As we wrap up the year here in The Whitsundays, it feels like the perfect time to take a breath, look back on what we’ve achieved together and get excited for what’s shaping up to be a huge summer for our region.

It’s been a pretty exciting year of progress. We’ve had the announcements of the Ngaro Track and Twin Creeks Mountain Track and big momentum behind the Whitsunday Skyway. Plus, with new island developments underway on Hook and Lindeman Island, there’s plenty happening that will keep our region moving forward in all the right ways.

Holiday bookings are looking really strong, currently up 10% on last year with Christmas and New Year sitting at around 85% occupancy. It’s safe to say it’s going to be a lively festive season across The Whitsundays, and busy for our tourism businesses. January’s a little softer at the moment at around 50%, but we all know how many travellers book on a whim, so we’re expecting that to lift.

Because this is my last column for the year, I want to say a huge thank you to our community, our tourism partners and everyone who backs The Whitsundays day in, day out. Your enthusiasm and hard work are what give this region its magic.

Wishing you all a safe, happy and very sunny festive season. Whether you’re working through, travelling, or just kicking back with friends and family, enjoy it. Here’s to an even bigger 2026.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth. Photo sourced: Online

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What started as uncertainty has quickly turned into excitement, connection, and festive cheer as Proserpine prepares to come together this Friday night for the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair.

Only a short time ago, it looked as though the much-loved Christmas fair might not go ahead this year. However, following a team discussion at the office of Amanda Camm MP, about how best to support a community Christmas celebration, a decision was made - even if a little last minute - to bring people together and make it happen.

By joining forces with Whitsunday Regional Council and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce, the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair was born, with one clear goal: to give the community a chance to connect, celebrate, and share in the Christmas spirit.

Since announcing the event, the response from the community has been overwhelming. Local businesses, stallholders, food vendors, and volunteers have all stepped forward, keen to be involved and support the evening.

Already, excitement is building, with shops and dining venues planning to stay open on the night, live entertainment and market stalls coming together, and families looking forward to enjoying a relaxed festive evening in the heart of town.

This Friday night’s fair is shaping up to be a wonderful example of what Proserpine does best - coming together with generosity, enthusiasm, and community pride.

Everyone is invited to head into Main Street, enjoy the atmosphere, support local businesses, and share in a joyful celebration as Proserpine lights up for Christmas.

WHAT: Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair
WHERE: Main Street, Proserpine
WHEN: Friday 12 December, 5pm - 8pm

Contributed with thanks to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP

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Just before 10.00am on Saturday 6 December, emergency services received a Triple Zero call reporting a vegetation fire along Kingfisher Terrace, with smoke visible across the area. Initial alerts listed the warning zone as Airlie Beach, Jubilee Pocket, Cannonvale, Woodwark and surrounding areas.

As the incident escalated, multiple crews were deployed, including a mix of Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue units. Due to the location and size of the fire front, an aerial water bomber was also tasked to assist.

Water bombing operations began just before 3.30pm, with aircraft collecting seawater for repeated drops over the fire ground.

Firefighters worked throughout the afternoon to contain the blaze. According to a Queensland Fire Department spokesperson, crews achieved containment at approximately 6.00pm on Saturday 6 December.

By around 9.00pm, teams were conducting perimeter patrols and confirmed the fire was still burning safely within containment lines.

Crews returned to the scene at about 6.00am the following morning to reassess conditions. The fire remained within control lines and was expected to continue producing light smoke for several days.

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed the Police are investigating the grass fire.

They announced their were no threats to members of the public and no injuries were reported.

Officers are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding the fires to come forward.

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Photos sourced: Facebook

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched its “12 Days of Christmas Business Preparation” campaign to help local businesses navigate the pressures and opportunities of the peak festive trading period.

Designed as a practical, day-by-day guide, the initiative provides targeted advice across business continuity, staffing, customer service, cash flow, cyber safety, and wellbeing. The campaign recognises that the Christmas and New Year period represents both a critical revenue opportunity and a high-risk period for operational strain, particularly for small and regional businesses.

The resource encourages businesses to plan ahead by reviewing staffing rosters, preparing contingency plans, strengthening cash flow management, and refreshing marketing and customer engagement strategies. It also places strong emphasis on leadership wellbeing, urging business owners to consider their own health, decision-making stamina and support networks during one of the busiest times of the year.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said the campaign was developed in response to growing feedback from members seeking simple, actionable support.

“This is about giving businesses clear, practical tools to minimise risk and maximise opportunity during a demanding period. Strong preparation helps protect both profitability and people,” he said.

The campaign is freely available via the Chamber’s website and is supported by links to additional resources and expert guidance.

Businesses are reminded that the advice is general in nature, and specialist support should be sought where circumstances require tailored financial, legal or operational advice.

The Chamber continues to encourage all businesses to review the resource and use it as a practical checklist to finish the year strong and prepare for a productive start to the new year.

Learn more: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/12-days-of-christmas/

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Georgia McDonald

We would like to welcome our new Production Co-Ordinator, Georgia McDonald.

As one of our newest additions to the team, Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Georgia initially started in hospitality, working as an assistant manager for a hotel back in England. After moving to Australia, she continued her hospitality work, working at Beaches Bar & Grill in Airlie Beach for two years before deciding to pursue a different career path.

As a fan of journalism, Georgia had always dreamt of working for a magazine, so it became a dream come true when she landed the role with the Whitsunday Life team. Among Georgia’s greatest skills are her abilities to read situations, focus on important tasks and interact with people. Her interpersonal skills are also informed by experience working in a call centre for an insurance company, as well as time spent as a recruitment consultant.

She enjoys the busy pace of the job and the ability to communicate and foster working relationships with the clients every week.

In her spare time, Georgia enjoys exercise, whether it be at the gym or walking as well as exploring as much of the landscape that she can. She also has a great passion for reading, particularly fantasy. Most of all, Georgia enjoys hanging out with friends.

The Whitsunday and Mackay Life team are thrilled to have Georgia on board as we warmly welcome her. We are delighted to welcome her and look forward to what we'll accompolish together.

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Production Co-Ordinator Georgia McDonald Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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by Corrine Hendrikse

This week's photo of the week was taken by Corrine Hendrikse. The theme was Summer and the photograph depicts a common scene during summer in the Whitsundays – irrigating sugar cane.

Proserpine’s Bicentennial Committee. An offer of land at the junction of Shute Harbour Road and Gregory Cannon Valley Road suitable for a botanical park was being considered but the cost may be a problem.

Sugar. World Sugar prices on the World stock markets remained depressed
Heavy rains on Monday delivered a final blow to the 1985 crushing season causing the mill to close finally for the season.

Instrumental Music Teacher Appointed. Ron Patrick was appointed as instrumental music teacher for Proserpine and Bowen schools. Local musicians provided the background music to Saturday’s ESA Flea Market in the Cultural Hall Park.

Obituary
Ada May Hinschen died aged 76. She was a member of the well known Staniland family and wa sborn in Proserpine.
Lillias [Billie] Fiske, a resident of Cannonvale, died aged 73.
Clement Cecil [Mick] Walton’s death occurred in Chartyrs Towers. He was a member of the Walton family who lived in Cannonvale and were co-discoverers of the Mary Kathleen uranium deposits.

Child Stung at Conway Beach. One of a number of children paddling in ankle deep water at Conway suffered a marine sting on the foot. Vinegar was applied and the child received medical attention.

Top Apprentice. Proserpine Mill apprentice, Paul Telford was judged best overall first year apprentice in Queensland in Fitting Instrumentation.

Rise In Post Compulsory Schooling. High School Principal David Sutton noted that of the 114 year 10 students,102 had applied for year 11 for 1986 compared with 23 graduating from year 12 in 1984. This was due to  decreased opportunities for employment from year 10 and led to moves to include courses in Tourism and Marine Studies, and TAFE courses.

New Bridges For Bruce Highway. Two way bridges were planned for Duck Creek and Hay Gully 18 kilometres South of Bowen.

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Hi lovely readers!

It’s officially December, can you believe it?

Last Friday, I attended the Mackay Regional Council Wonkley Awards, where local media representatives gathered with Mayor Greg Williamson for a night of laughs and celebration.

The Wonkleys are Mackay’s light-hearted take on the Walkley Awards, playfully celebrating the region’s journalists and media teams.

The evening was full of laughs, good company, drinks, and snacks, which gave us journos a chance to unwind and reflect on a year of local reporting.

It was great catching up with fellow journalists who share the same passion for telling local stories, and I was so honoured to receive my very first Wonkley award!

I got the ‘Rising to the Challenge Award,’ recognising my journey from cadet journalist to this role as the main on-the-ground journo over the past year.

While the event is light-hearted and funny, being acknowledged for this is something I’m pretty proud of. I even received a box of goodies from the Sugar Shed, which has been a great addition to my pantry!

I’m so blessed to be a part of this community.

Thanks to Mackay Regional Council and the Mayor for putting on such a great night, and thank you readers, for sticking with us and supporting local journalism that keeps our community informed and connected

Scripture of the week: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans‬ 15‬:13

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Whitsunday Anglican School students demonstrated the power of service in action this week, raising more than $29,000 for national charities through two inspiring, student-led initiatives.

The Ponytail Project saw a group of courageous students cut their hair to support cancer services across Australia. Participants Matilda, Tilly, Joannah, Chayvae, Senara, Arhamah, Sophie, Jade, Jamaica, Amreen, Emma, Darci, Aarna, Lydia, and Saskia collectively raised over $17,000. The initiative also drew support from staff, including Alice from Boarding, who joined the hair-cutting efforts, and teacher Sophie, who donated over 50 centimetres of her hair.

At the same time, the Year 11 cohort embraced Mullets for Mental Health, raising awareness and funds for early intervention, education, and wellbeing programs for young Australians. Students Rohan, Soham, Josh, Reuben, Kieran, Akshaj, Bodie, Nicholas, Ishan, and Nate helped raise more than $12,000, with the support of Principal Mr Wheaton, Head of Senior School Mr Novosel, and teacher Mr Harris, who proudly donned their own mullets for the cause.

The school community came together on Friday, 28 November, to celebrate the students’ efforts, recognising the courage, creativity, and generosity displayed by both students and staff. Through these initiatives, Whitsunday Anglican School reinforced its commitment to fostering empathy, leadership, and community-mindedness, showing that even small acts of service can have a powerful impact.

By combining energy, teamwork, and compassion, the students at Whitsunday Anglican School left a lasting mark, proving that giving back is a core part of their school’s culture, and a reminder that helping others can be both meaningful and fun.

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Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School

The Mayor’s Charity Ball committee have announced the beneficiaries for the 2026 event during a tour of one of the charity’s facilities.

While speaking at The Neighbourhood Hub on Thursday, Mayor Greg Williamson said the aim of the red-carpet event was to support two charities for two years to enable significant funds to be raised for each group and to make a real impact in our community.

“Proceeds from the 2026 event will be split 50-50 between The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service and new beneficiary The Neighbourhood Hub,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Grapevine Group drops off this year after completing their two-year tenure, but it’s great to see the positive impact of funds they received from 2024 and 2025, helping local organisations to establish safeTALK trainers within their workplace,” he said.

“The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service is continuing for their second year, which is timely, as the demand for their services has increased significantly.”

Nicolette Ffrost, The Neighbourhood Hub General Manager, said they were honoured to be selected as a charity partner for the Mayor's Charity Ball.

“This partnership changes everything – enabling us to build the staff capacity needed to turn our volunteer-dependent Food Diversion Program into a sustainable, coordinated service,” Ms Ffrost said.

“Our Food Diversion Program alone supported more than 9000 people in 2024/2025 – a nine percent increase from the previous year.

“The Mayor's Charity Ball partnership will help us meet this growing demand while continuing to create powerful environmental and social impact for our region.”

Sponsors are still being confirmed for the 2026 event and the event committee encourages any local business who are interested in getting involved to email communications@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Platinum partners for the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball include long term sponsors Fergus Builders, Daly Bay and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

Pentacon have come on board again as a Gold sponsor and North Queensland Bulk Ports and CQ Soil Testing have returned as Silver sponsors.

Media partners for the Ball are 7 News Mackay, Hit 100.3, Triple M and Tropical Exposure.

In-kind sponsors include Signarama and Twilight Mackay.

More details and the event history can be found on the council website

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The 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball will split its funds between The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service and The Neighbourhood Hub, supporting both organisations to expand their vital community programs. Photo supplied

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Police have declared two crime scenes in Mackay as investigations intensify into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu.

Morseu, a First Nations man with a slim build, grey hair, and brown eyes, was reported missing on 10 November after failing to contact family or friends. His loved ones describe this as highly out of character.

Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow said Morseu generally remained in touch with relatives every couple of weeks and was known to be family-oriented with a large network of friends in the Mackay community.

Concerns escalated on 27 November when detectives formally labelled the disappearance suspicious. On Thursday, investigators declared crime scenes at two properties — Morseu’s Griffin Street home and a River Street address.

“A person we spoke to, who had been staying at the Griffin St residence, later moved to the River St address,” Superintendent Shadlow said.

“That prompted us to declare a crime scene there, which has since been released.

Police continue examining the property as part of ongoing inquiries.

Authorities and Morseu’s family are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward immediately.

Reference number: QP2502035864

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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Opinion Piece by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

Most Australians will eventually be touched by the reality of old age. Many of us will one day, if not already, require assistance in our later years. Older Australians have done their fair share and deserve the dignity of reasonable, affordable aged care, should they require it.

Older Australians have paid their taxes, fought in wars, raised generations, built and run businesses, farmed our lands and pushed this country forward. They’ve contributed for decades, and now that it is their turn to be looked after, the current Labor government has abandoned them.

Australia is facing an aged care crisis that cannot be ignored. Since Labor came to office in 2022, pressures across the sector have severely worsened. Staffing levels are not keeping up with the growing number of older Australians, and aged care beds are simply not being made available. This past financial year, only 578 new beds came online nationally. That is only around 5% of the at least 10,600 required just to keep pace with growing demand.

In Queensland, just 26 new operational aged care beds were made available in 2024–25. Twenty-six! There are more beds on display at Harvey Norman. At this rate, the “No Vacancy” sign will be switched on at aged care facilities right across the country in the blink of an
eye. Recent reports show that, at current rates, full occupancy will be reached in under three years.
When this government came to office, Anthony Albanese promised to put the “care” back into aged care. Yet its priorities seem more focused on climate change posters than on people. The Prime Minister was willing to spend at least $1 billion to host COP31, but won’t invest meaningfully in aged care.

Turkey will now host the summit, but the fact that the government chased the event while crying poor over aged care funding says it all. Health leaders and state governments are calling for about $1 billion just to stabilise the sector. Here’s an idea: redirect the COP31 money to aged care.

Anthony Albanese also promised 24/7 nursing care for aged care residents. Where are the extra nurses? Even with high immigration levels, this government can’t find enough skilled workers to support our older Australians. Understaffed and under-resourced facilities are at breaking point. Workers are expected to do more with less, and the pressure only shifts to our already strained hospitals. Elderly Australians remain stuck in hospital beds far too long, waiting for aged care spots to open up.

This crisis is not only about older Australians. It also impacts their families, their carers, and the decisions they face. Entering aged care is hard enough without government incompetence making it harder.

With our population ageing faster than ever, we need a government focused on ensuring the right facilities, staff, and plans are in place to meet this rapid increase in need.

If Labor truly believes in “putting the care back into aged care,” then it’s time to prove it. Australia’s seniors deserve more than excuses. They deserve action, and they deserve the funds to flow to the right areas. I call on the government to re-evaluate its funding priorities and put older Australians at the front of the care line.

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Six streets carrying local history and cultural significance were officially unveiled last Wednesday at Mackay Airport’s Milton Precinct, marking a landmark moment in the precinct’s rapidly advancing development.

The ceremony coincided with the completion of the first stage of the major infrastructure project, featuring extensive civil works and the construction of new roads. The precinct’s first tenancies are set to open in 2026, promising to bring new opportunities and activity to the region.
Mackay Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the new street names were selected following thorough consultations with community representatives and Traditional Owners.

“We wanted this process to be inclusive and meaningful for the Mackay community,” he said.

“Three of the new streets honour key Mackay figures who have been instrumental contributors to our local aviation industry. Two of the names have been selected by the Yuwi people, representing their connection to this land and the airport. Another name recognises the first aircraft to ever touch down in Mackay.”

The street signs will be erected progressively as the development continues. The names are:
• Barry Dean Street
• Bandala Street
• Bert Sadleir Street
• Guwari Street
• Avro Avenue
• Ron Adair Street

A humble Dr Bert Sadleir said he was “shocked” but also proud when told one of the streets would be named after him.

Dr Sadleir was the first CQ Rescue doctor and has worked tirelessly for many years to support the Mackay community with a world-class aeromedical service.

“CQ Rescue has become quite an iconic organisation in the district, and is a major contributor to aviation in Mackay,” he said.

“There were many other contributors to the service over the years; it was quite a journey with a lot of hard work, and a lot of people involved. I see my name up there as a representation of all those people who contributed, and the community’s efforts to keep it going.”

Milton Precinct is estimated to provide $134.1 million to the local economy in the first 10 years of operation and new businesses at the site are expected to generate $42.5 million in output per year. The development is supported by a loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).

A range of businesses are expected to operate from Milton Precinct when construction is complete, including retail, food and beverage offerings, short-term worker accommodation, health care and other service providers and light industrial.

Mr Barker said Milton Precinct would drive long-term supply and demand opportunities.

“Milton Precinct is strategically located near existing and emerging growth areas and we expect it will be a catalyst for new industry and employment,” he said.

Visit miltonprecinct.com.au for more information about the development and Expressions of Interest.

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Six new streets with locally significant names were unveiled at Mackay Airport’s Milton Precinct, marking a key milestone in the precinct’s development ahead of its first tenancies opening in 2026. Photos supplied

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Council is inviting the community to have their say on a draft activation plan for the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct.

The precinct, located at the southern entrance to Sarina, is a gateway to the Mackay region.

It is home to a collection of historical buildings and attractions, including the Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre, Sarina Art Gallery, Sarina Arts and Craft Centre and Sarina Sugar Shed.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the precinct was a fantastic place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy, with its open green spaces, shade trees, barbecue facilities and playground.

“Community input is vital to shaping the future of the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct,” Mayor Williamson said.

The draft activation plan was co-created with key stakeholders and consultants during an Enquiry by Design workshop held in September.

The Sarina Museum, which has been closed while a museums collection rationalisation project was undertaken, will re-open in its previous location.

The draft activation plan includes the option of re-opening it and operating it via an incorporated Sarina District Historical Centre.

There is also the option to re-open it as a volunteer-run council museum.

Some other draft activation plan actions include:

• Refreshing branding for the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct.
• Investigating feasibility of improvements to the old convent building (used by the museum).
• Enhancing wayfinding to improve navigation through the precinct.
• Better activation of the arrival building (Visitor Information Centre).
• Encouraging outdoor exhibitions and events.

Council has considered resources and feasibility in developing these actions and now seeks feedback from the broader community.

Consultation is open now and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

To view the draft activation plan, provide feedback and subscribe to project update emails, visit connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-field-of-dreams.

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Council representatives, key stakeholders and consultants worked together to create the draft activation plan, which is now open for community feedback. Photo supplied

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Dangerous Bin Mistake Triggers Urgent Council Warning

A reminder about battery safety has taken centre stage this week after a waste truck in North Mackay was forced to dump its load when a fire ignited inside the vehicle. According to Mackay Regional Council, the blaze was sparked by a large lithium battery that had been incorrectly placed in a household bin. Several other batteries, including a taped bundle and a power tool battery, were also found in the discarded load.

Council said the incident highlighted the serious risk batteries pose when thrown into general waste. Once crushed in a truck or at a waste facility, batteries can spark, explode and cause dangerous fires, putting drivers, machinery and the wider community at risk.

Residents are urged to dispose of batteries safely by taping the terminals, storing them in a glass or plastic container, and delivering them to a free collection point. Battery recycling drop-offs are available at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Bunnings, Big W, Battery World, Total Tools, The Good Guys and several other locations across the region.

Local households can find their nearest battery recycling point by visiting bcycle.com.au.

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council

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