Last year I attended a coastal leaders forum that brought together leaders from 41 councils.  This was an opportunity for our coastal leaders to gather, share ideas and find ways to work together to improve the liveability of our communities impacted by coastal erosion now and into the future.

The Insurance Council of Australia commented at the forum, $150m is given out each day in Australia for insurance claims.  Government has invested heavily in a solution to the insurance crisis with a re-insurance scheme, which at the outset looks promising to assist many families in Australia who suffer high insurance costs to protect their homes.

As of July 1, 2022, the re-insurance pool was accepted in parliament and passed. This pool is designed to support insurance companies, the pricing is available in a report found at arpc.gov.au.

At the forum, I was interested to hear that a nature-based solution like a 30m wide stand of mangroves will reduce wave height and therefore reduce erosion.  Sea walls are costing $8000 per lineal meter, and nature-based solutions are $1000-$2000 per lineal meter (these figures have not been ground truthed with current labour and material shortages).

Our government pays 3 per cent funding for pre-disaster measures and supplies 98 per cent of funding for post-events. Natural hazards will continue to happen, and we can’t dwell on the past.  We need to be risk intelligent and risk aware.  Tomorrow won’t look like today and we need to gather more information to make informed decisions.

The State Government needs to make changes in legislation for Local Government regarding planning schemes, LUP, and flood plain models. Buyback and retreat must be part of ongoing conversations.  

My takeaways for our region:

● Coastal hazard adaptation is very real, and our council will be able to better inform our community once the coastal hazard adaptation study (CHAS) is complete.  As part of the CHAS we must always remember our coastline is not just for the people that live on the coast, it's our entire community that uses it for recreation and we must be concerned about the loss of community amenity and community trauma coastal erosion causes.

● The three levels of government need to work together.

● Implementation of CHAS in our region can’t come soon enough and must include nature-based solutions.

Cr Alison Jones

Mackay Regional Council

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Sure, it had been quite funny while it lasted over my indulgent summer break but my impression of the Michelin Man had , well, worn thin. It was time to put a stop to the whole routine.

I needed a companion in my stepped-up health and fitness campaign and my tough little border collie/kelpie/something else dog Millie has been an eager participant, although somewhat of a show off if I am going to be honest.

A key part of the campaign is a morning run along Far Beach in East Mackay. We drive from our home in West Mackay and, as we approach the beach along Bridge Road we see those locals enjoying their morning exercise, many heading for a beach walk.

As we pull up in the old Toyota (can’t get a new car if a wet and sandy dog is in the passenger seat) you can see the self-satisfied looks on those East Mackay people, amused at this out-of-suburber having to drive from who-knows-where to get to God’s Country by the beach.

Yeah, well I came from West Mackay my friend. And when you want to go to the Botanic Gardens for a relaxing stroll or a walk with the dog because you’re sick of the sand blowing in your face, you might just see me there.

The point is that we all love our own habitats for different reasons. I do love living a couple of minutes walk from the Botanic Gardens … I’ve spent many hours walking, running, riding through the gardens and it has been a terrific part of our family experience of Mackay.

I also love the convenience of West Mackay, the easy access to schools, shops, community facilities, the CBD, the airport etc.

But those people in East Mackay love their beach and so they should.  East Mackay is also a super-convenient, easy place to live. There’s a lot to like.

Of course, we all choose our suburbs for a reason. People in Glenella, Rural View, parts of Ooralea, Beaconsfield and Andergrove like the modern housing that’s available.

Mt Pleasant people love the convenience and quality of their suburb. Bucasia and Shoal Point … more beaches and relaxed lifestyle.

The thing is that whatever draws us to the suburb we choose, it ends up being the community, the neighbourbood and the sense of belonging that makes it home.

Many people at the moment are choosing to downsize or upgrade and that could mean selling up and making the move. It’s a bit daunting but a change is exciting and new experiences await.

It’s a good time to find out about the market so give me or one of the other Gardian agents a call to find out what’s happening and where your property sits in the market.

It could be the start of a big new chapter.

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Delta Goodrem has been enjoying the glorious North Queensland weather while in the Whitsundays filming the romantic feature film Love Is In The Air.

The film is produced by Brisbane-based company Jaggi Entertainment and supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland, starring Ms Goodrem as Dana Randall, a seaplane pilot flying in the tropics who finds herself falling for the man sent to sink her business, played by Joshua Sasse.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be shooting here in the Whitsundays,” Ms Goodrem said.

“We’ve been made to feel so welcome by the local community.

“I’m enjoying being back on set, portraying a go-getter like Dana and I’m looking forward to sharing the film with audiences.”

Love is in the Air is the latest production to take place in the Whitsundays and Screen Queensland CEO Courtney Gibson said the film will be completely made in Queensland, with the support of the Screen Finance program, Regional Incentive and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive.

“We are proud to provide end-to-end support for this latest production by Jaggi Entertainment — a Logie and AACTA-nominated company, whose Queensland creations have been hits for industry leaders such as Disney and Hallmark, and topped global Netflix charts,” said Ms Gibson.

“From the first day on set to the last day in the editing suite, Love is in the Air will generate approximately $2.25 million for the state economy and 70 jobs for Queensland cast and crew.”

Ms Gibson highlighted a recent string of productions filmed in the state’s northern regions, including Stan Original series Black Snow and Universal Pictures’ Ticket to Paradise, both filmed in and around the Whitsundays.

“Screen Queensland’s Regional Incentive was created to ensure the benefits of screen production reach communities right across the state, particularly for businesses operating in accommodation, catering, transport, tourism and more,” she said.

Joining the cast of Love is in the Air is Roy Billing (Underbelly, Jack Irish) and comedian Steph Tisdell (Total Control, Class of ‘07), with the film directed by Adrian Powers (Forbidden Ground, A Royal in Paradise).

With the crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes of the Whitsunday Islands the setting, production for Love is in the Air is based in Airlie Beach.

Far North Queensland Screen Champion and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt MP said the push for regional filming in the state’s northern regions is being backed by significant investment from the Queensland Government in programs and facilities.

Love is in the Air is written by Adrian Powers, Caera Bradshaw and Katharine E. McPhee and directed by Adrian Powers.

Producers are Steve Jaggi, Kelly Son Hing and Kylie Pascoe with Executive Producers Lee Matthews, Janine Pearce, Michael Gray and Jip Panosot.

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L-R Roy Billing, Steph Tisdell, Director Adrian Powers, Delta Goodrem and Joshua Sasse on the set of Love Is In The Air. Image supplied.

A 23-year-old Newcastle woman, who is walking from Australia’s most southern point to its most northern tip, is passing through the Whitsundays this week as part of her mammoth 5,000-kilometre trek.

Bailey Seamer departed from South Point in Wilsons Promontory National Park in May last year and is aiming to reach her destination at the top of Cape York Peninsula in July.

The total trip will take around 15 months with Bailey walking roughly 30 kilometres a day, which takes between six and seven hours.

She is in no rush to get to her destination and says that her priority is connecting with communities and advocating for mental health along the way.

Bailey was 14 when she was diagnosed with depression and 19 when she was told she had Bi-Polar.

For a long time, she didn’t know how it would be possible to lead a normal life, hold down a job or maintain relationships.

She spent a lot of time in the mental health ward of a hospital and for days she could not get out of bed.

Then, she “woke up one day and thought – that’s it!” – she left the hospital and walked the full 30 kilometres back to her family home.

This was the first of many steps for Bailey who uses walking as a form of medicine for the mind.

“I was looking for a healthy outlet and I thought – I am really good at walking!” she explains.

Eventually, a love of walking prompted her to embark on this challenging trek that has tested her mettle, endurance and grit.

Bailey has been using her savings from working as a Covid tester at the mines for a year to self-fund her trip and is also sponsored by her dad’s small business.

Over the past nine months, she has also raised $45,000 for the Black Dog Institute which helps make positive change in mental health research, education and innovation.

When she first started, Bailey walked solo, spending seven months sleeping on sofas, camping in backyards and in the occasional free hotel room.

When heat and access to water became bigger issues her partner, Sean, joined her and has been driving a support vehicle ever since.

“When I first started, I found it really hard to accept help from others,” she said.

“But it’s been amazing seeing the generosity of people along the way.”

During her journey Bailey has stopped to engage with communities, connecting with schools, community groups and individuals to help to inspire better mental health.

“When I was sick in hospital, I made a promise to myself that I would become the person I needed,” she said.

By talking with people who are living through their own challenges with mental health, she hopes to show them how it is possible to live a fulfilling life with Bi-Polar.

While in the Whitsundays, Bailey is open to talking with any individuals in the community.

She is here until Saturday and contactable on her Facebook page ‘Wandering Minds’ if you want to catch up with her.

To donate, go to wandering-minds.org.

If this article has brought up anything for you or triggered any challenging emotions, then remember you are not alone.

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14

Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network 4945 2858

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Bailey Seamer, who is walking 5,000 kilometres for mental health, standing with her partner Sean Fox in Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone,

On Sunday I took the family along to Clean Up Australia Day down at Coral Sea Marina and it was wonderful to see how many people participated this year.

Parents with strollers, families with brimmed hats and sunnies, couples enjoying a morning walk, individuals who wanted to be part of the movement.

To think that thousands of other people right across the country were all doing the same thing made me feel warm inside and proud to live in a great nation where people contribute, and take responsibility for cleaning up their own backyard.

On Sunday no one was saying – “that’s not my litter, why should I clean it up?”

Everyone was saying: “This country is beautiful, let’s do our bit to make sure it stays that way!”

We decided to venture off to Cannonvale Beach and on the way, we saw some dedicated adults scouring the sides of Shute Harbour Road with their big hessian sacks in-hand.

They were doing a fabulous job.

As we had children with us, we opted for the safety of parks and beaches.

We trawled along in the hot sun and the younger two children were distracted, ambling along and making small, very occasional attempts to pick up litter.

The 10-year-old, however, was on a mission to save the planet!

She jubilantly cried out whenever she spotted a bit of colourful plastic or bottle top and left no stone unturned.

It was wonderful to see her enjoying time with her dad who loved following her around with the hessian sack ready to fill.

In the end, we had a good collection, but I have to say it was not as much as I thought we would collect.

The reason for this is that our parklands and beaches are just too clean!

And this pristine backyard is thanks to everyone putting litter in bins and of course Parks and Gardens for cleaning up so well.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash” (Bill Nye)

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What was a routine call out for VMR Whitsundays was nothing of the sort for a local 10-year-old.

The local Volunteer organisation provided a medical evacuation from Nara Inlet in late January after a young boy was injured when a fishhook became deeply embedded in his hand – an experience that was undoubtedly traumatic.

But the young fisherman was set at ease by the local Crew and let them know how much he appreciated their assistance by sending them a thank you card weeks later.

“As a 10-year-old boy I felt so safe onboard VMR and the crew who went above and beyond,” the youngster wrote.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue for what felt like the scariest time of mum and dad’s life. I appreciate all of the crew, the skipper, and all involved braving that massive swell those huge waves and poor visibility.

“I will never forget that crazy afternoon fishing for a red snapper but instead I hooked myself. I was so happy to see those lights on the VMR rescue boat.

“The smiles from the crew gave me reassurance it’ll be okay.”

VMR representatives said receiving the letter at a local barbecue gave them a great deal of satisfaction and emphasised that they were “there for you when you need us.”

“It was so nice for our Crew to know he had recovered well,” a VMR spokesperson said.

“It made the trip in squally, rainy and generally unpleasant conditions on that particular evening worthwhile.”

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A 10-year-old's thankyou card to VMR Whitsundays for helping him when a fishhook became embedded in his hand

RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter airlifted a man stung on the face by an Irukandji jellyfish in Whitsunday waters in one of seven missions across last weekend for the region’s dedicated air rescue service.

The 41-year-old New South Wales man was stung on the face by the venomous jellyfish while swimming at Hamilton Island on March 3.

The RACQ CQ Rescue onboard medical team were tasked by Queensland Health with retrieving anti-venom for the patient from Mackay Base Hospital at about 9.45 AM on Friday before flying 90 kilometres north to Hamilton Island airport.

The patient, who was holidaying in the Whitsundays, was in “considerable pain” and suffering symptoms of the potentially deadly Irukandji syndrome when the helicopter crew arrived.

He was quickly transferred to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious condition.

In a further Whitsunday mission, the first on Sunday night, the helicopter rescue crew were tasked by Queensland Health with the transfer of a seriously ill patient from Proserpine to Mackay Base Hospital with a respiratory condition.

In nearby Ayr, an elderly man was airlifted after falling from a roof at 11.45 AM Monday.

The 73-year-old Ayr man was flown to Townsville University Hospital with suspected broken bones and serious internal injuries and is now in a serious but stable condition.

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The RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter landed at Hamilton Island airport to airlift a marine sting victim to Mackay Base Hospital

Scarlett Foti, the Proserpine Lions Club Youth of the Year 2023, continued her winning ways at the ‘Zone Final’ of the organisation’s annual program in Home Hill last weekend.

The Proserpine State High School student was awarded the Zone Youth of the Year at Home Hill Lions Club on Saturday, March 4, as Lions Club members from Whitsunday, Proserpine, Collinsville, and Bowen watched on.

The annual Lions Australia Program invites 16- to 17-year-old students to test their public speaking and interview skills in front of a crowd and panel of judges.

Contestants representing each of the Zone’s Lions Clubs were asked two impromptu questions and were given two minutes to respond. The first: Assuming Aliens exist, how would you explain earth and humans to a visitor? The other: If you could invite any guest speaker living or dead, who would it be and why?

After answering these questions, the students were then allowed to give a pre-prepared speech with a time limit of five minutes.

Proserpine Lions Club member Horace Lowbridge said all contestants were excellent and “are a credit to their schools.”

Ms Foti will now represent the Proserpine Lions Club in the District Final in Townsville on Saturday, March 18 of this year.

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Lions Club Youth of the Year 2023 Winners across the district zones: Teagan Rodriguez, Whitsunday; Hannah Moore, Bowen; Zone YOTY winner and Public Speaking Award winner Scarlett Foti, Proserpine; Rilee Mackie, Collinsville; and Martina Bojack, Home Hill

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High tides and wild weather are a fact of life in the Whitsundays and these natural phenomena often cause marine debris to wash up on our shores.

With Airlie Beach considered the gateway to the Whitsundays and many tourists’ first impression of our region, some locals believe that the ‘beach’ in Airlie Beach could do with a clean-up.

“Why can’t we have a machine that cleans the beach every morning, just like they have in the Gold Coast,” said one local who asked to stay anonymous.

While the Whitsundays is known for its sparkling turquoise ocean and picturesque bays, it is the main-land beaches that often suffer the brunt of tidal surges that deposit debris on the sand.

Director of Infrastructure Services for Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC), Adam Hagy, said that local beaches are cleaned on average six to eight times a year.

“The Parks and Gardens teams conduct beach clearing at Airlie Beach, Boathaven Beach, Shingley Beach and Cannonvale Beach, and the multiple beaches in Bowen on an as-required basis,” he explained.

“Parks and Gardens monitor the condition of all the beaches in our region, especially after storms or the wet season and when the northerly winds blow and bring in the debris of leaf matter and driftwood.”

WRC strategically plan beach clean-ups to be most effective and to coincide with when they are needed most, such as following high and king tides.

“Parks and Gardens wait until the tides are low then conduct the cleaning works,” said Mr Hagy.

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A local family is celebrating this week following a life-changing lotto win that will enable them to buy their first home.

The mum, who has chosen to remain anonymous, said that initially she’d thought they’d won $16,000 and was astounded when she discovered it was so much more.

“I didn’t realise how much it was at first and was jumping around thinking it was $16,000,” she laughed.

“When it dawned on me that it was more than $120,000, I was speechless.

“I called my husband and he was shaking! He didn’t even believe me at first!

“This will change our lives, it’s absolutely amazing.”

The winning woman said that she had been manifesting their win.

“Everything revolves around the number 6 in our lives, it’s our lucky number,” she said.

“I told my family last week that I was going to try Super 66 and to put into the world thoughts about winning so we might be able to buy our first home.

“Lo and behold, it seemed to work and we’re going to be able to find our family home after all!”

The family’s winning numbers in the Super 66 draw were 9, 9, 3, 6, 9 and 8.

The ticket was purchased online.

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A Whitsundays school has restructured classes and lost teachers due to a lack of student enrolments that it believes are connected to families moving away from the area because they can no longer find somewhere to live.

“We have not had the numbers of children enrolled that was anticipated,” said a statement from the school.

“Unfortunately, many of our families have not had anywhere to live and have had to move, one of the sad realities we are finding in the post pandemic world.”

As a result, an agreement was reached with some of the teachers to either relocate entirely or transfer to other schools within the region.

A spokesperson from the Department of Education said that staffing allocations are based on enrolments, and as enrolments fluctuate the state-wide teacher transfer system places teachers where they are most needed while ensuring class sizes remain at the right level.

“The Department undertakes comprehensive workforce planning to ensure there is a sustainable supply of teachers to meet the demands of state schools across Queensland,” said the spokesperson.

“This process does not affect the employment status of teachers under permanent contracts.

“School leaders also have autonomy and access to additional funding to invest in workforce as required.”

It is understood that all staffing changes at the local school were forged on an amicable agreement between the school and the teachers involved.

The Principal said they hoped the restructure did not cause too much disruption to the school community and thanked the multitude of staff who made it possible.

“I want to reiterate that it has only happened due to necessity,” they said.

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Whitsunday Regional Council has taken the first steps towards the construction of a $200,000 Airlie Place of Refuge.

Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Adam Hagy said that Council is seeking a contribution of 50 per cent of the funding for the project through the Disaster Ready Fund Round 1.

“This funding will allow us to pursue concept designs and feasibility studies,” Mr Hagy said.

“It is envisaged that the end product of this project would be located on Waterson Way, but that is yet to be determined through a feasibility study and further community consultation as the project develops.”

The project will encompass project planning to deliver a place of refuge in Airlie Beach, eventually providing a place for residents in Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, Airlie Beach, Mandalay, and Shute Harbour to evacuate to in the event of a severe weather incursion.

During these initial stages, the project will include original project scoping with community consultation through concept and detailed design and cost estimation.

Mr Hagy said the project is two-fold, with a chase for it to serve both the area as an emergency shelter and also as a car parking facility.

"Whilst it is a place of refuge, we're also considering a report in March 2022 that identified by 2036 Council would need an additional 486 car parks in Airlie Beach CBD," Mr Hagy said.

“That is due to population growth and tourism influx.”

Currently, in the event of a major weather event, whether that be fire, flood, or storm– such as Cyclone Debbie in 2017 – residents were only able to utilise a place of refuge in Proserpine and Bowen.

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The initial steps for the construction of an Airlie Beach Place of Refuge have begun as Whitsunday Regional Council seeks funding

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One of our region’s largest private employers is celebrating this week following the announcement that they won the Queensland Telstra Best of Business Award for Indigenous-led, owned and operated businesses succeeding through entrepreneurialism, innovation and inspiring the next generation of all Australians.

Hillery Group triumphed over 20,000 other applicants to bring the State award home to Bowen and Chief Executive Officer, Luke Hillery, said he is thrilled with the outcome.

“It’s pretty amazing,” he said.

“We are not in business to get accolades; we do it because we enjoy it and want to create a future for everyone at Hillery Group – but it is a nice feeling to have won this award.”

“We are extremely passionate and proud to create employment pathways for many young people in our community and we have high regard for the young Indigenous.

“We believe in equal opportunity and that everyone deserves a chance.”

The Hillery Group is a second-generation civil construction and quarry company that employs 120 local staff and is operated by brothers, Luke and Liam Hillery.

The business was founded by their parents who started out with just one truck for hire back in the 1980s.

The group now run five quarries, have multiple sand leases, deliver large civil projects and own over 300 assets which include trucks, excavators, loaders and graders.

In an impassioned speech on the awards night, Luke thanked his parents for their legacy and for wanting to create a better life for their family which is now thriving into another generation of Hillery’s.

He also thanks his parents for the mentorship he and his brother have received which has helped immensely since they took over and expanded the business further.

Special mention was also made to all past and present employees at Hillery Group who are the reason behind Hillery Groups success.

The Hillery family have indigenous ancestry stretching back to the Kalkadoon Tribe and have incredible stories of survival that date back through their father’s line to 1885.

As a result, the Hillery Group has always been proud of, and deeply connected to their indigenous roots.

Winning the Indigenous Excellence Award at State level gives the Hillery brothers automatic entry into the National Telstra Business Awards which are due to be held in Melbourne at the end of the month.

On the first day, they will make a presentation to a board and answer a series of questions.

They will then attend the award ceremony the following night to discover whether they have won.

Either way, Luke said they feel like winners and that the experience has been a great opportunity to reflect on the success of their business and the contribution made by everyone who is part of the broader “Hillery family”.

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Owners of Hillery Group, Luke and Liam Hillery, accepting their Telstra Better Business Award for Indigenous Excellence in Brisbane last week. Photo supplied

The Hillery Family and management team attended the awards in Brisbane last week

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Excited to say Councillors and I kicked off our 2023 Community Catch-ups last week with over 60 people turning up to the Dingo Beach Progress Association.

I am a huge advocate of face-to-face engagement with residents in the Whitsunday region and topics discussed at the first catch-up included land and natural resource management, local projects, disaster preparation resources, town planning, the upcoming budget process and community consultations relevant to the Gloucester community.

The community catch ups provide Councillors the opportunity to better connect with our smaller communities, build relationships, share information, and gather feedback on local issues.

Face to face catch ups allow us to facilitate a two-way flow of information, updating residents on Council projects relevant to them and listen to issues affecting the local community.

Upcoming catch ups are planned for Gumlu/Cape Upstart, Collinsville, Conway, Scottville, Shute Harbour, and Mt Coolon.

To keep up to date with upcoming catchups or if you have any ideas or topics you would like to discuss, checkout our online engagement portal Your Say.

I am aware that the new Shute Harbour boat ramp’s fixed walkway design has caused angst within our local boating community due to changing tidal levels.

The boat ramp is a state-owned government funded asset and they advised that the boat ramp needed to be constructed to withstand another cyclone and a walkway didn’t exist prior to Cyclone Debbie.

Shortly after being elected, I raised community’s concerns about the boat ramp issue in talks with Minister Mark Bailey late last year.

I am grateful that the Minister had given an assurance that he would arrange a meeting onsite with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) later this month.

Our aim now is to work with DTMR and MSQ to explore possible solutions to make the current boat ramp more user friendly based on community feedback.

Our hard-working road crews are currently completing the last of our re-sealing works program which includes $1.7 million dollars’ worth of works across 26 roads.

Our road network that Council maintains is huge as we look after more than 1780km of roads across the diverse Whitsunday region.

When severe weather events occur, we activate the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements from State and Federal Governments. It works as insurance for our roads to alleviate costs to ratepayers, but the process takes time.

Since October 2021 we’ve had multiple severe weather events impact our roads here in the Whitsundays. We’ve repaired over 80 damaged roads, costing over $23 million of disaster recovery funding.

Council is currently working with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to secure funding for the last weather event in January, with an estimated $65 million dollars in claims being applied for.

We are also in constant talks with QRA and the District Disaster Management Group to find a solution for the Ted Cunningham bridge repair and to restore better access for residents.

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The newly rebranded Mana Skin, Body & Soul at the Port of Airlie launched its new and timeless branding last week, introducing an exciting era of blissed-out packages and indulgent experiences as Airlie’s only Day Spa.

For the past five years, Vartamana Yoga & Spa has been operating from the site, but when its new owner, Jess Kent, took the helm late last year she decided it was time for a refresh.

“I wanted something that was still related to the previous name but suited our new concept” she explains.

“Mana came to me for a few reasons – it has many meanings in different cultures relating to healing, inner strength and Prestige”.

“The meaning behind the word just seemed to really resonate with what we are trying to do.”

With the name decided, Jess engaged her sister to design a new logo and the brand was officially launched at a special event last week.

As part of the re-brand, Jess said that Mana Skin Body & Soul is stepping away from yoga so it can focus entirely on Spa Experiences that range from luxury couple’s massages to float tank relaxation and advanced skin treatments. A place where you can rejuvenate your Skin, Body & Soul.

Their new Oxygeneo Treatment is perfect for this climate because there is no downtime afterwards. It offers Radiofrequency Skin Tightening, Oxygenation and Ultrasound Infusion, leaving your skin glowing.

While other Advanced Skin treatments are conducted in a more clinical setting, Mana Skin Body & Soul offers the same advanced options but in the comfort of their relaxing spa surrounds.

“You can come in and get your skin needling but at the same time you can also get a neck and shoulder massage, hot towels on your feet and all the other little things that make it more of an experience,” said Jess.

The OxyGeneo machine is a three-in-one super facial that tightens skin.

“It’s a really amazing machine!” said Jess.

“Technology has come such a long way from where it started – it used to be painful and uncomfortable, now it’s like a warm face massage that stimulates and reorganises your collagen.”

Mana Skin Body & Soul will also focus on its Day Spa experiences for locals celebrating special occasions, holidaymakers visiting our region and everyone in between.

With 15 staff and six large treatment rooms, two of which can be transformed into an indulgent couple’s massage areas, there are plenty of massage styles to choose from.

Many clients like to add a Float Tank to their experience, completing their relaxation ritual with the ultimate indulgence.

With the only Float Tank in Airlie Beach, it is easy to simply book the extra add-on.

“It has so many health benefits,” explains Jess.

“We have people come in with injuries and then others with anxiety and depression – you walk in and float out!”

A Float Tank is an enclosed bath full of room temperature water and Epson salts so you ‘float’ when you get inside.

It works by providing complete sensory deprivation, allowing the individual to drift into a calm state of relaxation.

One hour in a Float Tank has the same effects on your body as eight hours of sleep.

With a broad and thoughtful selection of experiential treatments, Mana Skin Body & Soul is delivering both a progressive and indulgent service to the Whitsundays.

For a full list of their services and to book Airlie’s only Day Spa head to manaspa.com.au.

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Owner of Mana Skin Body & Soul, Jess Kent, with her team. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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