Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A single-vehicle bus crash has sadly claimed the life of one passenger at Gumlu, north of Bowen overnight. According to initial police investigations, at approximately 4pm on Thursday 14th May, a bus with 29 people on board was travelling south along the Bruce Highway from Cairns to Airlie Beach, when it left the roadway and rolled onto its side. Several other passengers were injured and transported to Townsville, Ayr, and Bowen Hospitals. The bus driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was transported to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries. As of Friday morning, three patients are confirmed to be in a life-threatening condition with one assessed on the scene and two airlifted to Townsville University Hospital. Multiple people were injured and transported to Ayr Hospital before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor’s Service. There are eight stable patients in Townsville whilst one remains in a stable condition at Ayr. The Bruce Highway has reopened at Gumlu. This tragic accident comes less than two years after a fatal bus crash on the same stretch of the Bruce Highway, which claimed the lives of three women in on June 3rd, 2024. On this occasion, a Greyhound bus with 33 people on board was travelling north along the Bruce Highway, also near Gumlu, when it crossed over to the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic. The bus struck a Land Cruiser station wagon travelling in the opposite direction. A 56 year old Townsville woman and two German women aged 21 and 33 passed away as a result of the incident. The 52-year-old bus driver from North Ward was charged with five counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm, but was subsequently found not guilty. Anyone with relevant dash cam vision of incident last night is urged to contact police. Investigations are continuing
Read the full story
So, what’s going on with the property market? The thing about the property market is that it doesn’t stand alone in its own little world untouched by the drama going on around it. And there is a fair bit of drama at the moment. Let’s get all the dramas to form a conga line and point them out one at a time. First there’s inflation, an annoying factor that adds to the cost of living and affects people’s ability to buy real estate. Right behind inflation, and I mean very close, is its brother in arms/partner in crime/long-time bedfellow, interest rates. Interest rates have been particularly pesky lately as the Reserve Bank pushes them up in an attempt to bring inflation down. The idea is to make housing less affordable so you can make housing more affordable. Then there’s a war in the Middle East. War is very good for business if you are a weapons producer and part of the military-industrial complex but it’s not very good for everyone else. It certainly isn’t good for confidence and housing markets are pretty big on the old confidence factor. So, not good. This particular war has the additional benefit of taking place in the Persian Gulf, where a fair portion of the world’s oil is transported from Middle East oil producers to the rest of the world. The war has created a traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz, which is restricting the supply of oil, meaning that in a world of demand and supply the price of fuel at the petrol bowser has gone up significantly. Which means our old friends inflation and interest rates give us another wave from the conga line and remind us of another impact on the property market. The conga line of dramas was joined this week by the Federal Budget and its changes to negative gearing, up until now a key driver in property investment and the supply of rental properties. Nothing changes for people who had negatively geared properties up until Budget night. My Pommy colleague Andy Collins, the Sales Manager at Gardian real estate, pointed out after the Budget that there was no way the changes would include investors’ existing properties because too many politicians own investment properties and the pollies wouldn’t do anything to hurt themselves. It’s up to you whether you think Andy is a sniping little Pommy whinger or an astute judge of human nature. Or can he be both? What Andy correctly pointed out is that from now on investors will be looking for properties that provide such good rental returns that they are positively geared, removing the need for negative gearing. That’s where Mackay’s strong rental returns come into it. Investors from southern markets have been active in the Mackay market because of those rental returns. When they can get returns like $750 a week on properties they have bought for $650,000, those southern investors realise Mackay offers better opportunities than the high-priced, low-rent options in their own cities. Andy was suggesting that it is possible that the budget changes will spur even more investment activity in Mackay because the removal of negative gearing makes investments in other markets unviable. I will delve further into the status of the Mackay market in upcoming columns but there are a few initial points to make. There is no doubt that, like every other market, the conga line of dramas has had an impact and given buyers pause for thought. But we are still seeing strong buyer activity and properties selling. As always, the buoyancy of our coal market and the jobs and business it provides will continue to be a driver of our economy and a key factor in the property market. Will the budget changes create an additional spur to our market and bring more investors in or is that conga line going to have a bigger impact? Stay tuned over the coming months.
Read the full story
With more than three decades of experience and deep roots in the land, Royce Dunn brings unmatched insight to rural property across the Mackay region. Joining Blacks Real Estate in 1991, Royce is a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, who has spent the past 25 years as Director leading the agency’s rural department. Over that time, he has built a strong reputation for his knowledge across all areas of property sales and marketing, from farmhouses and grazing land to residential subdivisions. Coming from a rural background and operating his own small farm, Royce understands the realities of life on the land, and the expectations that come with it. That lived experience allows him to connect with clients on a practical level, offering advice that is grounded, honest and tailored to the needs of farming families. Known for his straightforward approach and strong work ethic, Royce is committed to delivering results, working closely with clients to navigate the complexities of rural property transactions and achieve the best possible outcome.
Read the full story
From wildlife caring, to country kitchens or supporting people with disability – a world of volunteering opportunities awaits at this year’s Volunteer Expo! This year’s event is set to be one of the biggest on record, with 55 community, support and other organisations have registered. The Volunteer Expo is being held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Sunday, May 17 from 9am until midday. Deputy Mayor Karen May said volunteering is at the heart of sustainable and supportive communities. “There are so many benefits to volunteering – from the people and organisations being supported, to those who so generously donate their time and skills. It increases community and individual wellbeing and drives positive change in the community,” Deputy Mayor May said. “What’s great about events like our Volunteers Expo is it gives people a one-stop shop to see what’s out there – and it could be something you’d never thought of,” she said. “Feedback from previous years shows how valuable this expo is to our community groups, with one organisation signing up more than a dozen volunteers on the day.” Data from Volunteering Queensland shows that for every $1 invested in volunteering, there’s a $4.70 return to the community. More than 110,000 jobs were created in 2024 through spending on volunteering – with the sector worth more than $117-billion to the state economy. Cr May said volunteering gives people to build on their passions while learning new skills and meeting new people. “It also opens up opportunities beyond the organisation a person volunteers with – it can help build new professional relationships and create new connections,” she said. “Data from Volunteering Queensland shows the overwhelming majority of people (64 percent) volunteer because they want to help others and the Volunteers Expo has dozens of options for people to help others. Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook
Read the full story
We, at Accountancy Plus Whitsunday Pty Ltd, would like to wish our clients, friends and family a very merry Christmas and happy and safe New Year.
Our offices are closed from 5pm Tuesday 23 December 2025 reopening 9:00am Monday 12 January 2026.
If leadership had a pressure-test month, December would be it.
Christmas doesn’t create workplace dysfunction — it reveals it. Teams with strong communication glide into year-end like a well-oiled machine. Teams with poor leadership can crumble faster than New Year Resolutions, with everyone blaming “the busy season” instead of taking a little bit of accountability.
The best leaders don’t guilt people for being tired. They expect it and then plan for it. They strip out the distractions and ask the only real question that matters: “What actually needs to happen before we switch off for the year?”
Effective leaders then do something next-level - they say “No”. “No” to pointless new December initiatives; “no” to managers who confuse urgency with importance. And “NO WAY” to anyone replying to emails after hours.
The reality is that leadership over the Christmas period is less about driving performance and more about directing energy. People are stretched, overstimulated, and fatigued from family expectations. If you model burnout as a festive tradition, don’t be shocked when it becomes contagious. Leaders who burn out teach their team that burnout is normal and somewhat expected, which is a seriously business-limiting culture. Your job isn’t to push harder — it’s to guide smarter.
Cut the overwhelm. Be specific. Celebrate loudly. Remind your team that the finish line is near.
Christmas leadership isn’t soft. It’s strategic, human, and authentic – with a little bit of chaos thrown in. But wrap it in humour, sprinkle in compassion, and the January-version of you will thank the December-version for setting you up for successful downtime – and so will the rest of your team!
Contributed with thanks to July Porter (Shiift)
Bright Patch Café is fast carving out a place as one of the community’s most welcoming meeting spots, just over a month after opening its doors. Designed with families firmly in mind, the café has already built a loyal following and is continuing to grow its offerings both behind the counter and beyond it.
Newly appointed manager Sally Griffith has stepped into the role with more than two decades of hospitality experience. A familiar face in the community and a strong advocate for neurodivergent families, Sally said the café’s values align perfectly with her own. Plans are already underway to introduce table service in the new year, further supporting parents and carers during their visit.
The team has also expanded, welcoming chefs Christian and Nat, both with backgrounds in high-end restaurants, along with barista Hannah, whose specialty coffee skills are already making an impression.
All staff hold Blue Cards and police checks, reinforcing the café’s family-first approach.
Bright Patch Café also operates seven days a week, responding to growing demand from locals who have embraced it as a regular gathering place.
Community engagement has been a key focus, with mothers’ groups, family daycare providers and schools making regular use of the space. A recent school visit turned the café into a hands-on learning environment, blending food activities with practical life skills.
With a popular all-day menu, a thoughtfully designed children’s area and a busy events calendar ahead, Bright Patch Café is quickly proving it is much more than just a place to grab a coffee.
Bright Patch Café owner Jameela Walker and Manager Sally Griffith. Photo supplied
Tourism Whitsundays has welcomed a new face to its marketing team, with Jolie Rochell stepping into the role of Marketing Coordinator earlier this month.
Jolie works across brand and digital marketing, supporting campaigns and partnerships that promote The Whitsundays to audiences around the world. With a multinational background, a key part of her role includes shaping a clear engaging messaging that supports sustainable growth while showcasing what sets the region apart on the global stage.
Since moving to the Whitsundays at the start of the year, she has been struck by the warm welcome from the local community and the diversity of events and activities available year-round for both residents and visitors.
“The turquoise water is iconic, but it was the people who really stood out,” she said.
“Since moving here at the start of the year, I have felt genuinely welcomed and included by the local community from day one.”
In her new role, Jolie is looking forward to collaborating closely with the Tourism Whitsundays team and local members to find fresh and creative ways to promote the region.
“I want our marketing to reflect the witty, friendly personality of The Whitsundays while building strong partnerships that support long-term care for the region,” she says.
Despite its small size, Jolie believes the region offers far more than many people expect.
“That even includes a weekly Latin dance group called Whitsunday Salsa, where locals and visitors come together to learn and dance. And yes, it’s free!"
Tourism Whitsundays Marketing Coordinator Jolie Rochell
“Remember when families used to pile into the car on a Sunday and take off on an adventure? Dad would pull up beside a creek, you’d pile out of the car ready for a swim and Mum would set up the picnic blanket in readiness for a feast under a shady tree. Often grandparents and other members of the extended family would come along too and join in. Dad would light up his portable wood fire barbie and portable tables and fold-up chairs would be unpacked for the “oldies” and picnic baskets would be produced.
Those picnics were a real family occasion with the kids swimming and running around while the adults sat around with a cup of tea talking about 'grown-up' stuff.” (extract from “Australia Remember When” May 23 2019)
But what of picnics in the past?
Proserpine Museum’s photographic archives contain numerous delightful old photos of picnics held in the district in the past such as the one featured here of a riding party in 1927. These were quite common in the day. The group in this photograph had ridden out Goorganga way and stopped for a picnic. A pre-arranged group arrived in their car with the picnic goodies. Watermelon was on the menu, so it is believed that this photo was taken around Christmas time as, in the past, watermelon was available only at that time of year
Picnic sporting days were also a popular feature on the local calendar. Conway Beach outings were well attended with the actual journey being an adventure in itself. People travelled from the old wharf, (the Landing at Glen Isla) overland on horseback, by sulky or buggy or by the sugar loco as far as Saltwater Creek. Here they boarded boats and went right up to the beach front. The program consisted of foot races, horse racing, aquatic sports, pedestrian events.
With no bitumen on the road, the journey to the popular Boxing Day picnic at Cannonvale (then called Cannon Valley) was long and dusty. The dust hung in the air and covered the trees, but this did not deter eager locals and hundreds of people made their way there annually.
Picnics by the local rivers were also popular. The Proserpine River, along with such places as the O’Connell, Gregory and Andromache Rivers, were frequented by many families on weekends.
Fast forward to the second half of the 20th century …
Families would head off to the local beaches which, by this time, were far more easily accessible. Facebook features many stories of childhood reminiscences of family picnics. “Sunday routine for us was Sunday School then home to get changed and off to Cannonvale. There was a shelter shed with power points so Mum would cook a Sunday roast lunch in the electric frypan while we played on the beach. Occasionally, we would go on a picnic somewhere on the Gregory River. We used to pile into the tray part of my Pop’s tilly – no seatbelts. (Robyn Moore)
Despite changes in the 21st century, people still seek popular places to relax with family, connect with friends, and celebrate special events.
Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum.
Queensland Health is urging residents to stay home when unwell and practise good hygiene over the festive season, following an unseasonal rise in influenza cases across the state.
Latest Queensland Health data, current as of the 14th of December, shows more than 95,000 flu cases have been recorded so far this year — a 21 per cent increase compared with the same time last year. In the week from 8 to 14 December alone, 1,690 new cases were recorded, following 1,973 cases the previous week.
Queensland Health’s Communicable Diseases Branch Executive Director Dr Heidi Carroll said flu cases and hospitalisations remain higher than expected for this time of year.
“While flu case numbers and hospitalisations remain well below the winter peak, the recent summertime increase in cases is unusual,” Dr Carroll said.
Queenslanders who have not yet received the influenza vaccine this year are encouraged to get immunised to protect themselves, their families and the broader community. The vaccine is available through general practices, community pharmacies, community immunisation clinics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.
Queenslanders planning to travel overseas are also advised to speak with their health care provider about how to best protect themselves while travelling.
Fast facts
As of the 14th of December, Queensland has recorded 95,520 flu cases in 2025, with 82 per cent of confirmed cases occurring in people who were not vaccinated. This compares to 78,952 cases recorded by the same time last year.
Of the cases recorded this year, 10,087 (11 per cent) were children aged under five, while 16,176 (17 per cent) were people aged 65 years and over.
A total of 9,187 people have been hospitalised with influenza so far this year, with 4,194 (46 per cent) of those aged 65 and over. There have been 289 flu-related deaths recorded between the 1st of January and the 14th of December 2025, compared with 198 deaths during the same period last year.
The 2025 influenza season has been marked by a prolonged peak and a slower decline in case numbers when compared with 2023 and 2024. Health officials say this reflects year-to-year variability influenced by circulating virus strains, environmental and behavioural factors such as increased social gatherings, and population immunity shaped by previous infections and vaccine uptake.
Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and vulnerable loved ones. Photo source: Unsplash
Community Solutions, a local Not for Profit organization, is set to kick off Community Careers in Cannonvale. This free training is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. This program offers tailored assistance and integrated learner support to job seekers while they undertake a nationally recognised qualification, up to certificate III level, and employment skills to prepare for work.
Delivering Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure or Certificate III in Community these courses are designed to provide face-face training in a fully supported environment. Certificate III in Individual Support commences on the 13th January 2026 with limited spaces available.
Community Solutions are keen to engage those who are locally unemployed, under employed, or who are ineligible for employment assistance, and keen to reengage back into the workforce. If you are a parent wanting to return to work or you are wanting to advance your career or feel this is just want, you want to do - this could be the opportunity for you.
In addition to a formal qualification, participants in each location are also engaged and supported in the following:
• Case management
• One on one mentoring and support
• Resume preparation and writing
• Job interview skills
• Job search advice, including where to look for work, how to apply for work, and understanding employer expectations
• Networking opportunities with local businesses with employers to share their experiences and industry knowledge
• Employability skills, such as communication in the workplace, working in a team, problem solving, planning and organising, and self‐management.
• Assistance sourcing, gaining and retaining employment plus post placement support when employment is commenced.
This is what makes the program such a great way to build skills and increase employability. It is aimed at not only gaining an accredited qualification, it focusses on the soft skills which are just as valuable to employers and offers the participant mentoring and support to reach their goals and build their skill sets to become work ready.
To register your interest contact Karen Allen on
0429 062 054 or Karen.Allen@communitysolutions.org.au .
A big, goofy grin and soulful brown eyes make Zion hard to miss — and even harder not to fall in love with.
Currently in the care of Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc in Airlie Beach, Zion is a young Bandog cross with a gentle heart and a quiet hope of finding his forever family.
Estimated to be between one and two years old, Zion has had a challenging start to life, leaving him a little shy when first meeting new people. But with patience and reassurance, his affectionate and loyal nature quickly shines through. Once he feels safe, Zion loves nothing more than staying close to his humans and soaking up calm companionship.
Despite his size, Zion is a gentle giant who shows a particularly caring nature around children, interacting with them in a calm and tender way. He has a low to medium energy level, making him well suited to a relaxed household where he can continue building confidence at his own pace.
Rescue volunteers say Zion doesn’t ask for much — just kindness, consistency and a secure environment where he can finally feel at home.
Zion is desexed, vaccinated and microchipped, and would thrive in a calm, patient home willing to give him the time he needs to settle. He is yet to be tested with other dogs.
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc hopes to see Zion matched with a family who understands that sometimes the most rewarding bonds come from giving a second chance.
Those interested in meeting Zion or learning more are encouraged to contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc to arrange a meet-and-greet via email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com.
-megan-mattingley-and-keira-prosser.jpg)
The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) have been holding free barbecues for years across the region to raise mental health awareness and provide a sense of community for those who may be struggling with isolation. On Friday evening, the BBQ came to the shores of Bowen, bringing people together for some free snags and good times.
This event was organised by longtime volunteer Megan Mattingley and new Bowen member Keira Prossor. The BBQ took place just before Christmas, a notably difficult time for some struggling with loneliness and stress around the holiday season.
WSPN promises to bring more BBQ's to Bowen for 2026, allowing people to come together and build a network so that no one has to suffer alone.
Organisers Megan Mattingley and Keira Prossor
David and Cindy
Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
Hello Everyone,
... and MERRY CHRISTMAS! What a year of amazing marine life, conservation efforts and wildlife it has been here in the Whitsundays.
In this week's edition, we have New Beginnings (very fitting!), and the Candy Cane Shrimp.
Before we sign off this year's Ruth2Reef, I wanted to say a huge thank you to a few people!
Firstly, thank you to the amazing Tony Fontes from Whitsunday Conservation Council and Kellie Leonard from Whales of the Whitsundays for their brilliant contributions to Ruth2Reef this year, I am very grateful that two such knowledgeable people let me present their research in the paper.
Secondly, thank you to the team at Whitsunday Life for letting me run with my crazy idea to start a Ruth2Reef feature page, and for all the work the designers put into making it so great each week.
Lastly, thank you to my lovely friends, Dani, Kelly, and Ricki, who I know often read my column and deserve a little shout-out!
Thanks for an incredible year!
Ruth
“This is a story of our changing planet, and what we can do to help it thrive…” - Sir David Attenborough.
Running around in the bush, often barefoot, was once a defining part of Australian childhood, helping children connect with nature and develop a lasting love for the outdoors. This connection was a core principle for how many children learned about their environment. In recent years, however, studies have shown a decline in this behaviour due to technological advances. As a result, children are now less likely to engage with nature or become involved in conservation efforts later in life.
Bernd (Ben) Braeuer is the founder of New Beginnings International. This non-profit charitable organisation is dedicated to bringing positive change to the lives of Australia’s most vulnerable young people, reducing antisocial behaviour among young people, and making communities safer and more liveable.
Ben developed his charity’s programs with a passion for conservation that began at the age of five. The programs primarily achieve this by focussing on wholesome community principles and getting children back outdoors, with the main aim of the programs to “create positive change and get children involved at an early age and interested enough… to either volunteer, go into further study or a career in marine conservation,” Ben explained.
New Beginnings first came to the Whitsundays in 2012 with their ‘Way of Community’ in-school Workshops, then again in 2025 with their ‘Youth Marine Conservation Program’ comprising three levels. Levels one and two cover basic and advanced theory on marine conservation, climate change, and career opportunities, with the level 2 lecture prepared by a Master of Zoology - Marine Biology and Cognition - from the University of Vienna, Austria while on holiday in Australia. Level three is the practical component, and this year’s consisted of beach clean-ups and reef activities, working with Tangaroa Blue/AMDI to record the data nationally. Ben explains this data, “In the end, creates changes in laws like banning plastic straws.”
“The success of our marine programme has just blown my mind.”
“The feedback from kids, parents, and teachers has been phenomenal,” he enthused.
The 2025 Whitsundays-based marine program began with 90 Level One students, with numbers narrowing to 25 by Levels Two and Three through a process of elimination, and the final exercise with four of these 90 students completing all mandatory activities and receiving a Certificate of Course Completion.
Ben believes education on conservation helps kids who may be struggling by giving them purpose and direction. He explains, “it’s a multiple effect,” because kids pass their knowledge on to “their parents, siblings and peer groups.”
He also highlights the simple actions that he teaches kids: “Take three for the sea… just pick up three things.” “If everyone were to do that, the impact would be phenomenal.”
Bernd stresses that people on land have a significant impact on the ocean: “It’s actually as much the people on the land that can have a significant impact.”
Coral surveys conducted by the group in November 2024 showed significant water cloudiness coming from land runoff, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action.
After the success of the 2025 program here, Ben intends to keep on running his Marine Conservation programs and conducting further reef surveys. He explains that being independent allows them to do things differently: “We’re independent, so we’re not locked into GBRMPA funded programmes.”
For further information on the charity’s programs, please see:
https://www.newbeginningsinternational.com
and,
https://www.facebook.com/NewBeginningsMarineProjects
New Beginnings Marine Conservation Program. Photo supplied.
Want proof that the ocean celebrates Christmas too? Make way for the Candy Cane Shrimp (Alpheus randalli). These little critters are commonly found in Whitsunday reef areas, as they are native to shallow tropical and subtropical waters.
Their name is definitive of their look, evoking a candy cane with their distinct red and white stripes. Great friends with the Goby fish due to their mutualistic relationship, where the nearly blind shrimp digs burrows as the Goby stays on the lookout. Therefore, the relationship is mutually beneficial and they are both reliant on one another for survival.
The Candy Cane Shrimp is medium-sized, reaching around 1.2 inches in length, and the carapace (hard upper shell) of the candy cane shrimp is laterally compressed. They are a species of snapping shrimp and have one cheliped larger than the other, with a large snapping claw that snaps shut quickly, creating a wave of bubbles that generates high acoustic pressure and noise. This can be used as a form of communication or to stun prey for food.
Fun Fact: Male and female Candy Cane Shrimp do not share burrows but will build passageways between adjoining burrows.
Mackay Airport has once again brightened the festive season for the local community with its annual Making Christmas a Little Brighter campaign.
This initiative recognises lesser-known charities, not-for-profits, and community groups that make a meaningful impact across the region.
This year, five outstanding organisations each received a $2,000 donation to support their vital work.
• BMA CQ Rescue, the region’s aeromedical lifeline, will use the contribution to power its next lifesaving mission across Mackay, Whitsunday, Isaac, and beyond.
• Engedi Inc continues to foster connection and joy for families through thoughtful experiences and mindful traditions.
• MADEC Ltd will direct its donation toward its annual Children’s Christmas Party, providing personalised gifts and therapeutic programs for children and young people.
• Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club Inc, a volunteer-led organisation, will use the funding to support its beach patrols, nippers program, and community education initiatives that build confidence and leadership.
• Safe Sleep Mackay’s innovative mobile sleeping pods will benefit from contributions to their battery power systems, ensuring guests have air conditioning, lights, and secure access for safe rest.
Mackay Airport expressed its gratitude to all who serve the community, noting how difficult it was to select just five recipients from the many deserving nominations.
The airport looks forward to continuing this initiative in 2026, shining a light on local organisations whose dedication spreads joy, safety, and support throughout Mackay.
Photo source: Mackay Airport
As we approach Christmas, I want to take a moment to wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and restful festive season.
Christmas is a time to slow down and reconnect — with family, friends, neighbours, and community. It’s also a time to reflect on the year that’s been, to check in on those doing it tough, and to look ahead with hope and purpose. Mackay is built on strong community spirit, and I’m grateful every day to represent a region where people still look out for one another.
With many locals travelling over the holidays, I also want to share an important message: please take care on our roads. This is the season where one poor decision can have lifelong consequences. Whether you’re heading north or south on the Bruce, driving to the beach, or just doing the short trips around town, road safety matters every single time you get behind the wheel.
A few simple reminders can save lives:
As we move into the New Year, many of us start thinking about resolutions. My advice is to keep them practical, achievable, and kind to yourself.
A few realistic ideas to set yourself up for success:
Whatever your plans for the holidays — whether you’re celebrating, travelling, working, or taking things quietly — please know that I’m wishing you peace, health, and happiness, and a positive start to 2026.
Merry Christmas, Mackay — and a safe and happy New Year.
Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, is calling on locals, tourism operators, and community groups to have their say in shaping the future of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley. The newly formed Destination 2045 Strategic Advisory Committee aims to harness the region’s tourism potential and develop a long-term vision that benefits both residents and visitors.
Mr Kelly said the Christmas season is the perfect time for residents and visitors alike to reflect on the opportunities that could elevate Eungella and the Pioneer Valley into a world-class tourism destination.
“Right now, families from across Queensland are visiting Eungella, Finch Hatton Gorge and the upper Pioneer Valley. As people explore these incredible natural landscapes over Christmas, I’m asking them to imagine what’s possible,” Mr Kelly said.
“Better trails, improved visitor facilities, new accommodation options, guided experiences, heritage storytelling, nature-based adventure tourism, the potential is endless. This is our opportunity to bring these ideas together and create a clear plan for the future.”
The Strategic Advisory Committee will bring together local tourism operators, environmental groups, business owners, community leaders, and residents to develop a long-term vision and identify priority projects to support growth under the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 strategy.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) process has now opened for community members wanting to participate.
“The best ideas always come from locals, the people who live, work, and build businesses in this region,” Mr Kelly said.
Mr Kelly said the success of any long-term tourism vision will depend on local operators and businesses.
“Tourism operators and small businesses are the people who will drive a lasting legacy in Eungella and the Pioneer Valley. Government can support and enable initiatives, but it’s the boots on the ground, the guides, the café owners, the accommodation providers, the adventure tour operators, who bring a destination to life. We need them at the table.”
The committee’s first meeting will be held in Eungella in early 2026, where participants will begin mapping out investment opportunities, infrastructure needs, and policies to enhance the visitor experience.
“This region is one of Queensland’s most spectacular natural assets. With the right planning, it can become a leading ecotourism destination,” he said.
“Let’s use the Christmas season to spark those conversations, while people are up on the Range spotting platypus, hiking our rainforest trails, or enjoying time with family in the Pioneer Valley.”
Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP is calling on locals to help shape the future of tourism in Eungella and the Pioneer Valley through the new Destination 2045 committee. Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
