Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is concerned about funding cuts that he believes could result in a lack of international tourists visiting the Whitsundays.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics have released a report that stated international tourist visitation is only 25 per cent of pre- pandemic 2019 levels.

Despite domestic tourists at a record-breaking high, Willcox believes that the government should be forward-thinking and allocating funding to attract global tourism now that the world’s borders are fully open.

He is frustrated that $35 million of funding has been cut from Tourism Australia this year and worried what the implications will be on our nation’s ability to reach global markets.

“The Prime Minister needs to start backing our tourism operators and regions like Dawson who are reliant on the international market,” he said.

“Tourism Australia is the agency responsible for marketing Australia as the destination of choice to international holiday makers.  

“The decision to cut $35 million from their funding in the budget was exceptionally poor.”

Willcox pointed out that local Whitsunday operators have dealt with a “double blow” when the COVID 19 Recovery for regional Tourism Fund ceased in December last year.

The Whitsundays and Mackay region had received $3,500,000 from the Federal Government which helped assist businesses and tourism operators who were heavily reliant on International Tourism.

“We are now competing heavily against the rest of the world to attract international travellers. It makes no sense for the Government to cut $35 million from the agency tasked with rebuilding our international tourism market,” he said.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton said he is also concerned with the reduction in funding.

He stated that domestic tourism has been strong but as Aussies head overseas, there will be a lag in international visitation as Australia is a long-haul market booked a year out.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Photo supplied

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Half Cut For Small Business

Just over a week ago the iconic Big Mango in Bowen mysteriously disappeared, only to reappear on Thursday morning cut in half with a giant seed protruding from the middle of the 10-metre structure.

While many locals stood back in wonder, Bowen Tourism and Business were ‘in the know’, their Manager Leanne Abernethy announcing that it was part of a stunt coordinated by Australia’s small business platform, Xero, to highlight the plight of small business owners who lose money through unpaid invoices.

Small business owners face 50 per cent of their invoices being paid late.

The startling statistic originated from a 2022 study commissioned by Xero, in conjunction with Accenture, and found that on average, late payments cost small businesses $1.1 billion per year.

By replacing the Big Mango with a replica that had been cut in half, organisers hoped to increase awareness of the challenges small businesses face.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said she was proud that the iconic Bowen Big Mango was being used to help highlight such an important issue.

“The Bowen Big Mango temporarily looked like a job half done to draw a focus to the real issues that small businesses face when their invoices are paid late,” she said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of communities in regional Australia, and we hope this stunt brings about a much-needed change in attitude towards paying invoices on time.”

While on the ground, Whitsunday Regional Council took the opportunity to install new legs and an internal refurbishment to make the Big Mango more durable.

The real Big Mango has now been returned to the site and work will continue at the location for the next few weeks.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said this big thing of ours would be ripe again in time for its 21st birthday in May and the makeover would ensure it would be an icon of Bowen’s landscape for many years to come.

She also added that Bowen Tourism and Business had been paid by media agency, HelloSocial, on behalf of Xero, to take part in the campaign.

The inflatable half-mango, valued at $30k, has also been gifted to Bowen Tourism and Business for use at future events.

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The 10-metre Big Mango was lifted by crane and taken away last week. Photo supplied

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A Whitsunday Regional Councillor is required to make a public admission of guilt, pay a fine of $500, and attend training or counselling after engaging in “inappropriate conduct” relating to a Council employee.

Councillor Jan Clifford’s actions were scrutinised by an independent assessor over six months, with the findings presented for decision to Whitsunday Regional Councillors at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

Three allegations of misconduct were brought to the table against Ms Clifford, the first two of which she was found guilty.

Councillor Clifford is required to publicly admit her guilt, be fined $500, and attend on-course training.

The initial, substantiated claim was that she had approached an unnamed employee and said words to the effect that “it appeared there was nepotism within the council with the appointment of Employee Y to Council position,” documents stated.

The second substantiated allegation stated that the Councillor attended a Council event last year, where the Councillor said to another attending employee about Employee Y, "I would rather speak to myself" and "I am still disgusted that [she] has got that position".

A third allegation was removed from discussions for being "school-kid stuff" had alleged Councillor Clifford ignored Employee Y at several previous Council meeting morning teas.

Under current policy, Local Government Mayors are held responsible for handling investigations and reprimand of Councillors.

Another Councillor Conduct Investigation against Councillor Mike Brunker was to be addressed at the meeting but was tabled due to Councillor Brunker being absent.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said that hiring independent assessors was not a regular procedure in these matters yet was deemed the "right course of action" considering the timing of the allegations.

“When these were brought to my desk, I had been in the job for less than a week,” Mayor Hall said.

Before discussions, Councillor Clifford spoke to her case: “I said to someone that it did not pass the pub test [the hiring of Employee Y], in broad terms,” she said.

“Am I sorry I said that? Maybe, maybe not. Because it does not in my opinion pass the pub test and this is nothing personal against the employee. A lot of people in this town would have applied for [that position].”

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Councillor Jan Clifford was fined $500 after findings substantiated her inappropriate conduct in treatment of a Council employee

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Proserpine is expected to receive its first public Basketball Courts as Whitsunday Regional Council requests funding for the project at Halpannel Park.

The $175,000 project hopes to address the current lack of a community sporting fixture of its type in the Whitsundays township.

Whitsunday Regional Council Project Officer Economic Development and Major Grants Elouise Lamb said the sports facility will be built at an established park facility in easy proximity to three schools.

Currently, local enthusiasts not attending one of Proserpine’s schools must make the drive to Airlie Beach to utilise facilities.

The court is projected for completion by December 2024, with funding still being sought through the DTIS Minor Infrastructure Program Round 1, with no construction start date announced.

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The family of Jay Brogden, who disappeared without a trace in 2007, are relieved that a second man has been convicted of manslaughter, the final piece of news that they hope will help them find closure.

Braddon Butler was charged with Jay Brogden’s murder in 2019 and has been detained, awaiting trial for the last four years.

His trial was scheduled for this week, but several days before it was due to begin, Butler pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

On Monday, at the Supreme Court in Mackay, he was sentenced to eight years.

The judge took into consideration the time he had already served, and Butler is now eligible for parole.

Last year Gavin Parnell was convicted of murder for shooting Jay Brogden in the head while the three of them were on a fishing trip off the coast of Airlie Beach.

It is understood that Butler was a drug dealer and had been selling drugs to Brogden when a discrepancy arose about money.

Butler and Parnell then took Brogden out on the fishing trip with the intent to seriously assault him, and Butler claims he had no idea that Parnell had a weapon.

Butler lied to the authorities twice about his involvement, once in 2007 and then in 2014.

Jay Brogden’s mum told the court that her son had been planning to move back home to his family in New South Wales before he was killed.

She said that not knowing what had happened to her son had been devastating for her family and that now she hopes they can put this behind them and one day focus on the good memories.

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A road sign calling for witnesses following the disappearance of Jay Brogden in 2007. Photo supplied

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One of Queensland’s largest private property development companies has withdrawn from its contracted $10 million purchase of Lindeman Island.

Shaun and Samantha Juniper, founders of The Juniper Group, have retracted their plans to purchase and develop the long-abandoned island off the shore of Airlie Beach.

Chinese cable TV operator White Horse Group had agreed to sell Lindeman – once the site of a luxurious Club Med resort – to the major private property developer in November of last year.

White Horse had purchased the island which sits 40 minutes from Airlie Beach a decade ago for $12.5 million and was seeking a $20 million return -- a figure which The Juniper Group had negotiated down to $10 million.

The Chinese company wished to divest itself of the island asset due to struggles with Queensland State Government approvals, despite having completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) component to redeveloping the island.

That EIS was for a $583-million-dollar masterplan to redevelop the abandoned site - but those plans are now once again up in the air, and it is unknown whether a future owner would continue with the already drawn-up scheme or come in with their ideas.

The announcement of The Juniper families' plans to develop a resort on the island was welcomed with open arms in the Whitsundays, but Lindeman now returns to its state of "development limbo".

It re-joins the likes of others in the Whitsunday Archipelago like Long Island, which was recently purchased by Oscars Hotels, as well as the Meridian Australia purchased Hook Island, and South Molle Island – an island owned by China Capital Investment Group.

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The proposed $10 million sale of Lindeman Island to Queensland developer The Juniper Group has fallen through as the company withdraws its offer

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Kind-Hearted School Staff Member Remembered

The Proserpine community is mourning one of its own following the passing of much-loved mother-of-three, Lynn Larkin, who will be remembered as a caring person who was highly respected for her work at the local State High School.

Lynn was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer seven years ago and fought a brave battle which involved numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 18, aged 60.

A service was held at the Showgrounds Pavilion and the ceremony was led by Reverend Suzy Sitton of the Uniting Church.

Lynn enjoyed a very modest and fulfilling life, she was born in Proserpine, and lived there all her life.

Born to Reg and Ethel Muller she was the second child of four.

After school, Lynn was employed by National Australia Bank, then Blue Nurses and Proserpine Hospital.

She went on to have three children – Jack, Hannah and Darcy – and for the last 10 years she worked as part of the Administration Team and Uniform Store at Proserpine State High School.

Lynn will always be remembered for her smile and highly organised workspace with great attention to the smallest detail; her positive outlook; loving personality and fantastic memory for creating procedures and implementing them.

Lynn was baptised and married in the local St James Uniting Church.

Her faith, empathy and compassion for others meant she was a tireless worker in our community.

A dedicated team member at Proserpine State High School, Lynn’s pride and passion for the job and broader community could never be questioned and she made it her business to welcome new families to the school.

“As a school community we extend our sincere sympathies to her family friends and loved ones at this difficult time,” said Principal Don McDermid.

Please remember that breast checks for anyone over 40 are free and can be arranged with Breast Screen Queensland by calling 13 20 50. Early detection can save lives. If you are worried about any changes in your breasts see your GP straight away, no matter your age.

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Lynn Larkin with her three children, Jack, Hannah and Darcy. Photo supplied

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The Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is celebrating its 23 consecutive annual event this year by introducing its new naming rights sponsor, Coral Sea Marina Resort.

Organisers say the new partnership represents a “sensational fit for our multi-sports event consisting of swim, cycle and run.”

“The entire Whitsunday community will benefit with this new lease of life partnership as our naming sponsor,” said President of Whitsunday Triathlon Club Michael Kimpton.

“This year we have a passionate committee and enthusiastic group of members who have decided to run the event in-house.

“Over the years we have collected the infrastructure and equipment which gives us a great base structure to set up the event.

“Everyone from the novice, the age grouper, the team player, pro and elite athletes will have a race to fit their style.”

The Airlie Triathlon Festival will take place over two days, with the kids and juniors competing on Saturday 29 July and adults on Sunday 30 July.  

Michael Kimpton said that a highlight this year will be the juniors’ races on the Saturday afternoon.

Youngsters from the age of 5 to 15, will receive race bags including their race apparel, and will then be encouraged to swim, splash or walk in the safety of the lagoon.

They will then run on the safe boardwalk to Coral Sea Marina Resort, and transit to their bikes (trainer wheels, BMXs, handlebar streamers all accepted) to be cheered along a similar route.

“The smile on their faces as they are cheered on through the finisher’s arch to be presented with their Finishers Medal, is just mind-blowing,” said Michael.

“No First places or disappointments; just massive achievement and encouragement for participating and finishing!”

The Race Precinct will be set up in the Broadwater Avenue carpark with as little disruption to the public as necessary.

The races will be a great spectacle for the public, with food vans and exciting activities for spectators during the event.

For any further encouragement or information, please visit the website or feel free to ring Michael, President of Whitsunday Triathlon Club on 0417 717 818.

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This year will be the 23rd annual Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival. Photo supplied

President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club, Michael Kimpton and Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development for Coral Sea Marina Resort celebrate the new partnership. Photo supplied

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Rising interest rates and the inflation monster continue to make headlines whilst renewable energy reliability has also started to be questioned, at a time when government is pouring billions into renewables.

Undoubtedly, we need to focus on cleaner power but are renewables the absolute answer? Renewable powerhouses like Germany have reluctantly started to bring coal back. Germany's goal had been to phase out all coal-generated electricity by 2038, but last year, swallowed the bitter pill of allowing coal-fired power back onto the grid partially due to the cost of gas but also as it needs more power.

The grid also needs a massive infrastructure upgrade and investment as we transition with new generation, transmission lines and energy storage are needed to keep the lights on in homes and businesses as ageing coal power plants shut down.

Why the focus on power? Recent CCIQ survey data details new sets of challenges in the post-Covid business environment. And cost and reliability of power are high on the business agenda.

Unsurprisingly, attracting and retaining employees, wage and insurance cost and interest rates are listed as the top growth constraints in Queensland in the last 12 months. Operating levels have returned or exceeded pre-Covid levels, especially in the Whitsunday region, however despite steady business performance, there is a degree of uncertainty with macroeconomic issues and high operating costs undermining business confidence.

For the third quarter in a row, businesses have reported growth with 37 per cent of businesses indicating their sales and revenue improved during the December quarter. However, in contrast, close to half of businesses surveyed expected the Queensland economy to perform weaker over the next 12 months and 53 per cent expected the national economy to perform weaker.

Is it just business focussing on the negative? Hopefully not. Locally, the ground work has been done and the future looks positive.– operate smart, efficiently and be ready to take advantage of every opportunity. After all, luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation.

Contributed with thanks to Alan Milostic, President of Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce.

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With Councillor Mike Brunker

Hello everyone!

The projects that I will be focusing on for 2023 will be all about lifestyle choices and improvement of liveability for all residents in my Division 6.

It’s exciting that Bowen’s iconic scenic walking from Horseshoe Bay to Rose Bay is being upgraded to a new track.

For many years Council have used job schemes to develop and maintain this beautiful track that meanders between our three iconic beaches of Horseshoe Bay over through Murrays Bay down to the picturesque Rose Bay and then doubling back through sub-tropical bush land to the start.

Planning for the future, Council has engaged a walking track specialist to design and construct a new and improved track that will be safer for walkers and include more photo opportunity locations to allow locals and tourists to take that beautiful hero shot as an everlasting memory of your trek.

Council also plans to add rest areas for those who want to take a more leisurely stroll and sit back and enjoy the tranquillity.

The design is ready to go out to the public for feedback, we are just waiting for support and sign off with Native Title and we should be able to get underway.

The other project I am interested in is the legendary Mullers Lagoon with its hundreds of bird species that call this Botanic Garden home.

We are currently working on a master plan which will see Stage 1 result in the kilometres of dirt pathways cemented to make the track accessible to all.

This means locals and tourists will be able to spend an afternoon walking around Mullers Lagoon absorbing the serenity of our jewel in the crown, smack bang in the middle of Bowen.

This lagoon was man made many years ago by the previous owners of the property and sold to Bowen Shire Council for the specific use of a Botanical Garden and Bird Sanctuary, which has been upheld to this day.

Upgraded pathways and more entertainment facilities will go a long way to introducing more locals and visitors alike to appreciate the truly beautiful open space this is.

On a personal note, I will be continuing to support my wife who volunteers for Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue to ensure that our furry friends can always find a home in troubled times.

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A local real estate agency raked in the rewards at a national level last week, bringing home Agency of the Year for Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, and Proserpine.

Taylor’s Property Specialists were recognized for their exceptional service at the 2023 RateMyAgent Awards for both buying and selling within the region.

RateMyAgent collates sales-per-suburb Australia-wide before factoring in testimonials for its prestigious national awards.

Principal of Taylor’s Property Specialists Rob Taylor said this was the first time they had received the award for Proserpine but the second year running in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, and Jubilee Pocket.

“We’re not the biggest company out there which makes us proud to receive these awards again,” Mr Taylor said.

“But it’s not about us, it’s about our customers; if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be here. I can’t thank them enough for the recognition of our team’s work.”

One of Taylor’s agents received major recognition as well: Sales Agent Melinda Butcher became a three-time winner for Agent of the Year in Airlie Beach - winning in 2018, 2022, and now 2023 - and a further back-to-back Agent of the Year for Cannonvale, winning in both 2022 and 2023.

In the past twelve months, the award-winning agent sold 66 properties for a total of $32.4 million in sales, all while maintaining her impeccable five-star review rating.

Ms Butcher was grateful to those she had helped purchase or sell their homes.

“I’m very humbled to have won these awards for a second time, and I am so excited to continue leading the people of the Whitsundays through the best real estate journeys possible,” Ms Butcher said.

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Taylor’s Property Specialists won Agency of the Year for Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, and Proserpine as well as Agent of the Year for Cannonvale and Airlie Beach at the recent RateMyAgent 2023 awards

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As we celebrate International Women's Day in 2023, we are reminded of the importance of embracing equity and the impact it can have on creating a more just and equal world.

The theme of this year's celebration is "Embrace Equity", a call to action for individuals to recognise and address the inequalities that women continue to face, particularly those from marginalised communities.

While progress has been made in recent years towards gender equality, it is essential to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go.

Women from marginalised communities continue to face discrimination and bias in multiple areas of life, such as education, employment, healthcare, and politics.

As we reflect on the achievements of women in our own community, we must also recognise and honour those whose contributions have often been overlooked or ignored.

It is only by embracing equity that we can ensure that every woman has an equal opportunity to thrive.

This International Women's Day, let us work towards creating a world where every woman has equal access to opportunities and resources.

Let us acknowledge and honour the contributions of women from all walks of life and commit to taking action to address the inequalities that still exist.

By working together towards equity, we can create a future where every woman can achieve her full potential and live a life free from discrimination and inequality.

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Jess Hope, Sarah Watson, Elmarie van der Westhuizen, Misty Bland, Nicole Polley, Kath Barker, Tegan Faust, Beth Walters, Jen Walters and Erin Flemming. Photo credit: Norina Jane

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Member for Whitsunday‍

With one of the most recognisable faces in the Whitsundays, our local state member is seen regularly attending events, handing out awards, supporting charity BBQs, manning community stalls and cheering-on sporting teams.

At the forefront of local issues, she is also on the pulse and committed to advocating for our region when she travels down to Parliament House in Brisbane.

Raised in Proserpine, Amanda grew up near the O’Connell River and lived in the Pioneer Valley for much of her teenage years.

Throughout her childhood, she would spend all school holidays visiting family between Proserpine and Midge Point.

She now lives in the Northern Beaches of Mackay, which is the southernmost point of her electorate.

Amanda’s career has been both diverse and varied, from positions in the travel industry to securing charity partnerships with major mining companies.  

She began her career in the sugar industry, transitioning from sugar chemist to farmer and then moved into social and economic development and Local Government, where she served as Mackay’s Deputy Mayor.

“This provided great experience for my current role as Member for Whitsunday with various Shadow Minister responsibilities,” she said.

“No two days are the same in my role as the local member but by far the most enjoyable part is being able to connect with people across the community and help make a positive impact.”

In her own time, Amanda enjoys being with her family, hiking national park trails, doing yoga and has recently taken up playing golf.

She also loves catching up with friends from all over the country, usually over facetime with a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Despite her incredible achievements, Amanda says that her biggest success in life is watching her three children become young adults.

Describe your personality in three words:

Energetic, compassionate, hard-working

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Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council

Bringing with her a wealth of knowledge from 16 years running her own business in the private sector, Julie is both a talented entrepreneur and published author who created an internationally recognised personal development profiling system.

These incredible credentials form the foundations of her role as Mayor of the Whitsundays and since August last year she has poured energy, enthusiasm and countless hours of dedication into the position.

Originally from Glenelg, South Australia, Julie moved to rural SA with her family when she was nine years old. Her childhood cultivated a love for regional living and after residing in the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast for 16 years, she found her paradise in Bowen.

Julie has three grown children and four grandchildren and says they are the best thing that ever happened to her.

On the rare occasion she doesn’t have community commitments on weekends, she enjoys fishing, camping and sailing.

During her life, Julie has held many positions in male dominated fields and during this time she has witnessed firsthand where the renumeration for women in the same role is not always equal, especially in the sales and management roles.

“If you do the same work and the same hours, you should not be discriminated against because of your gender,” she said.

“Life continues to be a challenge for women in the workplace, but I am elated to stay that Council is playing its part in women’s equality.

“Our renumeration packages are equal wages for both men and women in the same role and our indoor and outdoor workforces combined workforce is 60 pe cent Male and 40 per cent female.

“I’ll admit we still have room to do better but it is exciting Council is headed in the right direction.”

Describe your personality in three words:

Workaholic, loyal, fun

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Owner of Core Publishing

Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper

Making waves in the publishing world, Bec’s career has skyrocketed even further into success in the past three years with the introduction of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper.

Bec started her first magazine when she was just 21 years old and recalls being a young girl with a big dream – a dream that paid off with dedication, perseverance and of course the entrepreneurial grit which has seen her launch several highly regarded publications.

Initially, Bec produced City Life Magazine, a lifestyle publication that began in Cairns and expanded to Townsville and the Whitsundays.

At the time she sold City Life to APN Australian Regional Newspaper, her son, Kaylem was just six months old so she decided to use some of the non-compete period to stay at home with her son and start a completely different business in signage.

Kaylem was 5, when she started making plans to start Core Life Magazine and, by coincidence, APN closed their failed attempt at running City Life the same week as she launched – eliminating her competition.

This was almost 12 years ago, and Core Life has been a cornerstone of the local business community ever since.

Eight years ago, Bec launched Tripping Magazine, a successful travel and leisure publication.  

Then, almost three years ago when News Corp shut down 14 regional newspapers, she launched Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper to give the community back their voice in print.

Bec lives with her husband of 15 years, Paul (Douthy) and her now-17-year-old-son who has just got his P-plates.

In her spare time, she loves renovating the house with her husband, working out at the gym or taking their three dogs for long walks at Conway Beach.

Describe your personality in three words:

Friendly, Ambitious, and Loyal

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