Calling for immediate action and a “crisis response” to the housing situation in the Whitsundays, Council has moved into strong advocacy mode by calling on the Australian Government to extend the deadline for the operation of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

At Wednesday’s ordinary meeting in Bowen, Mayor Julie Hall and Councillors voted unanimously to submit a motion to the Australian Local Government Association for potential inclusion in the National General Assembly 2023 Business Papers.

“As an elected advocate for our Whitsunday community, I am committed to creating a region where everyone should have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing,” said Mayor Hall.

“Unfortunately, many families and individuals in our community are currently struggling to find affordable rental accommodation, and this is a problem that needs urgent attention from the top tiers of government.”

Mayor Hall was recently contacted by a resident who said he would be homeless in June as well as his 82-year-old neighbour because the NRAS will end for them, and they can’t afford the 30 per cent increase in their rent.

The NRAS scheme helps people afford housing by providing incentives to property investors to build and rent out affordable housing, helping to increase the supply of rental properties and lower rental prices.

When the program begins its staggered shut-down soon, it will affect many households right across the region.

Mayor Hall says she is determined to advocate strongly for its extension.

“Families, couples and singles are counting on the Federal and State governments to act and it breaks my heart that homelessness is on the rise,” she said.

Homelessness in Queensland has increased by 22 per cent, and a recent report by the Queensland Council of Social Service revealed 300,000 people across Queensland are experiencing housing insecurity amid soaring rental prices and inadequate social housing supply.

“This is a crisis, and it deserves a crisis response,” said Mayor Hall.

“In the decade leading up to 2017, there was "minimal" investment by state and federal governments in affordable and social housing.”

Mayor Hall said the housing shortage and rental crisis are not issues that emerged overnight so there are no “quick fixes” that will see the problem disappear.

“Advocacy on behalf of my community to ensure they are not forgotten will be key as it is going to take a whole range of short, medium and long-term solutions to fix this crisis,” she said.

“By extending the NRAS, we can continue to create opportunities for our residents to secure affordable housing, and we can also support our local economy by encouraging investment in our region.”

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The whole community are invited down to Cannonvale State School on Monday for a social evening with food vans, good company, and a silent auction to keep everyone entertained.

All proceeds will go to Sunrise Nursery and Primary School in Uganda and the money will go towards helping them build the necessary toilet blocks which are required in order for them to stay open.

On the night, attendees can bid for a range of artworks which have been donated by students, parents and the broader school community.

A sociable event for families, there will be two food vans on-site – Fussea Buggers serving up a hot dinner menu and Rilo real fruit ice-cream which will make a delicious dessert.

Bidding begins at 5.30pm and the winners will be announced at 7pm.

WHAT: Sunrise Silent Art Auction

WHEN: Monday, March 27 from 5.30pm

WHERE: Cannonvale State School

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm were “shocked” by Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey’s “political spin” when questioned about the Bruce Highway – Goorganga Plains Upgrade project in early March.

The Queensland Member of Parliament announced last week that planning was underway to floodproof the flood-prone sections of the Bruce Highway at Goorganga Plains and Myrtle Creek, as well as Hamilton Plains, in a coordinated approach.

Minister Bailey made the announcement despite the fact the three projects have been in the planning stages since late 2018.

“By addressing Myrtle Creek, Hamilton Plains and Goorganga Plains together, the Department of Transport and Main Roads will be able to improve flood resilience in the area,” he said.

Ms Camm called it an “announcement that doesn’t announce anything.”

“Minister Bailey should have been honest with the people of the Whitsundays and just said that the $12m, that the previous Federal Coalition Government put on the table since 2018 to start the planning for Goorganga has sat idle,” The Member for Whitsunday said.

“The Queensland Government has prioritised projects in the South East over the safety of regional Australians.”

The Goorganga Plains upgrade, alongside the Hamilton Plains project, received funding from the previous Federal Government in 2018 and 2019 through lobbying efforts of past Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen.

Mr Willcox said in his time as Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council, he worked alongside Mr Christensen to secure funding from the Roads of Strategic Importance Program.

“All this money already committed thanks to the previous [Federal Government], yet our Queensland Government allow us year after year to be flooded in with residents unable to get to loved ones,” Mr Willcox said.

“Labor’s had 5 years to design and develop a plan to flood mitigate Goorganga Plains, yet in this new re-announcement they’re still seeking community consultation.”

Ms Camm questioned whether Mr Bailey re-iterating an almost five-year-old project was to "hide the fact that Hamilton Plains Upgrade project is being delayed”.

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said he was “appalled” by what he said was a “politics-before-people tactic”.

“[The State Government] are using a 2018 Coalition Government commitment to run an ad hoc political campaign at the expense of the Dawson people,” Mr Willcox said.

“We’ve seen year after year that this Government only prioritises the Southeast Corner and we are tired of it.”

A business case for the Bruce Highway upgrades at Goorganga Plains and Myrtle Creek was “expected to be completed by early 2023” according to a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson.

Minister Bailey said the flood immunity upgrade project is “currently in the detailed design phase with construction expected to commence next year.”

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Whitsunday politicians are upset by a lack of movement on the Goorganga Plains flood resilience upgrades

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Car enthusiasts will gather in Cannonvale on Sunday to show-off their dazzling automobiles, offering the community a rare opportunity to wander around the display and interact with the owners.

Organised by the Whitsunday Old Iron Restorer’s Club, the Show and Shine Event will exhibit some of the region’s much-loved cars, four-wheel drives, and motorbikes from the 1950s through to the 1970s.

Anyone is welcome to come and join in the fun, bring along their vehicle to exhibit or simply come along to view the display.

WHAT: Show and Shine

WHEN: Sunday, March 26 from 10am

WHERE: Banjo’s Bar and Bistro carpark

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The team at Red Cat Adventures are celebrating as their sister company, Wildcat Mackay, brings home the gold award for Best New Tourism Business in the country at the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards held in Sydney on Friday night.

Red Cat Adventures were inducted into Queensland Tourism’s Hall of Fame, after winning best Major Tour and Transport Operator and Best Adventure Tourism Operator for three consecutive years.

Owners Julie and Asher Telford say that, after such a successful 10 years, it has been a pleasure to launch a new business that showcases Mackay “in a way that didn’t exist previously.”

Upon accepting the award on Friday night, Julie said she felt humbled by the unexpected win.

“To say the cards were stacked against us would be an understatement!” she said.

“To be recognised as Australia’s best new tourism business is testament to the innovation and tenacity involved and proof of our ability to design and develop new tourism experiences that people want.”

Wildcat launched in December 2021 and since this date has offered daily tours to either Scawfell, Cockermouth, Brampton or Keswick islands, with the location handpicked to suit the tides and weather of the day.

Tours depart the Mackay Marina at 9.30am, returning at 4.30pm and include snorkelling, paddleboarding, beachcombing and informative eco-history commentary, as well as morning and afternoon tea and lunch, with drinks from the licensed bar.

Trip advisor awarded Wildcat Mackay the 2021 Certificate of Excellence and in November 2022 won Gold for New Tourism Business at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

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Wildcat Mackay owners Julie and Asher Telford, pictured with Operations Manager Dan Gabbert, holding their award for Best New Tourism Award in Australia. Photo supplied

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Bowen are proving that they are the top pick for travelling retirees from around the country thanks to a local caravan park winning a national accolade, taking home gold at the recent Grey Nomads Awards.

Queens Beach Tourist Village (QBTV) won the Best Grey Nomad Large Caravan Park category for the third time at a virtual awards ceremony which was held in February.

Park Caretaker, Gerry Tomsett said that the awards recognise and reward businesses and services that provide exemplary products or experiences for mature-aged travellers in Australia.

She believes that QBTV won gold because they look after the comforts of the over 50s and provide a warm, friendly service to all.

“We have a nice community here,” she said.

“We have wonderful accommodation which is level and flat, no hills, so it is easy for the over 50s to access.

“We also have entertainment every fortnight, water aerobics and craft afternoons where everyone has a lot of fun.”

Owners Peter and Jennie Greer said they were thrilled to win for the third time.

“Thanks to all our Grey Nomads who choose to stay with us on their extended holidays, we look forward to welcoming you back to the village very soon,” they said.

“Thanks also to the staff and judges at the Grey Nomad Awards for hosting an incredible event from start to finish.”

QBTV won gold at the Grey Nomad Awards in 2019, 2021 and 2022 – if they win next years’ 2023 award they will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

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The Queens Beach Tourist Village team celebrating their big win. Photo supplied

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Ocean Rafting has another trophy for their cabinet following last weekend’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which saw them take out silver in the highly competitive Adventure Tourism Category.

With over 25 years in business, Ocean Rafting has been awarded multiple gold, silver and bronze accolades on a national level over the years, and owners Peter and Jan Claxton say that each award is a credit to consistently delivering a quality product.

“We really want to thank our incredibly dedicated and passionate staff, which includes a team of four recognised Master Reef Guides, who do an amazing job not only showcasing the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, but in protecting these precious assets and educating our guests about what they can do to make a difference,” said Peter.

“After over 25 years of operations, we will never stop appreciating every single one of these awards.

“We also certainly couldn’t have done it without our guests, who we love to see on the ride of their life!”

Ocean Rafting has eight semi-rigid inflatable vessels and one 7-seater Australian-built Airvan which took to the skies almost a year ago.

This new dimension to the business means that, along with other partner aircraft, they can now offer the ultimate Whitsunday experiences from above, on and below the water.

A true multi-generational operation, Ocean Rafting has three generations of the family actively involved in daily operations, making it connected to its humble beginnings, while being famed for its innovative approach and for acting as a leader in Whitsunday marine tourism and aviation operations.

Offering two exciting day tour adventures, Ocean Rafting has special permits that enable it to showcase one of Australia's most iconic beaches, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, as well as flights over the world-renowned Heart Reef, on a daily basis.

Guests can choose from the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, with an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, the ultimate access to Hill Inlet and special snorkelling sites, as well as the Fly and Raft package, 60-minute scenic flights, charter options and the Reef Seeker environmental educational program.

The fleet of eight semi-rigid inflatable vessels allows guests to experience an adrenalin-fuelled ride amongst the beauty of the Whitsundays, while a maximum of 32 passengers per vessel, allows for a personalised experience in the pleasure of a small group.

“We sincerely thank our many industry partners and tourism bodies, with whom we work, both within Australia and the world over,” said Peter.

“It’s a team effort and we have all worked cohesively to place the Whitsundays on the map as the ultimate Whitsunday holiday destination.”

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What does it take to top Australian Tourism?

It takes hard work! But it also takes innovation, which as you can imagine, is imperative when you have the length of operations we have, so we continually reinvest in the business and just don’t take our finger off the pulse. It also takes passion, but we love what we do, our family loves it and our team love it.

Our culture is aligned to strong values that are reflective of a family business committed to best practice standards. And very importantly, we always aim to provide the best possible experience we can for our guests, which is reflected in our number one position on TripAdvisor, while protecting our precious Great Barrier Reef Marine Park as proud reef ambassadors!

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Ocean Rafting owners Jan and Peter Claxton at the national awards last Friday

It’s a team effort: Peter and Jan Claxton with team members Tiffany Brett and Nathan Fleming

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Are you guilty of poking fun at soft-skills? For decades they’ve been harassed and bullied “who are you – you’re not as important as skills!”

They’ve been name called ‘warm and fuzzy’ and sent packing when it comes to recruitment selection and competencies and skillsets.

But at last, 2023 is their year and they’ve come roaring to the forefront wearing the superhero cape of ‘Power Skills’!

Why power skills? We can purchase and download systems, processes, structures and policies – we can also find an infinite amount of knowledge and wisdom at the ends of our fast-tapping fingertips - but we can’t download or purchase the emotional intelligence and people skills that creates a productive, motivated, engaged and happy work team.

Organisations – from family-owned small businesses to large companies – are embracing power skills and finally identifying, and investing in, the informal leaders in their workplace who people naturally look to and follow.

Here are our favourites power skills this month:

• Self-awareness - the ability to self-assess for growth

• Empathy – stepping into and supporting the challenges experienced in your team

• Vulnerability and courage – trust and be trusted

• Team-building – parking your ego and empowering your team to shine

• Communication – adapting to your audience to improve the clarity of your communication style

• Curiosity – the constant quest to learn more rather than form judgements

• Active listening – being willing to have your mind changed

• Growth mindset – adapting and building resilience

• Humility – identifying and parking our unconscious biases

• Observing what’s not being said – reading your audience, their body language, tone, mood

If this all sounds too much for those of you who lead with skillsets try a simple self-assessment Q&A when you drive home at the end of the day.

Ask yourself:

• What could I have done better today?

• What do my team-members need from me?

• What do I need to stop doing?

• What do I need to start doing?

Just the act of self-assessing will help you on the journey to developing your power skills. Enjoy the ride!

Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter from SHIIFT.

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Liberty Rural Bowen employs both the best of modern and old-fashioned methods to serve its rural community – and they’ve been doing it for close to a decade in the Whitsundays.

With their new premises on Peter Delemonthe Road, the business is keeping alive the traditions of the long-gone milkman with their deep connection to the community and friendly-face style service, merging the past with the backing and technology of a present, modern major wholesaler.

Depot Area Manager Scott Prosser said the company - which services the region’s railway with bulk fuel, distributes oil to farms across a massive swath of land, and is a proud supplier of businesses across Bowen – has quickly become a pillar of the local community.

“Of our employees here, every one of them lives locally,” Mr Prosser said.

“For Liberty, it’s a case of supporting the town that is supporting us. Professionally, what we have to offer is that top level of service you can have from the biggest companies, but then we maintain the community-minded approach of a small business.

“I’ve lived here for 16 years, and as long as I've been with Liberty, we have made sure to give to Bowen with sports sponsorships and event sponsorships and more. For us, it's just common sense."

Driver Coordinator Ken Pankhurst said the outlet is the only oil stockist in Bowen, covering Ayr down to Proserpine, and is planning to expand from its already substantial 43 thousand litres of oil on hand to provide for its massive distribution radius.

“There’s not a lot of oil you need that we don’t have in stock,” Mr Pankhurst said.

“When we speak to farmers and they need something A.S.A.P, then we’re your guys. No one knows when they’ll blow a hydraulic line or something like that, and we can get it to you anytime with our 24-hour on-call service. “

Whether they be providing wholesale for retailers, or helping your average Joe, Liberty Rural Bowen act as the “old-school style distributor,” Mr Prosser said.

“The way I describe it is the style where you’re talking to someone on the phone from Liberty Rural Bowen, or popping in to see us, and you know it’s a person with knowledge of the local area,” Mr Prosser said.

“You know that they're the ones directing the trucks, making sure they get to where they're going. And it also extends to in-person; if you drop by to have a cuppa and a chinwag with us, that’s the traditional way we like to do business.

"Someone might ring and say: 'Bob needs a bit of oil,' and we know exactly who and where Bob is because we're as local as they come."

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Liberty Rural Bowen Depot Area Manager Scott Prosser and Driver Coordinator Ken Pankhurst outside the Liberty Oil – Bowen depot

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Investing in growth assets like shares and property is a long-term game.  Growth assets always average out better then defensive assets like cash and fixed interest in the long run.  The reason you need to look long term is that growth assets fall in value as well as rise, so you need to give them time to average out.  

Investing in growth assets is like buying a farm.  You know there’ll be years where you go backwards.  The reason you buy the farm is that if you don’t panic, hold on and run your business well, in the long run the good years will more than compensate for the bad and you’ll come out with a good average.

The key here is trying to take the emotion out of it and think rationally.  If you hold a quality asset of long-term value and suddenly it’s price drops, emotionally you want to sell.  Logically, this is the worst time to sell.  Ideally, you should try to buy more whilst the price is low.

To relate this to super, if you monitor your balance regularly you will have seen some significant falls since late 2021.  If you’re still working and have five years or more to go until retirement it is nothing to worry about as you are a buyer of investments.  Think about buying some more by making some extra contributions whilst the market is down.  If you’re close to or in retirement, then you are a seller of investments as you regularly withdraw your pension.  If you don’t have a protection strategy built into your super pension, you should talk to someone.  With no strategy in place your options are to draw less pension to ensure your money lasts or accept that it will run out quicker if you keep drawing the same.

The key to retirement planning is having a plan.  Talking to an expert means you’ll understand the big picture of how long your retirement pot will last and how much income you can draw.  You’ll also know you’re maximising your Centrelink entitlements.  Whilst protection strategies have a cost for retirees, every one of our retiree clients have one in place in their super pensions.  They all decided that when the inevitable crash happens, they don’t want to be forced to draw less pension or worry their money will run out early.  They want to protect the ability to draw a good income and enjoy those hard-earned retirement years no matter what the share market is doing.

If you’d like to find out more about protecting your hard-earned super nest egg, contact us for an obligation free discussion.

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It is a different landscape in the Whitsundays than it was 100 years ago when the region’s oldest chapter of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) began in Proserpine - and times are still changing.

Along with the new era, the local branch is changing, too, and has added what it calls “Social Cuppas” to its itinerary.

Hoping to bring families, friends, and community into its fold, the Proserpine QCWA held the first Cuppa of its kind on Tuesday, March 14.

Local ‘Country Women’ assembled at Village Café & Restaurant Airlie Beach to enjoy each other’s company, form connections, enlighten non-members about the QCWA, and discuss the branches’ upcoming 100th birthday.

“What we’re doing with these new social meetings opening our group up to the community,” QCWA Proserpine member Kerri Southee said.

“For all of us at this branch, QCWA has given us something special. The kind of people that I have met here, you would never expect. Intriguing people who are so kind and thoughtful and care about this community.

“We want others to have that opportunity to meet us and be part of something bigger than themselves."

The local branch plans to host Social Meetings on the second Tuesday of every month, and Ms Southee said non-members and their families were encouraged to attend.

“Bring your kids along – a lot of us here are already grandmas, so we’re used to it!” she laughed.

The next will be held at the Proserpine CWA Hall at 4 Faust Street, Proserpine.

The Proserpine QCWA is also in preparations for a high tea for its 100th birthday celebrations in July (with dates to be finalised soon).

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The Proserpine Queensland Country Women’s Association had its first Social Meeting of the year at Village Café & Restaurant Airlie Beach

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For the second time in recent months, a group of young aspiring musicians are coming to the stage and are set to perform at the Dingo Beach Hotel this Saturday.

An initiative of the not-for-profit group, Music Evolution Project, these events represent a platform for local performers to shine.

“We will have a couple of adults performing this time as well,” said organiser Lisa Stanley.

“This is a great platform for up-and-coming musicians and it is really important for the whole community to come and show their support.”

A cornerstone of the Music Evolution Project is the positive impact that playing music and performing has on your mental health.

“We provide a completely free program to the community and actively help people with their mental health,” explained Lisa.

“These performers are truly amazing, and this is a great opportunity for the community to follow them through the year, see how they improve and watch them as they become professional musicians.”

The Dingo Beach event will include a range of vocalists, pianists and of course bands.

Performers include vocalists Meg McKeon, Ella Kelly, Tanika Lulham, Destiny, Chloe Kaddatz, Amber Hinschen, Sue Nami and Dominik James.

During the evening, it’s time for the bands to shine – The Microns, Sparrow Sisters, Trouble Makers, Myenvy and Category 5 will all play.

WHAT: Young Whitsunday Musicians

WHEN: Saturday, March 25 from 12pm to 8pm

WHERE: Dingo Beach Hotel

TICKETS: Free

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Young and aspiring musicians will be performing live this weekend. Photo supplied

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The Airlie Beach Bicentennial Boardwalk has allowed walkers, joggers, bike riders, segways, tuk tuks, prams and Park Run devotees to wander on the water’s edge overlooking the Coral Sea since 1988.

The boardwalk was built as part of the Australian Bicentennial celebrations and initially it consisted of a simple walking track which connected Shingley Beach to Cannonvale.

Now, the boardwalk encompasses over 630 metres of timber structure and is a much-loved trail which allows residents and tourists to walk all the way from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale Beach.

Council will be undertaking an upgrade on the section of the boardwalk between Coral Sea Marina and Coral Sea Resort from April 24 – June 9 (weather dependent).

This closure will allow us to replace the current tired timber boards with a composite fibre material, and to widen the boardwalk by up to a metre.

These works will make the boardwalk more resilient to traffic, increase its longevity and significantly reduce annual maintenance costs.

The upgrade will ensure that residents and visitors to the amazing Whitsundays will continue to enjoy this wonderful asset for many years to come.

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With Clay Bauman

I’m very happy to say that other Councillors and Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) staff have supported my idea for a Cannonvale Community catch up which will be held at the restaurant in TAFE Cannonvale (190 Shute Harbour Rd) on Wednesday, March 29 from 9am till 11 am.  

If you can’t make it in person, you can ask a question now through the WRC Yoursay webpage. There is even a chance to win an Easter Hamper if you register or update your details on Yoursay this month. Visit yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au for more information.

I fully support the Mayor’s initiative to connect directly with the community through these events as they move around the region and I look forward to talking with as many people as possible.

As part of Council’s current Community Engagement Strategy, we are investigating creating a network of ‘Community Champions’. These people would collaborate with Council early in project development and channel information back and forth between Council and their networks.

If you have the time and passion to participate in forums, workshops and other consultation activities relevant to your areas of interest, or if you have a strong connection to social networks that you represent or share information with, being a Community Champion might be a role for you. Head to Yoursay Whitsunday for more information.

For those that haven’t heard, Council has voted against the approval for a Transport Depot near the intersection of Rifle Range Road, Mt Marlow and against a proposal for commercial storage sheds next to Tropic Rd, Cannonvale. 58 submissions and a petition played a role in Council’s decisions and shows me how important having your say is.

Working towards planning that allows new residential, industrial and economic growth, while maintaining our liveability and amenity will always be very close to my heart. It is not just the current decisions that are important, but the long term forward thinking that sets us up for a successful and prosperous future which is a key aspect of our job.

Amongst lots of meetings and reading, I’ve been following up on people’s concerns and complaints and had the pleasure of visiting the Scouts, SES, PCYC Sports Expo, the AFL Preseason Carnival and even had the opportunity to crew in the lady skipper’s sailing race on International Women’s Day.

My role as your Councillor certainly is varied and I am trying my best for everyone who has put their trust in me.

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With just two owners overseeing its entire 50-year history, Cannonvale Marine is celebrating not only an impressive personal milestone but also the outstanding achievement of being one of the most stable and longest-running businesses in the Whitsundays.

Established in 1973 by retired engineer Ron Dorman, Cannonvale Marine was the first stand-alone marine dealership in the region.

Ron’s two sons operated the business and after six years a young Darrell Hinschen started his marine engine apprenticeship with the team.

Darrell soon became an integral part of the business and, 14 years later, he was offered the opportunity to purchase Cannonvale Marine with his wife Leanne.

The couple partnered with another Cannonvale Marine apprentice, Matthew Telford, who was a partner in the business for 15 years.

Darrell and Leanne have now operated the business successfully for the last 30 years.

Both Whitsunday locals, Darrell and Leanne are originally from well-known cane-farming families.

“I grew up fishing because our farm was on the O’Connell River,” said Darrell.

“My oldest, happiest memories are fishing – going down the river with Dad – or we’d go to one of the creeks and fish, so it was only natural for me to get into this.”

Over the years Darrell and Leanne have witnessed many changes within the industry.

Technology has been one of the most significant - from the introduction of GPS and electric trolling motors to the reduction in the use of two-stroke motors which have now been replaced with modern, technically advanced, cleaner engines.

“Another big change is that up to 10-15 years ago we were selling boats, primarily for people to go fishing. We are now selling boats for people to go boating and enjoy the Whitsundays,” explains Darrell.

“We’ve still got those people that want to fish, but we’ve now also got others that probably wouldn’t even carry a rod on the boat! ”

The Whitsundays now has the highest number of boat registrations per capita in Australia – but while the nature and the scale of their boating business have definitely changed, it is the good old-fashioned service at Cannonvale Marine that has remained the same.

“Our focus has always been on doing the best job possible,” said Darrell.

“When we first started there wasn’t a big population so if you didn’t get repeat business you wouldn’t last – the fact that we’ve been here for 50 years means that we must be doing something right!”

Timeline

1973

Cannonvale Marine was opened by Ron Dorman and his Sons

1979

Darrell Hinschen started his marine engine apprenticeship

1993

Darrell and Leanne Hinschen, Matthew Telford purchase Cannonvale Marine

1997

Cannonvale Marine becomes the exclusive Quintrex dealer

2008

The business diversifies to include Honda power equipment

2009

Darrell and Leanne become sole owners of Business

2023

Cannonvale Marine celebrate 50 years in business

Service, Parts And Repair

Cannonvale Marine is just as busy servicing the needs of boaters as they are in selling its impressive range of Quintrex aluminium boats and trailers.

Whether you are bringing your boat in for its 12-monthly service or you need a troublesome engine fixed, their service team offer expert workmanship, and is both fast and efficient in getting your boat back on the water.

Their chandlery also offers a range of gadgets, spare parts and accessories.

Power Equipment and Cyclones

For the last 15 years, Cannonvale Marine has also supplied power equipment to the community as a Honda supplier, offering everything from mowers and brush cutters to generators.

This side of the business operated quietly for a long time but it was when Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsundays in 2017 that it became an essential part of the immediate recovery.

“During that time, we were open 12 hours a day just fixing generators and we didn’t charge anyone,” said Leanne.

“Everyone was in shock; everyone was just trying to cope – we rang our supplier and of course, every business has a credit limit – but they told us we could have whatever we wanted!

“I nearly cried! We were able to provide the community with the generators they needed.”

Costs Then And Now

A 25 horsepower engine – was $785 – now $5,900

A 3.7 metre boat trailer - was $180 - now $2,300

A 115 horsepower outboard - was $2,055, now over $21,000

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Owners of Cannonvale Marine, Leanne and Darrell Hinschen. Photo credit: Declan Durrant

A young Matt Telford and Darrel Hinschen in 1985. Photo supplied

25 years as a Johnson/OMC Dealer (1998). L-R: Leanne and Darrell Hinschen, Matt Telford and Paul Hamer (OMC Rep). Photo supplied

Darrel, Jack and Geoff Hinschen. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show in 2010. Photo supplied

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