The owners of a historic Bowen institution were honoured for six decades of continued service and contribution to community last week in a morning tea celebration.

Summergarden Cinema owners Ben and Phyllis De Luca were congratulated on 60 years of operating the famed theatre by Zonta Club Bowen at the Garden Club Hall on Saturday, October 29.

Known locally as “Ben’s Baby”, the Summergarden has become fundamentally linked, alongside the family themselves, with the fabric of Bowen.

“They have been associated with Bowen for 60 years and this is a huge achievement worthy of celebrating,” Zonta Club Bowen member Kerry Moloney said.

“Throughout those years, Ben has supported community groups – such as Zonta – with fundraising activities, and we have benefited immensely, with the profit enabling our club to support our community.

“This is for those funds, for everything, and for all the entertainment provided to Bowen and the Whitsundays for six decades.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was joined by distinguished guests from Whitsunday Regional Council, including Mayor Julie Hall, Councillors Jan Clifford, Gary Simpson, and Michelle Wright, as well as Bowen Gumlu Growers President Carl Walker, to applaud the achievement.

The Member for Dawson, who has lived in Bowen all his life, recalled how much the Summergarden Cinema means to not just his family, but to the town itself.

“What a great man he is; 60 years providing entertainment to all of Bowen. it’s an iconic destination and tourist attraction in its own right,” Mr Willcox said.

“My early memories, and Mr De Luca will attest to this, I was a very good patron. My wife on the other hand played up a bit, and I would never have done anything like that! In fact, we have Carl Walker here and he would throw popcorn around, but he’s grown up now too.

“I can remember being at school and working with the P&C, he would donate vouchers for people, he kept his prices low, because people in Bowen didn’t have a terrible amount of money. If you went to the city, you would see that those prices would be four and five times the amount. But he always looked after the community.

“I spoke to my parents today, and they recalled some of their times at the cinema. We’ve had three children and they’ve all been through there. My own son has just married and his first date with his now wife was right there in the Summergarden – with mum sitting two seats behind!

“As a town, we are honoured and blessed to have the De Luca family for everything they’ve done. Thank you very much on a personal note and thank you so much for the community.”

Mr De Luca thanked all attendees on behalf of his family, with Phyliss an apology on the day.

“Everyone here is so important to us and to me over those years. That’s why I love to greet you all when you come around to my place, because you’re all very important,” he said.

“We are the only cinema in a big, wide area now and we have the movies the same day as Sydney! I can’t thank you enough and hopefully we have a few more years to go.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox congratulating Ben De Luca on 60 years of owning the Bowen Summergarden Cinema

Mr De Luca was presented with an honorary plaque by the Zonta Club Bowen

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall and Ben De Luca

Councillors Michelle Wright, Gary Simpson, and Jan Clifford with Ben De Luca

Bowen State High School is shooting for the stars as it officially becomes an Aerospace Gateway to Industry School, allowing its students to take their first small step towards the final frontier.

The school will begin offering a Certificate III in Remote Piloting next year within its senior school thanks to the State Government Initiative which transitions students from school to industry.

Senior School Head Of Teaching Tim Close said the program sees the governing body of Aerospace Gateways to Industry liaise between schools and stakeholders to create a partnership which sends students directly into work.

“One of their key roles is creating that partnership with an industry body and a business, which is now formalised and solidified through that program,” Mr Close said.

“Next year, we will see the implementation of a Certificate III in Remote Piloting for the first time. Students will be able to exit grade 12 with the capability of being a fully qualified drone pilot.”

Integral in the program is a partnership with Gilmour Space Technologies, a Gold Coast-based venture-funded Australian space company who are constructing an orbital launch facility out of Abbott Point State Development Area.

The State High School - which already offered smaller-scale Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) programs on rocketry and droning within its curriculum - was gifted with Civil Aviation Safety Authority certified flight simulators in partnership with Gilmour Space in December last year.

Initial introductions to the Aerospace Gateways Program were facilitated by Gilmour Space Technologies in July of last year, with the school now progressing to official aerospace status for its 2023 curriculum.

James Gilmour, co-Founder and Head of Launch Site Operations at Gilmour Space said the program was a key aspect for the company to grow alongside the region.

“Gilmour Space has already invested over $3.5 million into the local community, and we are working with local manufacturers to buy more systems associated with launch and develop local supply chains to support our ongoing operations,” he said.

“We're extremely excited about the future opportunities that space, and particular launch, will bring to the region and Australia. We want the sky to no longer be the limit for any students! Students and industry can be bold and dream big.”

Mr Gilmour said the company are organising speaking engagements with the school to talk about the different career pathways to space, which now exist in Australia.

In coming years, the school hopes to implement further opportunities, according to Mr Close.

“Future opportunities the program presents in conjunction with the flight simulators, the strength of our relationship with Gilmour, implementation of the Certificate III, we now have opportunities for our students on top of what we already have,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to grow our Aerospace capability within our school and are very excited for the future of Bowen as we move towards becoming space ready.

“Thank you to Gilmour for their continued support and funding for our S.T.E.M in school and the assistance by Atherton State High School and Senior Experienced Aerospace Teacher, Jon Collins.”

The far north school southwest of Cairns lent information and assistance to Bowen State High School, including an insight into what the future can hold for an Aerospace school.

“We could have students potentially taking part in Aerospace Skills as a general subject, which can see them gain their pilot’s license,” Mr Close said.

The program will be delivered independently by a registered training provider at the school’s independent learning centre for three lessons a week.

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Senior School Head of Teaching at Bowen State High School Tim Close, Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Mrs Natalie Allen, Operations Manager for Gilmour Space Industries Mr Scott Shimmon, and Senior Experienced Aerospace teacher from Atherton State High School Jon Collins

Representatives from our local agriculture industry have spent the last five months passing on knowledge to a team of dedicated foreign trainees as part of a Japanese Agricultural Exchange Program.

Coordinated by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA), the initiative saw Japanese trainees spend time with a range of local growers, producers and associated agribusinesses, including Marto’s Mangoes, Eden Lassie Agave Farm and Koorelah Farms.

The exchange program culminated in a visit from the Japanese Consul- General, Masuo Ono, who took a tour of the farms, met the trainees and local growers then spent some time with Mayor Julie Hall and local government representatives.

BGGA Chief Executive Officer, Ry Collins, said the association had been working closely with the Japanese Consulate and exchanging information and updates about the program since the trainees arrived in Australia in April.

“The Japanese Consulate’s visit provided a great opportunity for Mr Ono to meet the growers and trainees and see first-hand where they have been living and working,” he said.

Mr Collins said the Japanese Agricultural Exchange Program was an important international education, trade and regional promotion initiative helping to create conversations about new agricultural export and trade opportunities for local growers with Japan.

“BGGA addressed the need to remove existing regulatory and market access barriers that currently restrict some of our produce from entering this important Asian market,” he said.

“Our discussion also highlighted the wealth of trade opportunities in North Queensland through other industries including aquaculture, manufacturing, mining and tourism.”

Our region is the largest producer of winter vegetable crops in Australia generating farm gate production worth approximately $650 million per annum.

Key commodities produced include tomato, capsicum, mangoes, cucurbits, beans and corn.

Local growers employ approximately 1,500 workers throughout the year with an additional 2,000 during the harvest season which means that one in every five workers living in the region are supported by this sector.

Local produce feeds the nation and is exported to more than a dozen countries.

Mr Collins said that the wealth of knowledge embodied in this vast agriculture sector was imparted on the trainees who will now take their new experiences back to Japan.

“BGGA is pleased with the success of the program to date and thanks the growers who have been contributing to the trainees’ agricultural knowledge,” he said.

“BGGA also acknowledges the trainees’ dedication to their learning and farm work as well as the support from the Queensland Government for their contribution to the program.”
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(left to right): Sawaka Kasuga (trainee), Chris Monsour (Prospect Agriculture and Eden Lassie Agave Farm owner) and Mizuki Oki (trainee) at Eden Lassie Agave Farm

Robert Lee (Koorelah Farms) with Consul-General, Masuo Ono, at Koorelah Farms

3:Japanese trainees with Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Julie Hall, Consul-General Masuo Ono, and Consul, Ms Harumi Narita, at a networking event at Grand View Hotel on 25 October. Photos supplied

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The highly anticipated first book in the series ‘Campfire For The Heart’ has been just been released by local Airlie Beach author Natalie Stockdale.

By bringing together stories of trauma, tragedy and resilience, Natalie shows us how we can all overcome life’s curveballs and move forward into a brighter future.

Using inspiring, true stories of recovery after experiences of loss, injustice, natural disasters, war, terror, illness, injury, abuse, and disability – life experiences shared by all humanity – the book aims to help improve mental health by giving others hope.

“By learning how other people have converted their darkest times to personal growth and success, we can discover how we too can grow from hardships - and help others in theirs,” said Natalie.

A total of 30 storytellers are included in Campfire for the Heart, most of whom are unknown heroes of their personal journeys.

Others are well-known champions of resilience such as Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, celebrity chef Matt Golinski, and Gayle Shann, a horrific farm accident survivor.

Early next year, Natalie will be bringing out the second book in the series, ‘Campfire for a Woman’s Heart’, which features the remarkable stories of 25 international women.

This includes an Australian Paralympian champion, a gutsy barrister who stood up to ICAC, a legendry ice-water swimmer from the UK, a brave young student from Afghanistan, a mother from war-torn Ukraine, a former First Lady of Timor Leste, and many other extraordinarily resilient women.  

The first in the series, Campfire for the Heart is available now online through the publisher (Big Sky Publishing) and at local book shops, news agencies, and some post offices.

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Local author, Natalie Stockdale

Blink and it’s November already. The Summer heat has hit, Airlie Beach Music Festival is this weekend and Christmas parties are being arranged as we speak. Time flies. A crazy reflection on how busy we all are.

A huge week for businesses in the Whitsundays last week with the Federal Budget being handed down and the Whitsunday Tourism Awards returning after a three year absence. This year, the Tourism Awards incorporated the Chamber Sponsored Business Awards. Our congratulations to the Winners in every category – it has been a hard job to just survive these last few years. To overcome all obstacles and excel in the process is a testament to effort, resilience and quality of the business owners in the region.

Notable winners in the People’s Choice Tourism Experience category were Ocean Rafting, whilst Big4 Adventure Caravan Park took out the People’s Choice Accommodation. Congratulations to Crystal Lacey on her Young Achievers Award and special note to Michael and Elizabeth Hackett recognised for the efforts with the Bob Porter Award for outstanding contribution.

In the business categories, it was fantastic to see a mixed of established and new businesses. The awards were based on a nomination process and the Winner of the Businesses of the Year award went to the hard-working team at Magnums. Congratulations to the winners of the Outstanding Business awards: Shift for Service Businesses, Whitsunday Creative for Retail, Fish D’Vine for Hospitality Venue and Airlie Beach Tourism for Booking Agents.

Not much room to comment on the Budget, but it was certainly a Federal Budget focussed on delivering on its election promises, tempered with warnings about “awful” times ahead – factoring in massive increases in cost of living – especially electricity prices. There is cost of living relief factored into childcare, cheaper medicines, more affordable housing however, inflation will outpace wages growth for now. To try and contain inflation, the Government has pumped very little back into the economy.

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A worldwide, unprecedented research and tourism partnership has expanded to the Whitsundays, launching the Coral Nurture Program to help local reefs recover with a plan for long-term Reef stewardship.

Initially pioneered in the northern Great Barrier Reef, Cairns-Port Douglas region, the program has now dived into the Whitsundays thanks to a partnership between University of Technology Sydney and local tourism operators.

Successfully completing its first mission to establish new coral nurseries in Whitsunday reefs, the program saw the planting of more than 1600 healthy corals at three locations.

Through the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative, the ‘Whitsundays Coral Nurture Program’ is bringing “unique Coralclip technology to three new sites in the region – an innovative device that allows corals to be planted roughly 10 times faster than before.”

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden said the Whitsunday project builds on the success of its first iteration’s early days in Cairns and Port Douglas – particularly its partnership with tourism operators.

“Bringing together science and tourism is key to this project’s success,” Ms Marsden said.

“By combining the knowledge of our marine science experts with the experience and resources of the tourism operators who are out on the Reef every day, we can accelerate the natural recovery of local reefs at a greater scale and faster than we’ve seen before.”

Ms Marsden said the Whitsundays Coral Nurture Program aims to assist the recovery of three ecologically and economically important reefs through use of the unique Coralclip technology – a Queensland invention.

“[The clips are] a game-changer for coral restoration at this local level because it offers a fast and cost-effective solution to out-planting corals at larger scales,” she said.

The first Coral Nurture Program has achieved outstanding results in north Queensland with over 75,000 corals planted to date.

Ms Marsden said the program hopes to create a legacy through tourism operators and the local community.

University of Technology Sydney lead researcher Professor David Suggett and Coralclip inventor, Wavelength tourism operator John Edmondson, travelled to the Whitsundays to train local tourism operators in the Program’s technique.

“We worked with three Whitsunday tourism operators – Red Cat Adventures, Kiana Sail and Dive, and Ocean Rafting – to showcase how our innovative approach works and provide the skills to take the lead in rebuilding coral reefs at the sites they frequently visit,” Professor Suggett said.

“The beauty of the Coral Nurture Program is that it’s community-led and science-backed.”

Tourism operators will act as stewards on the front line, working to grow and plant the corals and then check back in regularly on their health, according to Professor Suggett, with those results being independently and scientifically validated for their positive impact.

Tourism operators will head back to the coral nurseries in November to check and report on progress.

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A new Coral Nurture Program has arrived in the Whitsundays

Image: Great Barrier Reef Foundation

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort raised a staggering total of $10,009.64 for RACQ CQ Rescue through its annual ‘Camp and sCare’ charity event last weekend.  

The popular Halloween family “minibreak for a good cause” sold-out the holiday park’s cabins and sites, with over 1,000 excited children and parents enjoying the spooky fun.

Each year, the annual charity event chooses a charity, individual or business to support and raise funds for, with this year’s heading to RACQ CQ Rescue.

The emergency helicopter service covers the Whitsundays and surrounding regions between Townsville, Rockhampton and the Galilee Basin to 200 kilometres off-shore to the Great Barrier Reef.

On average an hour in the air costs CQ Rescue $10,500.

“With the Whitsundays making up 41 per cent of RACQ CQ Rescue’s regional tasks, we really wanted to support them with our fundraising this year,” BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort Marketing Manager Tanya Cran said.

“The reality is that any Whitsunday resident or holidaymaker may need their services at some point in time, so it is an organisation that the McKinnon family [who own and operate the resort] and our team really wanted to support.”

Camp and sCare is always a big event for the business, according to Ms Cran, but this year’s fundraising total was a record for the most they have ever raised.

RACQ CQ Rescue were extremely grateful that BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort put in so much work for their guests, and with their help, raised such an incredible amount.

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The BIG 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s annual ‘Camp and sCare’ charity weekend for locals raised over $10,000 for RACQ CQ Rescue this year

A young woman who left the workforce to have children and feared it may have been too late to return, is being congratulated by TAFE Queensland for her inspiring work teaching young people in Bowen how to find employment.

As part of World Teachers Day, which was celebrated in Queensland last Friday, Bowen local Elizabeth Watson shared her story of success.

“It wasn’t until I had my children that I realised I wanted to make a change, challenge myself and pursue a teaching career,” she said.

“I was worried about how I would balance work, study, and raising a family. The balancing act wasn’t always easy, but I realised how much I wanted to support students to achieve their goals.”

With experience as an adult learner, Elizabeth is able to impart first-hand knowledge onto those she is assisting at the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program in Bowen.

Using both cultural and practical education to inform and inspire her students, she is able to create a real difference in the town.

“Every Wednesday we discuss different topics such as preparing cover letters and resumes, attire, body language, practice interview questions, watch videos, have guest speakers and work through worksheets,” Elizabeth explained.

By giving her students the right tools, she has found they have the confidence to pursue a career they love.

Recently a mature age student who speaks English as a second language found employment.

“I encouraged and assisted her in applying for jobs,” said Elizabeth.

“A few weeks later, this student sent me an email letting me know how happy she was in her new job.

“I felt so honoured to be part of her journey to such personal success.”
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TAFE Teacher Elizabeth Watson

After 21 years producing one of Airlie’s favourite community events, the dedicated team of organisers and volunteers finally took home Gold for best Festival and Event at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards last weekend.

Event Coordinator, Margie Murphy said that they had been a finalist and a silver award winner several times, but that it was a wonderful feeling to receive Gold.

“This is the first time we’ve cracked the Gold!” she said.

“This is testament to the hard work of the combined committee who always do a fantastic job.”

The 2021 Great Barrier Reef Festival received the award and Margie said she is excited to enter the 2022 event next year as she believes that was the best yet.

“We’ve progressed even further since then” she explained.

“I think the 2021 event caught the judge’s eye because of the quality of the events, our awesome re-brand and our increasing link to the Great Barrier Reef through our educational experiences.”

The Great Barrier Reef Festival takes place in Airlie Beach on the first week of August each year.

Dozens of events bring the community together for fun and festivity – they include the Recyclable Regatta, Lantern Parade, Immerse Art Installation, Comedy Gala, Wearable Art Show, Rotary Street Parade and of course the fireworks.

The Great Barrier Reef Festival team at the awards on Saturday night

Last Saturday saw tourism operators from across the region come together for the first formal awards ceremony in the Whitsundays in two years.

The last event of its kind took place in 2019, and industry leaders were thrilled to be back celebrating their achievements amongst their peers.

Held in a big-top at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards saw 330 guests dressed to impress in a circus-themed black-tie dress code.

A total of 24 awards were handed out on the night and Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton, said it was great to celebrate the significant contribution the tourism industry makes to the Whitsundays region.

‘The process of compiling an awards submission isn’t an easy feat and it was designed this way to encourage operators to really look at what they are doing in their business and how that flows onto the customers, locals and region,’ said Mr Hamilton.

‘We have one of the most cohesive and successful tourism industries in the country, this night is an example of that, everyone is here celebrating their achievements, their competitors’ achievements and the overall achievements of the tourism industry.’

Mayor Julie Hall also attended the awards and congratulated the winners.

“The awards night was all about our amazing tourism stakeholders and honouring their efforts to make the Whitsundays the most popular tourism destination in Australia and the world,” she said.

“I am proud of the collaborative and productive working relationship my Council has formed with Tourism Whitsundays.

“We will continue investing in improved infrastructure across the region to position the Whitsundays for strong future growth in tourism.”

Mackay and Whitsunday Life Advertising Account Manager Mike McCann with his partner Demie Wigham

Bowen mango growers are in for a strong season of good prices, according to local growers and the industry’s peak body.

Conditions have been excellent for farmers across the state, meaning a high yield is expected which could drive down prices as demand lessens.

Picking season in North Queensland commences in November, running for roughly four to six weeks on average, and local farmers are currently expecting between $40 to $45 dollars per seven-kilogram tray, depending on species/variety/ and tonnage.

The industry’s peak body, Australian Mangoes Industry Association, are forecasting a strong outing from Bowen and the Burdekin of roughly 1.1 million mangoes from November through to late January – a large contribution to the country’s 8 million tally.

But with an excellent yield, prices could drop due to supply and demand. But that’s if the industry – which is still reeling from the sheer drop off in backpackers, who usually fill the role of picker – can find workers.

The launch of the recent Pick Paradise campaign – which sought to lure agricultural workers to the region – in September is what the industry hopes will be a lifeline.

The fruit picking season in the southern states has already reported being left short-handed, with much of the industry in Victoria falling behind, and in some cases, leaving fruit to rot for lack of seasonal workers.

Bowen and the Burdekin are the fourth largest producers of mangoes in the country.

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The industry is expecting an excellent yield after favourable conditions, but who will pick the crop?

It was a golden night at Saturday’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards for the region’s most awarded tour operator, Ocean Rafting, who took home the top spots in Major Tour and Transport Operator, Adventure Tourism, and the People’s Choice Award.

The Whitsundays’ original tour operator celebrated their three golds, as well as a runner up finish in Whitsundays’ Business Of The Year, just a month after celebrating their 25th birthday in October.

Owners Peter and Jan Claxton were ecstatic to receive the awards, which were proudly shared with their team on the night.    

“We are honestly very humbled and honoured to take home three awards,” Ms Claxton said,

“We are so proud to be recognised and rewarded for our team’s ongoing passion, dedication and commitment to sharing the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Park.”

Ms Claxton extended her thanks on behalf of the Ocean Rafting family, to each and every business, family member, friend, guest, and team member who enabled them to be where they are now.

“Receiving the Major Tour and Transport Award and the Adventure Tourism Award are true reflections of our products, which offer the adventure of a lifetime around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, surfing the waves and feeling the rush on the boats we have designed especially for this purpose, then up to the sky with our scenic flights and Fly Raft package,” Ms Claxton said.

“The People’s Choice Award was won based on voting from our guests and industry colleagues and the recognition is a testament to our team and our product, so we couldn’t be any prouder.”

Having successfully been in operation for two and half decades as one of the Whitsundays’ most loved on-water experiences, and with three generations of family actively working in the business, the Ocean Rafting team are renowned for always “taking it to the next level”, a whole company approach which reflects their long-term success and continuous growth over the years.

Despite the last two COVID-impacted years, Jan and Peter circled back to Peter’s aviation roots in 2022, adding not another “duck” to the existing fleet of eight custom designed vessels, but a plane: Ocean Rafting’s 7-seater Australian-built Airvan which took to the skies in May.

While Ocean Rafting’s Fly Raft packages and scenic flight touring options have been offered for several years, this added investment has allowed for more available seats on scenic flights over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and famous Heart Reef, resulting is an iconic triple-whammy providing the ultimate Whitsunday experience in just one day.

This past year also saw the launch of Ocean Rafting’s own 'Research' vessel, which is used for the company’s many environmental initiatives, Reef Seeker Edutourism programs and charters.

The ever-expanding business has brought in award after award for their innovation and desire to always be improving, even when at the top of their game.

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Ocean Rafting had an exceptional evening at the first Whitsunday Tourism Awards in two years, claiming three of the highest echelon awards at the Saturday night event

Bowen Tourism and Business won Gold twice at the 2022 Whitsunday Tourism Awards on Saturday night.

The Visitor Information Centre won Gold in the Visitor Information Services category and then backed it up when the Big Mango was named the top tourist attraction.

Bowen, at the top of the Whitsundays, is a real hidden gem and the heart of secluded beaches.

Bowen Tourism and Business is a not-for-profit organisation with more than 200 member businesses who are based in Bowen, the greater Whitsundays region and other parts of Queensland.

The small team of dedicated staff work alongside a very passionate team of 15 volunteers to operate the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre and the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) is responsible for destination marketing, ensuring visitors are aware of the incredible experiences on offer in Bowen and the wider Whitsundays region.

This is carried out daily through interactions with visitors as well as through print, television, radio and online platforms.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery, said winning two Gold awards was testament to the dedication and passion of the staff and volunteers.

“They work tirelessly and pride themselves in exceptional customer service,” she said.

“Bowen has so much to offer with beautiful beaches, fringing reefs and country hospitality.

“The BTB team ensure every visitor is aware of what Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region has to offer.

“As a booking agency, our organisation supports many of the tourist operators in Airlie Beach,” she said.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the team was absolutely thrilled to win Gold in two categories.

“The staff, the volunteers and the committee are all so very passionate about Bowen so we were all very proud to be named the best in two categories,” she said.

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AT A GLANCE

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

*The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is open seven days a week and welcomes more than 40,000 visitors per year

*The centre now stocks an expanded range of merchandise and local produce including many mango products – sorbet, chutney, jam, chilli sauce, body products, candles and even mango daquiri mix.

*The centre has more than 300 brochures on display including 102 regional guides, 94 brochures from Bowen businesses, 70 Whitsunday brochures and 52 brochures from out-of-region operators.

THE BIG MANGO

*The Big Mango was built as part of a community campaign to revitalise the local community and boost tourism.

*Built in May 2002, plans are already underway for a 21st celebration in May next year.

*The Big Mango is located at Mount Gordon, 5km south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway.

*It cost about $90k to build and is 10 metres high

*It is painted in the lush colour of the Kensington Pride mango that was introduced to Bowen from India in 1871.

The Big Mango wins top tourist attraction

One of the Whitsunday’s most innovative business offerings, Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting, took out two accolades at last weekend’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards – Gold for New Tourism Business and winner of the Young Achievers Award.

Owner and founder, Crystal Lacey said that she still couldn’t believe it.

“I almost didn't even enter into the awards, so to win was phenomenal!” she said.

“There are a handful of people who I have worked with over the years who have always believed in me, mentored me and inspired me.

“Through the process of creating my own business they have always been in my corner, cheering me on, helping to build the pathway I am walking upon and I will never be able to express the level of gratitude I have for that continual unconditional support.”

Crystal has worked in the tourism industry for 16 years and was selected in the first Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority (GBRMPA) Master Reef Guides Cohort.

She is also a Dive Instructor and Underwater Photographer, and as an Eye on the Reef Surveyor she helped execute the largest natural coral transplant on the Great Barrier Reef.

In August she became the first environmental coordinator for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

“Immersing and educating the wider community on our World Heritage Area through life changing experiences is undeniably my absolute passion!” she said.

“Developing Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting was a natural progression to enable myself to access the industry who want to develop and deliver guest experiences that are inventive, educational and interactive.”

Crystal’s business works alongside tourism operators to offer a range of specialised services that enhance their offering.

These innovative immersive educational adaptations are unique and fit-for-purpose to tourism businesses throughout the Great Barrier Reef, providing practical and relevant training, product development, guest experience training and business development to tourism business.

Little Fish offers business and product developments and enhancements, workplace training, marine education training, interpretation and immersive storytelling training, event coordination and event presentations, extensive stakeholder connections and much more.

When asked why she thinks the judges chose her and her business, Crystal said it was likely the passion she puts into everything she does.

“I hope it was the passion!” she laughed.

“The passion I have to engage, educate, inspire and deliver the wonder and excitement of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef through interactive educational immersive guest experiences by engaging with the tourism industry to innovate and develop leading edge unforgettable experiential experiences for each and every guest, energizing the world stage about our incredible Natural Wonder.”  

Crystal Lacey from Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting at the 2022 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Photo credit: R Jean Photography.

Gold for New Tourism Business and winner of the Young Achievers Award. Photo supplied.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has been awarded top honours in two categories at the annual Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held on Saturday night under the big top at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.  

Winning gold in the ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks’ category, the resort also won the consumer-voted ‘People’s Choice Award for Accommodation’ at the gala industry awards.

The resort has been proudly owned by the McKinnon family for 29 years and was represented on the evening by 20 of the resort’s now 75-member strong team, who enjoyed a night out celebrating the Whitsunday tourism industry’s night of nights.

“We are so very proud and grateful to have won both of these awards,” said resort owner and operator, Greg McKinnon.

“Both awards reflect the offerings of our quality tourism product, our ongoing development and our customer service, which is a testament to our forever growing team who are incredibly deserving of this award.

“They are a huge part of making the magic happen. And of course, our guests - we truly thank them for choosing us to enjoy their precious family holiday.”

“We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Tourism Whitsundays for hosting another brilliant event and for all of their incredibly hard work in promoting and celebrating this beautiful part of the world we are lucky enough to live in.

“It’s also so important for us to recognise our local community, industry partners, agents and suppliers who have supported us throughout.

“The resilience the region has shown throughout the last couple of years is unwavering and it certainly is time for everyone to shine again.”

“Last but not least, a massive congratulations to all of the other Whitsunday winners and entrants - what a wonderful night to share with our industry friends - it's been far too long and it was definitely worthy of huge celebration, which was most certainly had by all it seems.”

Over the years, the McKinnon family have been passionate about continually reinvesting into the business in order to offer the ultimate Whitsunday mainland holiday resort.  

“We have put everything into the resort over the past 29 years and continue to grow to make it the multi-award winning and nationally recognised destination to escape to with family and friends in the Whitsundays,” Greg contnued.

“Our resort is all about connecting with each other by offering an environment where everyone can enjoy the many facilities and activities on offer, relax in quality accommodation and just all come together.”

This year has seen further development of the resort, with a particular focus on accessibility needs.

To complement the resort’s existing accessible cabins, facilities and Sensory Room, vision-impaired cabins were recently added to the inventory to more broadly cater to guest’s specific needs and provide them with an unforgettable Whitsunday holiday.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a range of accommodation, from tropical landscaped camp sites through to self-contained studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins, providing options to suit every taste and budget.  

With over 15 onsite activities including a big, huge, mega waterslide park, lagoon style pool, mini golf, outdoor cinema, Kid’s Club, year-round activities program and much more, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers the ultimate holiday escape.  

For more information visit www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au

The BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday representatives at the awards on Saturday

The huge waterslide park

A friendly welcome