissey with pride and keenly anticipate the amazing work he will no doubt continue to do. Captions Scott AKA Dr Morrissey – hard at work. Photo supplied
Read the full story
ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on our calendar as a time for us, as a community, to pause, reflect and come together. Across the Whitsundays, services will be held in towns and communities from Bowen to Proserpine, Airlie Beach to Collinsville, and in our smaller rural areas. These gatherings are a chance for all of us to stand side by side and honour those who have served our nation and those who never returned. As Mayor, I have the privilege of representing our community at these services, but ANZAC Day belongs to everyone. It belongs to the families who have carried the legacy of service through generations. It belongs to the veterans who continue to serve our community in different ways. And it belongs to every resident who takes a moment to remember the sacrifices that have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today. Here in the Whitsundays, service and sacrifice are not distant concepts, they are part of our local story. From Gallipoli to the Western Front, from the Pacific to more recent conflicts, generations of Australians have answered the call to serve including men and women from right here in our region. This year, we also recognise the theme “Women in Service” acknowledging the vital role women have played, and continue to play, in defending our nation and supporting our communities. Among them are people like Commander Natasha Burney, who has ties to the Whitsunday community and served in Afghanistan — a reminder that the ANZAC spirit lives on in people from communities just like ours. Their stories remind us that the ANZAC spirit is not something distant, it is part of who we are as a community. ANZAC Day is also about connection. Standing shoulder to shoulder at a dawn service. Watching the march. Sharing a quiet moment with family, friends and neighbours. These traditions matter. They ensure that the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women is never forgotten and that future generations understand the cost of the freedoms we often take for granted. Bring your family. Bring your children. Help pass on the meaning of this day to the next generation. Because remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about ensuring those stories and values continue into the future. This ANZAC Day, let’s stand together as a community, united in respect and gratitude. Lest we forget.
Read the full story
Last week, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented the region’s business community at a roundtable with the Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, alongside the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, peak state and national industry bodies, and regional Chambers of Commerce. The roundtable provided an important opportunity for knowledge exchange, bringing forward real-world examples and discussing targeted, practical interventions to address both the short- and long-term impacts of the current fuel situation. The Chamber’s focus was clear: ensuring a strong regional perspective was part of the conversation. Being at the table means more than representation, it’s about shaping outcomes. By engaging directly with decision-makers, the Chamber ensures local priorities are heard, understood, and acted upon for the benefit of the entire Whitsundays community. Chamber President Allan Milostic said it was critical the region remains at the forefront of discussions. “These conversations are where real advocacy begins. Being part of these discussions ensures the concerns of our region are not only heard but can be elevated at both state and federal levels where decisions are made,” he said. Data from Business Chamber Queensland highlights the scale of the issue, with 95% of Queensland businesses reporting impacts, and more than 70% experiencing major or severe challenges. Allan said the situation is rapidly escalating for regional communities. “We are hearing from businesses experiencing supply chain challenges more significant than those during COVID lockdowns. Flights into the region are being reduced, impacting both tourism and freight. At the same time, consumer confidence is being reported lower than during COVID, affecting discretionary spending and travel commitments, with a noticeable shift toward online purchasing,” he said. “The high cost of living and high cost of doing business existed before the fuel crisis, they are now being amplified.” Locally, the impacts are being felt across all sectors, with flow-on effects for businesses, workers, and the broader community. The Chamber is encouraging practical, community-led responses: Shop local first to keep the regional economy viable. Take a measured approach to fuel purchasing to avoid unnecessary strain on supply. Maintain critical services such as public and school bus networks. Support young people, trainees, and apprentices to access transport to work. For businesses to seek professional financial advice and be cautious of predatory lending or quick loan offers. The Chamber is also reinforcing key advocacy priorities, including: Fuel security — addressing both pricing and supply, including sovereign capability and international supply chains, to ensure certainty for agriculture, tourism, health, and transport sectors. Access to reliable, real-time information — including clear, centralised public reporting to support informed decision-making at a regional level. Have Your Say To strengthen its advocacy, the Chamber is calling on regional businesses to share their experiences. Businesses are invited to complete a short survey to help inform ongoing advocacy efforts and ensure the real impacts of the fuel crisis are clearly communicated to all levels of government. Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Read the full story
Holidays can be a tough time for many. Despite it being a festive celebratory season, many may struggle due to increased loneliness, isolation, stress and anxiety. Expectations for perfect celebrations paired with a feeling of missing out can compound pre-existing issues. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and get help where possible.
The holiday season can prove difficult for a number of reasons. Pressure to spend money on gifts, food, travel and gatherings can create financial strain. A comparison to the celebrations of others can increase loneliness.
Grief especially can be amplified due to triggers. This is important acknowledge given the recent tragic events at Bondi and the mourning that many members of the community are still going through.
Here are some ways to look after your mental health this holiday season.
Strategies
Finding Community:
Establishing some kind of community or social connection can be the best way to cope with feelings of loneliness and isolation during the holiday period. Connecting with friends and family where possible through phone calls and virtual meetings is a great way to stay in touch when distance proves challenging. Volunteering in community events tied to the holiday period is also a great way to meet others and find fulfilment in doing work with others. Consider social groups, community events and positive online forums as a means of finding connection
Managing Finances:
Set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending. There are gifts that can be incredibly thoughtful and not expensive. Catering unique and fun gifts to people and their passions and interests is a great way to maintain festive cheer whilst also not breaking the bank. Stick to lists to maintain budgets and involve impulse buying. Also consider setting boundaries about spending to ensure no one is put under strain to provide for one another.
Managing Expectations:
During the celebratory season, striving for perfection and enforcing a comparison to whats shown in media can only amplify stress and feelings of loneliness. It's important to distinguish from the ideal and perfect representations of whats shown on social media and in film and TV. Remember that family does not have to be blood-related and that connection can be found in friends and community. Focus more on enjoyable moments than striving for overall perfection.
Overall Tips for Wellbeing:
There are many simple things that can be done to maintain wellbeing. These include:
It is important to know that you are not alone in your struggles during this holiday season. There are many means of seeking support. The below is a list of numbers for various support groups and hotlines.
Lifeline (13 11 14)
Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network ((07) 4945 2858)
Queensland Mental Health Services (1300 642 255)
There are many people in the community that you can reach out to if you feel lonely or sad this Christmas. Call Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network ((07) 4945 2858) to connect with people who can help
As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to pause and celebrate the strength, resilience, and remarkable sense of community that I’ve seen in the Whitsundays. This year, the unwavering support shown by residents across our region has been nothing short of inspiring. I want thank each of you for the support you show the Queensland Police every day.
Throughout 2025, we’ve witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness, collaboration, and unity. Whether it was lending a hand to those facing hardship, cheering on local businesses, or coming together to advocate for what’s right, our community has proven time and time again that we embody the true Aussie spirit of mateship.
Recently, a disturbing incident captured on social media highlighted not only the importance of vigilance but also the power of community standing together. Amidst the shock that followed such an offence, our community banded together, sharing information and offering crucial assistance to the police. Thanks to your swift action, the offenders were promptly dealt with, reassuring everyone that the values of safety, respect, and justice are healthy here in our community.
Your strong sense of care and determination to do what’s right underpins what makes the Whitsundays such a special place to live. You’ve shown that when we work together, incredible things can be achieved.
As we prepare to welcome the new year, let’s continue to prioritise each other’s wellbeing. A small act of kindness or a moment of courage protects our friends, family, and neighbours. Let’s keep looking out for each other, making responsible decisions, and ensuring that our roads and public spaces remain safe for everyone.
We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly over the holiday season. Please don’t drink and drive. Consider organising a designated driver, using local transport options, or arranging for safe ways to get to and from festive gatherings. Every choice you make can help protect not only your own life but the lives of others too.
Thank you, Whitsundays, for your outstanding support and dedication over the past 12 months. It is your commitment to community well-being and your consistent care for one another that make this place a bright, welcoming home to all. Let’s continue this positive momentum into 2026, ensuring safety, kindness, and integrity remain at the heart of our region.
By the way the Broncos are going back to back in 2026…..
Stay safe, take care of one another, and we’ll see you in the new year!
Around 80 per cent of Australians use Facebook, with approximately 40 per cent relying on it as their primary source of news. In the Whitsundays, community members frequently use local Facebook groups such as 'Whitsundays Chat' and 'Whitsunday’s Noticeboard' to stay informed about events in the region. These platforms are commonly used to share information and raise concerns, with an increasing number of alleged incidents being reported to the broader community.
Over the past week, more than four alleged incidents have been reported across local social media groups.
One report involved a young boy who was allegedly assaulted by three other boys. Following the incident, members of the community, including Ian Wilson, posted on Facebook to check on the boy’s wellbeing after a video of the incident was allegedly removed from the platform.
Another report related to an alleged sexual assault. A woman shared details of the incident on Facebook, describing the alleged perpetrator as: “Around 6'1, medium to large build."
Cassandra said she had “notified the police” and shared the information publicly in an effort to help ensure community safety. She also described the incident as “crazy,” stating that the Whitsundays is the only place she “feels safe to walk home in the dark.”
Visitor Izzy Ferrada also posted on the Whitsundays Chat Facebook group, alleging her suitcase was stolen from a communal area at the Airlie Searene Apartments. According to Izzy, she had “left, [her] suitcase in the communal entrance for around 20 minutes, and then when [she] returned [her] bag was gone.”
On December 13, local resident Max Davies reported another alleged incident on the Whitsundays Chat Facebook group. He claimed someone attempted to break into his home at around “4:30am,” resulting in a “fair amount of damage to the front door,” and asked anyone with footage or knowledge of the incident to contact him directly.
Questions remain over whether all alleged incidents shared on social media are also being formally reported to police, and what motivates residents to turn to online platforms in the first place.
Police have identified the practice of posting about suspicious or alleged criminal activity online without first alerting authorities as problematic. Reliance on social media can delay police responses, and public posts may lack the detailed or verified information required for effective action.
Throughout the years, police have urged the public to immediately call 000 in the event of suspicious activity or an alleged crime. For non-urgent matters, people can phone 131 444, and for anonymous tippers, they can phone Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
This weeks photo was taken as the flames died down from a bushfire at Midge Point and the theme was 'Favourite Photo of 2025'.
These photographs are submitted by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers group.
Squatters At Nellie Bay. The Land Administration Commission invited the 64 squatters on land at Nellie Bay and Jonah Bay to take up land but only 10 showed any interest. One of the conditions was the payment of a development fee of $8,150.
Shire Council Engineer’s Duties. A special council meeting enlarged the engineers duties to include a role in long and medium term planning of the Works Programme.
Council Travels. The Shire Council held its meeting away from council chambers at Wanderers Paradise last week.
Obituary: William Douglas Davy died aged 70. Doug, a local long time resident, and World War II exserviceman with the Engineers in New Guinea, had spent many years on Hayman before returning to take over the Cannonvale Store.
Jessie Victoria [Biddy] Hicks died in her late seventies. She was brought up in Strathdickie and attended the old Strathdickie School.
Air-Sea Rescue Base. 28 enthusiastic volunteer workers completed foundations for the base in Cannonvale. The development of full air-sea rescue facilities is planned as the beginning of a new era of boating safety in the Whitsundays.
Bowen/Whitsunday Drive In; Speilburg’s latest “Battle Beyond The Stars.”
Racing Yacht to compete in National titles in Tasmania. “Skeeta” with a four man crew left Airlie on the 7000 km trip.
Bowling Lease. Council has applied for a 20 year lease on land in Jubilee Pocket for the Airlie Beach Bowling Club.
Tuckshop for Cannonvale School. A new modern tuckshop will be built at Cannonvale School .” It is only fitting for a growing school the size of Cannonvale” quoted state member Geoff Muntz.
Botanic Park has been proposed for Cannonvale as the Bicentennial project for the district.
Under 12 Queensland Cricket Championships In Proserpine. This week long carnival concluded on friday with the presentation of trophies by Proserpine cricket president Peter Lewis. N.Q President,Alan Hobson congratulated the local committee on its successful organisation. The winning team was South-East Queensland.
Indoor Bowls. This week’s winners were Carlo Raiteri and Betty Lamb over runners up M.Spencer and Bob McLeod..
The Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade have been hard at work, fighting bushfires across the region amidst the heated December season. Comprised of volunteer rural firefighters, the team have been dedicated to extinguishing flames as December saw increased fire danger with the typical summer heat.
The brigade have responded to calls across the region notably fighting fires in Mt Aberdeen, Merinda, Pring Rail Yards, Jochiem Rd and Longford Creek over the last month. It has been a tremendous effort on the part of the volunteers and the Whitsunday region is incredibly grateful for their work. It is important to stay safe during hotter periods and alert authorities of any percieved danger.
It is important to ensure adequate preparation is made to protect you and your home from bushfires. A well-prepared home is easier to defend during a bushfire and helps reduce risks to surrounding properties. Make sure you clear gutters and roofs of leaves, twigs, and debris, consider installing gutter guards, and seal gaps in roofing and cladding.
Enclose areas under decks and floors, maintain pumps, generators, and water systems, and remove flammable items such as woodpiles, mulch, furniture, and hanging baskets from near the home.
Keep lawns mown, trim low branches to two metres, and reduce vegetation along access paths. Clearly display your house number and maintain fire truck access.
Prepare protective clothing, evacuation and first aid kits, review insurance and your Bushfire Survival Plan annually, note your Neighbourhood Safer Place, plan for pets, and develop contingency plans for unexpected situations.
For more information please go to fire.qld.gov.au.
Recent fires taking place in and around Bowen over the last month. Photos sourced
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but will re-open between Christmas and New Year.
The team expects this to be a very busy period with so many travellers on the road at this time each year.
It has been a record year for the centre with more than 56,000 visitors in the past financial year and a further 37,000 visitors from July 1 until December 15.
The figures from the last financial year represented a nine per cent increase on the previous year and the records have continued to be broken in recent months.
July was a record month with 9462 visitors - an average of more than 300 a day!
September was also a very busy month with two record days – 539 visitors on September 26 when the Big Mango minted coin was released and then 545 visitors on September 29.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it had been an exciting year with the team picking up several awards at regional and State level.
“Our Visitor Information Centre continues to be one of the busiest in Queensland and we are proud to be able to encourage so many of our guests to take the detour into Bowen and discover our hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays,” she said.
The centre has a large range of local produce and merchandise including delicious mango sorbet and it is also a Driver Reviver Station.
The Driver Reviver program encourages everyone to take a break, promoting road safety. Free tea, coffee, biscuits and water are available, and it is a great spot to stop, halfway between Mackay and Townsville.
OPENING HOURS
Christmas Eve – 9am – 3pm
Christmas Day - Closed
Boxing Day – closed
Saturday December 27 – 10am-3pm
Sunday December 28 – 10am-3pm
Monday December 29 – 9am-5pm
Tuesday December 30 – 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve – 9am – 3pm
New Year’s Day – closed
Colin and Julie-Ann Patterson from Bundaberg pictured with Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers, Kim and Ray Tannock on Friday, December 19. Photo supplied
With 2025 now sitting fairly in our tailwinds, this week will see many of us have a chance to come together for the festive season.
As the Member for Burdekin I have the privilege of witnessing the best of humanity in our
communities, especially at Christmas time. Each year we see residents take the time to donate to our local community organisations who provide hampers of non-perishable goods, toys for children or a hot meal to enjoy on Christmas Day. We also see the generosity of our communities in the simple acts- the time we take to check in on our neighbours a smile or simple gesture of kindness to a stranger. It is this level of generosity that we must continue to strive for beyond the festive season.
A year that started with much of our state facing significant flooding has brought with it challenges and opportunities for the betterment of our community.
While our neighbours in the north bared much of the brunt of monsoonal rainfall in February, it is safe to say the Burdekin electorate was not left unscathed. As flood waters receded and our community faced its own clean-up we saw businesses step up to prepare extra meals and provide essential services while our emergency services volunteers showed utmost dedication in our community’s darkest hours.
Our ability as a community to advocate for better access to health, improvement of our safety or providing certainty for projects that matter to us has meant that in the Crisafulli Government’s first year we have seen funding committed to upgrades for our sporting teams, the Bruce Highway and the Bowen Boat Harbour Master Plan.
Before we turn the chapter to 2026 and begin the rush of a new year I hope you and your family have the chance to enjoy the festive season. Spend time with those you love and celebrate all that 2025 has had to offer while looking towards opportunities for the new year.
If you are packing the car and heading off on a road trip please drive safely and remember the fatal five. With the festive season coinciding with the North’s severe weather season, it’s a timely reminder to ensure your home is prepared.
My office will be closed from December 22 and will re-open January 5.
Above all else, I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Yours,
Dale
Our Whitsundays office has delivered an exceptional result for a highly specialised team of just three agents.
In 2025 we achieved multiple record-breaking sales, setting new benchmarks across the region. From much-loved family homes to the Whitsundays’ most significant estates, our results reflect a consistent, strategic approach, regardless of price point.
We don’t define luxury by a price, it is defined by experience, presentation, global reach and execution. Exceptional care, insight and professionalism are applied to every property we represent.
As a locally based team who live and invest in the Whitsundays, we are proud to see continued momentum building into 2026, with further growth on the horizon.
Queensland Sotheby’s Whitsundays remains the agency of choice in the region, whether selling a family home or an iconic coastal estate.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2026.
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk.
Wayne Singleton 0416 024 168
Lynn Milsom 0415 039 060
Joe Bishop 0415 070 114
.jpg)
Locals helping locals. It’s kind of our thing.
We’re not just a law firm, we’re part of the Whitsunday community. Sharing a building with local agents and accountants means you’ve got a team of professionals working nearby, and often, together.
We believe in small-town trust with big-picture thinking. You’ll see us at community events, school expos, and probably at the local coffee shop too.
Whitsunday Law – Why settle for good?
We, at Accountancy Plus Whitsunday Pty Ltd, would like to wish our clients, friends and family a very merry Christmas and happy and safe New Year.
Our offices are closed from 5pm Tuesday 23 December 2025 reopening 9:00am Monday 12 January 2026.
If leadership had a pressure-test month, December would be it.
Christmas doesn’t create workplace dysfunction — it reveals it. Teams with strong communication glide into year-end like a well-oiled machine. Teams with poor leadership can crumble faster than New Year Resolutions, with everyone blaming “the busy season” instead of taking a little bit of accountability.
The best leaders don’t guilt people for being tired. They expect it and then plan for it. They strip out the distractions and ask the only real question that matters: “What actually needs to happen before we switch off for the year?”
Effective leaders then do something next-level - they say “No”. “No” to pointless new December initiatives; “no” to managers who confuse urgency with importance. And “NO WAY” to anyone replying to emails after hours.
The reality is that leadership over the Christmas period is less about driving performance and more about directing energy. People are stretched, overstimulated, and fatigued from family expectations. If you model burnout as a festive tradition, don’t be shocked when it becomes contagious. Leaders who burn out teach their team that burnout is normal and somewhat expected, which is a seriously business-limiting culture. Your job isn’t to push harder — it’s to guide smarter.
Cut the overwhelm. Be specific. Celebrate loudly. Remind your team that the finish line is near.
Christmas leadership isn’t soft. It’s strategic, human, and authentic – with a little bit of chaos thrown in. But wrap it in humour, sprinkle in compassion, and the January-version of you will thank the December-version for setting you up for successful downtime – and so will the rest of your team!
Contributed with thanks to July Porter (Shiift)
Bright Patch Café is fast carving out a place as one of the community’s most welcoming meeting spots, just over a month after opening its doors. Designed with families firmly in mind, the café has already built a loyal following and is continuing to grow its offerings both behind the counter and beyond it.
Newly appointed manager Sally Griffith has stepped into the role with more than two decades of hospitality experience. A familiar face in the community and a strong advocate for neurodivergent families, Sally said the café’s values align perfectly with her own. Plans are already underway to introduce table service in the new year, further supporting parents and carers during their visit.
The team has also expanded, welcoming chefs Christian and Nat, both with backgrounds in high-end restaurants, along with barista Hannah, whose specialty coffee skills are already making an impression.
All staff hold Blue Cards and police checks, reinforcing the café’s family-first approach.
Bright Patch Café also operates seven days a week, responding to growing demand from locals who have embraced it as a regular gathering place.
Community engagement has been a key focus, with mothers’ groups, family daycare providers and schools making regular use of the space. A recent school visit turned the café into a hands-on learning environment, blending food activities with practical life skills.
With a popular all-day menu, a thoughtfully designed children’s area and a busy events calendar ahead, Bright Patch Café is quickly proving it is much more than just a place to grab a coffee.
Bright Patch Café owner Jameela Walker and Manager Sally Griffith. Photo supplied
Tourism Whitsundays has welcomed a new face to its marketing team, with Jolie Rochell stepping into the role of Marketing Coordinator earlier this month.
Jolie works across brand and digital marketing, supporting campaigns and partnerships that promote The Whitsundays to audiences around the world. With a multinational background, a key part of her role includes shaping a clear engaging messaging that supports sustainable growth while showcasing what sets the region apart on the global stage.
Since moving to the Whitsundays at the start of the year, she has been struck by the warm welcome from the local community and the diversity of events and activities available year-round for both residents and visitors.
“The turquoise water is iconic, but it was the people who really stood out,” she said.
“Since moving here at the start of the year, I have felt genuinely welcomed and included by the local community from day one.”
In her new role, Jolie is looking forward to collaborating closely with the Tourism Whitsundays team and local members to find fresh and creative ways to promote the region.
“I want our marketing to reflect the witty, friendly personality of The Whitsundays while building strong partnerships that support long-term care for the region,” she says.
Despite its small size, Jolie believes the region offers far more than many people expect.
“That even includes a weekly Latin dance group called Whitsunday Salsa, where locals and visitors come together to learn and dance. And yes, it’s free!"
Tourism Whitsundays Marketing Coordinator Jolie Rochell
“Remember when families used to pile into the car on a Sunday and take off on an adventure? Dad would pull up beside a creek, you’d pile out of the car ready for a swim and Mum would set up the picnic blanket in readiness for a feast under a shady tree. Often grandparents and other members of the extended family would come along too and join in. Dad would light up his portable wood fire barbie and portable tables and fold-up chairs would be unpacked for the “oldies” and picnic baskets would be produced.
Those picnics were a real family occasion with the kids swimming and running around while the adults sat around with a cup of tea talking about 'grown-up' stuff.” (extract from “Australia Remember When” May 23 2019)
But what of picnics in the past?
Proserpine Museum’s photographic archives contain numerous delightful old photos of picnics held in the district in the past such as the one featured here of a riding party in 1927. These were quite common in the day. The group in this photograph had ridden out Goorganga way and stopped for a picnic. A pre-arranged group arrived in their car with the picnic goodies. Watermelon was on the menu, so it is believed that this photo was taken around Christmas time as, in the past, watermelon was available only at that time of year
Picnic sporting days were also a popular feature on the local calendar. Conway Beach outings were well attended with the actual journey being an adventure in itself. People travelled from the old wharf, (the Landing at Glen Isla) overland on horseback, by sulky or buggy or by the sugar loco as far as Saltwater Creek. Here they boarded boats and went right up to the beach front. The program consisted of foot races, horse racing, aquatic sports, pedestrian events.
With no bitumen on the road, the journey to the popular Boxing Day picnic at Cannonvale (then called Cannon Valley) was long and dusty. The dust hung in the air and covered the trees, but this did not deter eager locals and hundreds of people made their way there annually.
Picnics by the local rivers were also popular. The Proserpine River, along with such places as the O’Connell, Gregory and Andromache Rivers, were frequented by many families on weekends.
Fast forward to the second half of the 20th century …
Families would head off to the local beaches which, by this time, were far more easily accessible. Facebook features many stories of childhood reminiscences of family picnics. “Sunday routine for us was Sunday School then home to get changed and off to Cannonvale. There was a shelter shed with power points so Mum would cook a Sunday roast lunch in the electric frypan while we played on the beach. Occasionally, we would go on a picnic somewhere on the Gregory River. We used to pile into the tray part of my Pop’s tilly – no seatbelts. (Robyn Moore)
Despite changes in the 21st century, people still seek popular places to relax with family, connect with friends, and celebrate special events.
Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
