Tourism Whitsundays has officially joined the Destination Think Collective, a global network of forward-thinking destinations committed to building a more sustainable future for tourism.

The Collective includes regions such as Auckland, Banff, Copenhagen, Queenstown, Hawai’i and Aruba. Together, they share the belief that when tourism evolves to meet modern challenges, it can become a powerful force for good, supporting communities while protecting the natural places visitors come to experience.

For The Whitsundays, joining the Collective reflects our ongoing commitment to caring for the Great Barrier Reef and the broader region. As custodians of one of the world’s most recognised natural assets, sustainability is not a trend here, it is a responsibility.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the move is about collaboration and shared learning.

“By joining the Collective, we’re strengthening our commitment to safeguard what makes this region special while connecting with destinations around the world who are on the same journey.”

The Collective aims to build a tourism industry that benefits local communities, supports resilient economies and protects the planet. It also recognises that travel can inspire positive change, with visitors experiencing sustainability initiatives firsthand and taking those lessons home.

Across The Whitsundays, operators, community groups and citizen science projects are already setting a strong example in environmental stewardship. Membership in the Collective allows the region to share that leadership while continuing to learn and improve for the future.

Contributed with thanks to Rosanagh Gallivan, PR & Social Media Manager, Tourism Whitsundays.

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BMA CQ Rescue has released its 2026 Community Report, revealing 2025 as the busiest year in the lifesaving service’s history, with crews responding to hundreds of missions across the Whitsundays and wider Central and North Queensland.

Over the past 12 months, BMA CQ Rescue flew more than 339,000 kilometres, responded to 778 missions and provided urgent aeromedical care to 834 patients. The missions ranged from inter-hospital transfers to primary response and search and rescue operations across some of the region’s most remote and challenging terrain.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Healee said the figures highlight both increasing demand and the vital role community support plays in keeping the service operational.

“Behind every one of those 778 missions is a person facing one of the hardest days of their life. A family waiting. A community counting on help to arrive in time,” Mr Healee said.

“2025 was our busiest year yet, but it was also a year of extraordinary progress. With two state-of-the-art AW139 helicopters and our own Air Operator Certificate, BMA CQ Rescue has become one of the most capable and independent aeromedical providers in regional Australia.”

The report also marks a milestone year as the service celebrates 30 years of operation, including the arrival of its second AW139 helicopter in June 2025 and continued investment in crew training and community engagement.

General Manager Lisa Martin said the report focuses on the human impact behind the statistics.

“This report is about more than numbers. It is about lives saved, families reunited, and communities supported,” Ms Martin said.

“When floodwaters isolated North Queensland communities last year, our crew stepped forward without hesitation. When our community needs help, we will always be there to deliver lifesaving support when every second counts.”

Operating 24 hours a day, BMA CQ Rescue services the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions, remaining free for patients thanks to the ongoing support of local donors, businesses and volunteers.

CAPTION: Bowen, Dysart, Moranbah, Proserpine, Townsville, Clermont,

Collinsville, Hamilton Island, and Nebo were among BMA CQ Rescue’s top serviced locations in 2025. Photo supplied

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When most people think about Council’s Budget, they think about June — that’s when it’s adopted and when headlines tend to appear.

But what many don’t see is that the real work starts months earlier.

Councillors have now formally begun work on the 2026/2027 Budget, and I want to reassure our community that this is a careful, staged and considered process. Budgets are not put together overnight, and they’re certainly not decisions made on a whim.

This year we are holding a series of Special Budget Meetings, allowing Councillors to work progressively through the draft Budget in detail. Each session focuses on different areas — revenue, operational costs, capital works, service levels and long-term financial impacts. It is methodical, deliberate work.

At the adoption of last year’s Budget, I was upfront in acknowledging that our General Fund had developed a structural deficit over previous terms of government— a position that is not sustainable over the long term. Since then, we have been working to reset Council’s financial settings so we can restore balance in a measured and responsible way.

As Mayor, I believe we have a responsibility to address that rather than doing nothing and passing the pressure to future councils and future generations.

In practice this means examining expenditure, challenging assumptions and testing long-term impacts to ensure Council lives within its means. That doesn’t mean cutting for the sake of cutting, but it does mean being disciplined and responsible with public funds. That work will inevitably involve making choices about priorities, timing and how services are delivered so they remain sustainable into the future.

We also understand that many households and businesses across the Whitsundays are feeling cost-of-living pressures. That reality reinforces the importance of Council operating efficiently and ensuring every dollar delivers value to the community.

Our goal is to deliver a responsible and sustainable Budget that maintains essential services, provides value for money and strengthens Council’s long-term financial position.

The final Budget will be adopted in June, but the foundation is being laid now. This is deliberate work aimed at strengthening Council’s financial position while maintaining the services our community relies on.

As Mayor, I can assure the community that we are approaching this task with care, transparency and a clear focus on long-term financial sustainability.

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Reef Side Buyers Agents is an independent property buying service based in the Whitsundays, dedicated to helping people purchase homes and investment properties with confidence. Working exclusively for buyers, the team provides end-to-end support from property search through to settlement, ensuring clients feel informed and supported at every stage.

The business was founded after more than 20 years in the building and housing industry, alongside extensive personal experience as long-term property investors.

After relocating to the Whitsundays with their young family, founders Rachael and Tyson experienced first-hand how challenging it can be to navigate the local market — particularly for interstate buyers and first-home purchasers without on-the-ground support. Reef Side Buyers Agents was created to help bridge that gap.

Services range from full search-to-settlement support for clients seeking a completely hands-off experience, to targeted assistance with property research, negotiation, and auction representation. The focus is always on honest advice, strong local market knowledge, and personalised service aligned with each client’s lifestyle and financial goals.

The Whitsundays continues to attract strong interest from interstate families relocating for lifestyle reasons, as well as investors seeking long-term growth. In a competitive market, buyers are increasingly looking for trusted local guidance rather than relying solely on online listings. Access to off-market opportunities has also become increasingly valuable.

As a newer local business, building relationships with agents, developers, and industry professionals has been a key priority over the past year. By actively engaging in the community and delivering consistent results, Reef Side Buyers Agents has quickly established strong local insight.

Their advice to fellow business owners is simple: be present in your community, listen closely to your clients, and prioritise long-term relationships over short-term gains.

As Chamber members, they value the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the region’s continued growth.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Rachael and Tyson Griffiths

Photo supplied

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One of Queensland’s most destructive pest animals are being targeted under a new management action plan and more boots on the ground with Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcoming news that Whitsunday farmers and landholders will also benefit.

Mr Last said the release of the draft Queensland Feral Pig Management Action Plan 2026 –2031 was a chance for landholders, stakeholders and industry to have their say on the state’s coordinated approach to tackling feral pigs.

“In the space of one year it was estimated feral pigs caused $95 million in production losses and direct control costs including over $4 Million in the Whitsunday’s horticulture crop alone,” Mr Last said.

“The damage these animals do and risk to human health cannot be understated which is why it is crucial we have a feral pig management plan that recognises the individual needs of each region, including Bowen.”

“Feral pigs do not just damage crops, they have been known to degrade waterways, carry infectious diseases and kill young stock and native fauna.”

Mr Last said the draft plan had been developed through regional workshops, consultation and stakeholder input but now was the chance for local landholders and industry groups to also have their say.

“Having a management plan is about delivering real solutions with the funding needed to take meaningful action on the population of feral pigs across Queensland and in Bowen,” Mr Last said.

“Already the Crisafulli Government is delivering an additional 100 biosecurity officers added to the front line and investing in innovative techniques and control tools within six priority regions.”

“The better the engagement now, the better the outcome for everyone so it’s important every stakeholder takes the time to have their say. By working with landholders, regional groups and industry we ensure this plan actually works effectively on the ground.”

Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Electorate Office.

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The Bowen Turf Club is excited to announce it has been allocated an additional race day for 2026. This now means there will be a total of seven race days for the 2026 calendar. This is incredibly exciting news for all involved. The dates are listed below:

Sat 11th April - April Race Day

The first race day of the 2026 season - family friendly, free entry, Filby's vehicle display, kid's activities, bar, jumping castle, face painting + more!!

Sunday 10th May - Mother's Day Race Day

A TAB race day, celebrating all the mothers in the Whitsunday region!!

Sat 30th May - Whitsunday Cup Race Day

Join the club in celebrating the iconic region for the annual "winter" race day!!

Sunday 21st June- Sunday Race Day

Saturday 15th August - Ben Bolt Cup

Celebrating the track namesake, and the local horticulture industry with additional human races (melon and tomato) plus kids events alongside country thoroughbred races.

Tues 15th September - TAB mid-week Race Day

Sat 10th October - Filby's Motors Bowen Cup 2026

Aka - "The Race That Stops Whitsundays", packed with racing action, marquees, Fashions on the Field and more!!

The Bowen Turf Club are looking forward to another fantastic season of country racing in the Whitsundays and hope to see you trackside!!

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The Bowen Visitor Information Centre, next to the Big Mango, is continually expanding the range of merchandise and souvenirs available – and have now added “Spotto” Books to the range.

An extension of the game “I Spy” or “Spotto”, often played in the car on long trips to eliminate boredom, the newly released Spotto Books have taken the joy of the classic pass time and transformed it into an educational and fun activity for the whole family!

There are several books in the series including the Classic edition but also Coastal, Queensland, Australia and “Big Things”.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the Big Mango was featured in the Big Things edition, so the team decided it was a great idea to stock them at our very own iconic big thing.

“We have only just added them to our range of merchandise, and they are already proving popular,” she said.

The creator of the books, Jess, is an experienced tour guide who originally created them for her own kids as she wanted them to relax on long road trips, so she could relax.

According to the Spotto Books website, Jess was frustrated that her kids weren’t looking out the window at the beautiful landscape and unique animals.

The website states that she created a Spotto Book filled with animals, plants, vehicles, iconic locations and Big Things to spot and tick off. When she saw how well they worked at entertaining her kids, and how excited they became when they spotted something in the book, she decided to create them for everyone.

The business won two NSW Tourism Awards last year.

Call in to the Big Mango and grab some books for the kids – and check out all the other merchandise and local produce while you are there.

Contributed with thanks to Bowen Tourism and Business.

Bowen Tourism and Business team member Julieanne Firmin with the Spotto books now available at the Big Mango. Photo supplied

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As regional communities continue to navigate workforce shortages and rising living costs, access to a driver’s licence remains one of the most significant barriers facing young people. In Bowen, one local program is working to remove that barrier, but it urgently needs more volunteers to keep the wheels turning.

The PCYC Queensland initiative, Braking the Cycle (BTC), is currently seeking volunteer mentors in Bowen to support young learner drivers who are unable to complete the mandatory 100 hours of supervised driving required to gain a Queensland licence.

Delivered locally through PCYC Bowen, Braking the Cycle is designed to assist young people facing barriers such as financial hardship, limited access to a suitable vehicle, or a lack of a licensed supervisor. Without support, many of these young people remain unable to obtain their licence, limiting their access to employment, training and education opportunities.

The program matches learner drivers with trained volunteer mentors and provides a safe, fully insured vehicle for lessons. Mentors play a practical role in helping participants develop safe driving skills and positive road safety behaviours, while also offering encouragement and a supportive community connection.

The benefits of the program extend beyond the individual learner. Research consistently links supervised mentoring programs with improved safe driving behaviours, reduced crash risk and stronger community engagement. Locally and statewide, Braking the Cycle reports that around 70 per cent of graduates move into employment or further education within three to six months of obtaining their licence.

However, the program’s continued success relies heavily on volunteer support. BTC Bowen is currently running critically low on mentors, placing pressure on its ability to meet demand from young people eager to complete their driving hours.

For those with time to give, even a few hours a week can make a measurable difference. In regional communities where public transport options are limited, a driver’s licence is often the key to independence, employment and connection.

As demand for the program continues, BTC Bowen’s call for volunteers highlights a broader truth: community-based initiatives rely on community participation. Without additional mentors stepping forward, some young people may face longer waits to access the support they need.

Residents interested in attending the morning tea or learning more about volunteering with Braking the Cycle are encouraged to contact PCYC Bowen for further information.

Photos supplied

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The start of the new year offers a unique opportunity to reset the energy, focus and engagement of your team. After the Christmas break, people return with a mix of emotions — refreshed, distracted, pumped!, or still carrying the mental load of last year. Try to avoid jumping straight back into deadlines and deliverables and focus on reconnecting your people to purpose, priorities and each other. Why? Because research shows investing time in connecting your team increases productivity, job satisfaction, and staff retention. All the things a small business needs!

Regardless of how small your team is - start your year with an honest conversation about highlights, challenges and lessons from the previous year. It helps teams draw the line on one ‘era’ before starting the next. People are more engaged when we validate their experiences and align it to how they make a difference. Then shift the focus forward. Be clear about what success looks like in the months ahead, what will be different, and what the real priorities are.

Then focus on connection. Team cohesion dips after a break so use this discussion to re-establish best ways of working, communication preferences, reinforce shared values and behaviours and give feedback as to how they made a difference last year.

February is also the time to be intentional about leadership development. Rather than relying on ad hoc, reactive training, step back and plan for the challenges ahead — managing change, difficult conversations, creating a better workplace culture, managing time (and let’s be honest there is always simple fixes to gain more time) or building resilience. Map your needs early and show your team they’re supported with the training (and real-world application) they need to succeed. When leadership growth is planned, visible and ongoing, it sends a strong message to your team – you care!

Finally, check the capacity of your team. The new year often starts with big ambitions, but the long year ahead requires realistic pacing. Discuss workloads, potential stresses and challenges early on and identify simple support strategies. And if you can’t really change anything, just be honest – at least they feel heard which always increases engagement and productivity.

Don’t avoid these discussions. Having honest, authentic team chats means you’re always informed of what’s really happening for your team and your business. It’s a risk assessment which also shouts, “we care”. Too many of us think because “we’re just a small team - everyone knows how I feel about them”. Not so! By scheduling time for this you’re sending a strong signal “I value you!” which results in a workplace culture or ‘vibe’ that no-one wants to leave.

Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter

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Feb Month 9–Contract Reviews

Before you sign anything, send it our way.

Just because it’s "standard" doesn’t mean it’s safe. Whether it's a business contract, a private agreement, or anything with a signature box, it’s worth having us take a look. We’ll flag anything risky, explain your obligations in plain English, and make sure you’re protected.

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Is Your Property Ready?

Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty is launching the Whitsundays’ most prestigious ever auction event, with campaigns commencing 30 March and culminating in live and online auctions on 10 May 2026.

A curated collection of prestige properties will be presented under one unified campaign, supported by national print placement, strategic public relations and access to our international buyer network. Sellers may choose between a live auction on Hamilton Island or a structured 30-day online auction, ensuring the most appropriate pathway for each property.

Participation in this inaugural event is limited, with campaign commitments closing 6 March.

If you are considering selling in 2026, we invite you to contact us to discuss whether your property is suited to Auction Week.

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Donations raised at Life Publishing Group’s sold-out Enchanted Garden fundraiser in October 2025 are now being distributed, with a total of $56,000 shared among eight charities doing vital work across North Queensland.

In the first handover, a cheque for $8,000 was presented to Ailen Lord, President of Fauna Rescue Whitsundays.

The funds will go to vital medical equipment, food and provisions for native wildlife rescued from our region, as the non-profit organisation rehabilitates injured, orphaned and sick animals with a goal to send them back to the wild.

Ailen would like to thank the community for their kind donations that evening.

“At first I didn't believe it,” she said.

“I was like, No, it can't be $8,000… then I went and read the email. We were really overwhelmed and very thankful because we normally don't get that much money to help us, and mainly, people don't even know what we're doing... It's just so nice.

“So, thank you so much everyone. And I know you don't actually see the impact you put towards donating this money. But it's huge, so I'll try to share some photos so you guys can see where that money goes and how the wildlife gets back out there thanks to this. So thank you so much, everybody.”

With the charity currently spending $10,000 on vet bills alone, and another $10,000 a year on food, the donation will go far to help the volunteers sustain the amazing work they do.

With a baby pinky brush-tailed possum tucked into her shirt as she accepted the cheque, it’s clear that Ailen and the team care deeply for the wildlife that surrounds the Whitsundays, and will continue to put their all into the cause.

Other animals the organisation rescues and rehabilitates include rock wallabies, birds, reptiles and native frogs, with a specialised frog hospital located in Mackay.

Ailen said plans are underway to establish additional outdoor enclosures for recovering wallabies, which can be difficult to house in volunteer homes. With continued community support, the team hopes to expand its facilities and make an even greater impact in the year ahead.

1 – Ailen Lord accepts $8,000 raised by last year’s fundraiser, with Life Publishing’s Rachael Smith and Trish Jandt. Photo: Suzanna Mcloughlin.

2,3,4 – Some of the cuties saved by Fauna Rescue Whitsundays. Photos: Facebook.

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Investment in skills and training is continuing to support local jobs and inclusive employment across the Whitsundays, with the Skilling Queensland for Work initiative helping community organisations deliver practical training and pathways into employment.

The program supports community-based organisations to provide training, mentoring and hands-on work experience for Queenslanders looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, while also delivering real benefits to local industries and communities.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the program was helping create meaningful opportunities across the region.

“Programs like Skilling Queensland for Work are creating real pathways for people in our community to gain skills, build confidence and move into meaningful employment,” Ms Camm said.

“In regional areas like the Whitsundays, investing in local training and workforce development is essential to supporting businesses and strengthening our economy.”

In Cannonvale, Endeavour Foundation continues to support people with disability through tailored training and employment programs that build independence and job-ready skills.

“Endeavour Foundation does incredible work supporting people with disability to develop confidence and practical workplace skills,” Ms Camm said.

“These programs help ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the workforce and be part of our community.”

Local industry groups, including Canegrowers, are also benefiting from workforce initiatives aimed at supporting the future of Queensland’s agriculture sector, helping build a pipeline of skilled workers for the region.

Ms Camm said continued investment in skills and training would deliver long-term benefits for the Whitsundays.

“By supporting local organisations and industry to deliver training and employment pathways, we are creating opportunities for individuals and building a stronger future for our region,” she said.

Amanda Camm with the Endeavour Foundation in Cannonvale

Photo supplied

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Renewable Energy Partners have withdrawn their proposal for the Proserpine Wind Farm, a 166-turbine project put forward in 2022. The project had reached final stages of planning before being dropped this month.

Renewable Energy Partners had pitched that the farm would generate enough renewable energy to power roughly 640,000 houses a year, whilst creating 250 jobs.

Their plans, however, created controversy amongst some locals who raised concerns about the impact of the farm on the environment, health, and the area’s liveability.

Protesters from the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group stated: “Today’s news that the Proserpine Wind Farm is not proceeding has understandably lifted spirits across the community.”

However, they highlighted, other ongoing wind projects remain on their radar – namely the Mt Challenger Wind Farm, a turbine development proposed by Alinta Energy.

This proposal involves two separate project locations at Mt Challenger and Crystal Brook/Kelsey Creek with plans for up to 30 industrial wind turbines, each reaching approximately 240 metres in height.

Several of the proposed turbine locations are close to existing rural homes and properties, with some situated within 1.5 kilometres of residences and less than 9 kilometres from Proserpine.

Alinta calls the project “a powerful opportunity for the region”, which is “committed to making a positive impact in communities.”

According to their website: “The project is expected to bring a range of benefits, including jobs across construction, operations, and decommissioning phases; upgrades to essential services like roads and emergency response; and contributions to initiatives led by the community itself.”

At time of publication, a petition against the Alinta Energy development has garnered 4,493 signatures.

“This conversation isn’t over,” Whitsunday Wind Farm Action states.

“We ask: If a project in a more suitably located area has been deemed unviable, and the region is already described as “chock-full” of wind proposals, why does a proposal situated closer to homes, scenic corridors and established rural communities continue to move forward?”

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, met with the group this week to hear community concerns.

“We are grateful to Andrew and his team for standing with us, for acknowledging our concerns, and for committing to continue advocating on our behalf,” the group published.

“This community is resilient, informed, and united — and we will continue to stand up for our homes and our future.”

Photo Source: Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group

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Controlled water releases were underway over the weekend at Kinchant Dam as authorities responded to ongoing and forecast heavy rainfall across the dam’s catchment.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 18 February, Sunwater confirmed release rates would increase from approximately 648 megalitres per day to around 1,250 megalitres per day in preparation for further weather impacts.

Sunwater warned the increased flows may contribute to localised flooding downstream, with reports of minor impacts already circulating since Tuesday, 17 February. Residents in affected areas were urged to remain vigilant as conditions continued to evolve.

Excess water releases commenced at 8:45am on Wednesday after the dam reached its maximum operating level of 87 per cent. Earlier advice issued on Tuesday morning indicated the dam was likely to reach this threshold later that day, with flows expected into Sandy Creek.

At that time, residents downstream of the dam — including those near Sandy Creek, Mirani and Eton — were advised to stay informed and monitor conditions closely. Water flows were expected to impact Antoneys Crossing and Curran’s Crossing, with increased flows forecast within six to 12 hours.

Catchment levels have been rising steadily throughout February. On the morning of Wednesday, 4 February, Sunwater reported the dam peaked at 56.69 metres, reaching 80.30 per cent capacity. By that afternoon, levels had increased to 82.26 per cent.

The most significant rise was recorded on Monday, 16 February, when levels jumped from 83.92 per cent to 87.10 per cent in just 24 hours.

As of Wednesday, 25 February, the catchment was sitting at 84.68 per cent capacity, holding 61,169 megalitres of water at a height of 57.03 metres - just 1.18 metres below the dam’s spillway level.

On Sunday, 22 February, after almost five days of releasing excess water, Sunwater confirmed Kinchant Dam had now returned to regular operating conditions, and releases have now ceased after the catchment recorded a capacity of approximately 84 per cent.

“Sunwater’s thoughts are with any communities in Queensland who may be experiencing flooding due to extreme weather,” said a Sunwater spokesperson.

“Due to recent rainfall across North and Central Queensland, several Sunwater dams are spilling or close to capacity, and minor releases from Kinchant Dam ceased on Sunday 22 February.”

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, 25 February, Peter Faust Dam reached a capacity of 96.72 per cent, 16.81 per cent below the historical high recorded in late March, 2011 of 113.53 per cent.

Sunwater assured they do not expect Peter Faust Dam to spill based on current forecasts, however warned conditions could change rapidly and are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding.

“Sunwater is closely monitoring conditions across dam catchments and liaising with Local Disaster Management Groups as necessary. We will continue to provide updates regarding individual dams as per Emergency Action Plan requirements,” the spokesperson said.

“We would urge the community to remain vigilant near rising water courses and listen to advice from councils and emergency services - and if it’s flooded, forget it.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring Kinchant Dam storage levels, tuning in to ABC Tropical North on 101.1 FM, and checking local updates, road closures and evacuation information through Mackay Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard. River and rainfall conditions can also be monitored via the Bureau of Meteorology.

In an emergency, residents should call Triple Zero (000). For flood assistance, contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500 or through the SES Assistance QLD app.

1. Peter Faust Dam reached a capacity level of 96.72 per cent earlier this week. Photo credit: Cr John Collins
2. Water releases at Kinchant Dam have now ceased. Photo source: Sunwater