Planning for the 2026 Conference is already underway, aiming to be bigger and better than ever.
The Whitsundays Chamber invites businesses to explore a range of opportunities including sponsorship packages, speaking roles, exhibitor booths, and prize contributions – designed to suit all business sizes and budgets.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event.
Contact admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Your Local Business Voice
The Whitsundays Chamber is the united voice of local business, dedicated to creating a supportive environment where enterprises can grow, succeed, and connect.
As an independent and apolitical organisation, the Chamber works closely with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure business interests are heard and acted upon.
Members enjoy access to valuable networking, education, events, and resources. Through partnerships like joint membership with Tourism Whitsundays and Weddings Whitsundays, members benefit from wider industry reach and stronger representation.
Whether you’re a start-up, sole trader, or established business, the Chamber connects you with the people, knowledge, and resources to thrive.
Join today: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join

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The 2025 Conference features vital sessions on leadership, human resources, and workforce development.
One key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact, led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8), challenges leaders to rethink motivation by focusing on mindset, trust, feedback, and retention. Attendees will learn people-first strategies to build stronger teams and create positive business outcomes.
Human resources support is front and centre in the Smarter People Management for Small Business session, hosted by Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group). This practical workshop addresses staff management challenges, compliance, industrial relations, and offers tailored strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
Another key session, From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams, offers a hands-on workshop for businesses to apply workforce insights to help build teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee) leads this interactive planning session.
Workforce challenges are also explored in International Recruitment & Migration. Presented by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance), this session explains how skilled migration can help local businesses overcome labour shortages and boost regional economic growth.

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Key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact,is led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)

Mark Lipkinfrom Airlie Group hosts a human resources session called PeopleManagement for Small Business

Georgia Lavers from Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committeeleads this interactive planning session

Alana Hopkinsfrom Workforce Abundance explores workforce challenges in anInternational Recruitment & Migration session

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At the Conference, business owners can gain valuable insights and practical tools across operations, finance, and support services to help their businesses grow and stay resilient.
For business owners ready to grow, From Solo to Scalable. Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media) will show how to scale a business using systems, automation, and tech tools—without the stress or need for a big team. This session provides a clear roadmap to future-proof your business and improve customer engagement.
In Money Matters for Modern Business, a panel of six finance specialists will cover essential topics like lending, insurance, superannuation, and growth planning. With experts from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus, Bendigo Bank, and more, attendees can ask specific questions and get practical advice to build a strong financial foundation and boost resilience.
Finding Support Before You Need It guides business owners through free, government-backed mentoring and support programs to avoid pitfalls and stay empowered. Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will share how to connect with these resources early and confidently.

Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will present Finding Support BeforeYou Need It, a session guiding business owners through free,government-backed mentoring and support programs designed to helpthem stay empowered and avoid common pitfalls

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Nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, Tassal’s Proserpine prawn farm is proving to be much more than a seafood producer. It is a quiet local success story, combining innovation, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.

The farm, which supplies prawns across the country, is run by locals and focused on local impact. From jobs and training to environmental care and community partnerships, Tassal’s presence in Proserpine is making a meaningful difference.

Over the past year, Tassal has spent almost $55,000 supporting community groups, events and causes across the Whitsundays. This includes local associations such as the Whitsunday Brahman Rugby League, the Cannonvale Swimming Club, the Great Barrier Reef festival, the Whitsunday Show, the Proserpine Golf Club, and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.

Tassal’s Manager – Stakeholder and Community Engagement, Courtney Quinn-McCabe, said the company’s community support in the Whitsundays was about giving back in a way that built real, lasting value.

“We believe that when industry and community work side by side, we can achieve much more,” she said. “Our support is about more than sponsorship. It is about helping local groups grow, creating opportunities, and building strong, long-term relationships in the communities where we live and work.”

Tassal has developed a water efficiency plan specifically for its Proserpine site. This is part of a broader approach to responsible aquaculture that includes automated pond aeration, AI-based feeding systems, and real-time water quality monitoring. These tools allow the farm to reduce waste, care for animal health, and ensure long-term sustainability.

The company is also committed to creating jobs in the region. Tassal prefers to hire locally where possible and provides career development opportunities through structured training and leadership programs. It is not uncommon to hear stories of workers who joined as juniors and are now leading teams or mentoring others.

“Our team is part of this community,” Ms Quinn-McCabe said. “We live here, we work here, and we want to see the Whitsundays thrive.”

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Backing Our Sporting Future

One of the great joys of being Mayor is getting out into the community and celebrating the people and projects that are shaping our Whitsunday region for the better.

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright and Cr John Finlay in Bowen to officially open two major sporting facility upgrades that will make a real difference for grassroots sport in our Whitsunday region.

First up was the new field lighting at the Bowen Sporting Complex – a $600,000 project jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government. With lighting now up to standard for night cricket and football, this upgrade opens the door to more games, more participation, and better opportunities for local clubs and athletes.

Later in the day, we joined the Bowen Seagulls committee to celebrate the completion of the Denison Park amenities upgrade – a $1.6 million investment by the Queensland Government that’s delivered new change rooms, a gym, boardroom, accessible toilets and showers, and space to support growing teams and female participation.

Let’s be clear – projects like these don’t just happen. They’re the result of tireless advocacy from both Council and the community.

While I’ve been proud to advocate at every level of government to help secure funding for these upgrades, it’s the locals – like our club volunteers – who put in countless hours of their own time to drive these projects forward and ensure their clubs and communities get the facilities they deserve.

People like Brandon Mackie and Jill Warren, President and Secretary of the Bowen Sporting Complex Coordination Association, and Shane Douglas from the Bowen Seagulls, who volunteer hundreds of hours every year, often behind the scenes, to ensure future generations have access to top-class facilities.

Their passion, persistence and leadership are what keep the wheels turning. From grant applications and committee meetings to line-marking fields and mentoring juniors, these are the people building a strong sporting future from the ground up.

We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated volunteers in our region. Their efforts make our towns stronger, our kids more connected, and our sporting legacy more secure.

A big thank you also to Minister Dale Last and the Queensland Government for their partnership on both projects. Council will continue to advocate for investment in local sport as we head toward 2032 and beyond.

In the Whitsundays, sport is more than just a game – it’s community, it’s pride, and it’s a legacy worth investing in.

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Did you know?

Public consultation for the draft Airlie Beach Masterplan will close this Sunday 17 August.

Responding to community feedback, the masterplan sets a bold vision for our next generation of experiences, envisioning catalyst projects, public space upgrades and inspiring private investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond.

Don’t miss your last chance to help shape the future of Airlie Beach by offering your insights on the proposed projects.

For more information and to complete the survey, visit Council’s Online Engagement Portal, Your Say Whitsunday.

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The Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers enjoyed a “Christmas in July” celebration last month with a lovely dinner at the Queen’s Beach Hotel in Bowen.

The staff and volunteers all donned their favourite Christmas outfits for the evening.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the volunteers were an integral part of the organisation and this was a way of saying thank you.

The 18 volunteers welcome thousands of visitors each year at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango and at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

“Our volunteers are passionate about Bowen and the entire region, and they are very knowledgeable,” Leanne said.

“They welcome every visitor with a smile and go above and beyond to provide information about our attractions, businesses, culture and history.”

It has been a big year for the organisation with Bowen winning the Top Tourism Town in Queensland, the Big Mango being named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland and the team welcoming a record number of visitors.

“None of these achievements would have been possible without our wonderful volunteers," added Leanne.

“The dinner was also a good chance for everyone to get together as a team, the volunteers all work on different days and don’t see each other very often.

“After such a busy 12 months, we thought it was time we all had a night out to celebrate.

“Thanks also to the Queen’s Beach Hotel – it was a fantastic evening.”

Contributed with thanks to Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy

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Volunteers from Bowen Tourism and Business enjoyed their Christmas in July
Kevin Clarke, Viv Clarke and Glenn Womal
Kate Mackie, Trudy Starkey and Cindy Tonks

Photos supplied

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At Precision Auto Service

From electric scooters to Rolls-Royces, Precision Auto Service has built a reputation for repairing, servicing, and modifying just about anything on wheels.

Now in its third year of trading, the locally owned business is led by manager and owner Matt Battams, who brings 28 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Starting as a tyre fitter at just 14, Matt went on to work with top-tier brands including Volkswagen, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes, and even prepared Aston Martins for exhibition racing at the Grand Prix. He is a certified Aston Martin Master Technician, with training also in Maserati and other high-end vehicles.

Precision Auto Service offers a wide range of services, from logbook servicing and insurance repairs to specialist off-road modifications. With a wide variety of techincians and servicemen, Precision Auto Service has the right fit for you.

Four-wheel-drive upgrades are a specialty, with staff member Jared renowned for his expertise in custom exhaust systems and other off-road enhancements.

The workshop boasts an international team, with mechanics from countries including Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA, each bringing unique skills. Services extend beyond cars to include motorcycles, mobility scooters, golf carts, tuk-tuks, and even children’s electric cars.

Precision Auto Service also supports the community, quietly sponsoring local festivals, school events, fishing competitions, and golf tournaments, often donating car service vouchers as prizes.

Their philosophy is simple, provide quality workmanship and take the time to do the job properly.

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Precision Auto Service covering all motor needs big or small. Photo supplied

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Two and half years and they still keep metal out of landfiil!

It’s been 2.5 years since local siblings Luke and Clare took the reins at Whitsunday Recyclers in Proserpine, and their mission remains the same: to divert valuable metal from landfill and give it a second life.

Now, they’re expanding that mission—offering on-site farm clean-ups to help rural property owners clear out old machinery, fencing, and scrap metal with ease.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from landholders needing help with bigger clean-ups, so we’re making it easy by coming to you,” said Luke.

“We arrive with our hook truck and excavator with grab, ready to load and remove everything in one go—no hassle, no heavy lifting for you.”

Based at 19 Anzac Road, Proserpine, Whitsunday Recyclers continues to support the Whitsunday community by offering:

• Farm clean-ups
• Free scrap metal bins for business and residential properties
• Free pick-ups of all scrap metal types – including used batteries
• A yard full of metal off-cuts and parts to purchase, perfect for repairs and DIY

And yes—they offer cash for scrap, paying fair prices for a wide range of metals including copper, brass, aluminium, stainless steel, and more.

“We’re proud of how far the site has come. It’s cleaner, friendlier, and we’re busier than ever—thanks to locals who want to do the right thing,” said Clare.

Whether you’re running a busy job site, clearing out the garage, or finally tackling that farm clean-up, Whitsunday Recyclers makes metal recycling simple and worthwhile."

To book a farm clean-up or learn more, drop into the yard or call the team today.

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When Marla was rescued while pregnant, she had only just made it to safety. Since then, this gentle 7-year-old Staffy-cross has poured her heart into raising her pups. Now that her mothering duties are complete, it’s finally her turn to find a loving forever home.

Marla is the very definition of a sweetheart. She adores children, gets along with dogs and cats, and even makes friends with roosters. With her affectionate nature and easygoing temperament, she would thrive in a kind, caring family where she can be part of the action.

Her favourite things in life are cuddles (the more the better), playtime with anyone who’s keen, and sharing time with her people. She’s also never one to turn down a tasty treat.

Marla’s adoption fee is $400, which includes desexing and all vaccinations.

If you’re ready to welcome this beautiful soul into your home, please send a message directly to Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue's Facebook page.

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More than 600 students from Bowen State High School and Proserpine State High School explored future career opportunities at the 2025 Careers Expo, held in McKenna Hall last week.

The event brought together 40 stalls representing a wide range of industries, including health, mining, transport and logistics, disability support, emergency services, aged care, agriculture, fitness, and universities. Local businesses and regional companies were also on hand to share their expertise and advice.

For Year 12 students, the Careers Expo provided a timely opportunity to explore university courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, and direct employment pathways. Younger students in Years 7 and 8 also benefited by discovering industries they may wish to consider for work experience or future career options, while enjoying the interactive displays and merchandise offered at the stalls.

The event aimed to help students reflect on their interests and strengths, encouraging them to think about possible career directions without the pressure of having to decide immediately. It also provided a supportive environment for developing employability skills, such as confidently approaching exhibitors and engaging in professional conversations.

Many students used the day to further investigate career aspirations, arrange work experience opportunities, or gather information on school-based apprenticeships and university entry requirements.

Bowen State High School acknowledged the contribution of all businesses and organisations that attended, ensuring the success of this year’s Careers Expo.

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Proserpine State High School students were treated to history coming to life with a special World War II Commemorative Convoy stopping at the school.

The commemorative convoy was led by Rockhampton Returned Services League members who are travelling to Townsville to commemorate the Victory Pacific 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and remember all who served in the Australian Military during that difficult time.

Dressing in Australian WWII period uniforms and driving authentically restored WWII trucks, jeeps and motorcycles, the gentlemen also have the special task of delivering an Official Commemorative Message to the Mayor of Townsville.

Rockhampton RSL VP80 Convoy Organiser, David Bell, said the aim of the school visit was to preserve and increase awareness about Australian wartime heritage and the experiences of service personnel during that era.

“It’s about us paying respect to those who fought and claimed victory as Australia would look very different today had there been a different outcome,” he said.

“We’re just doing our bit to keep their memory alive.”

The remarkable collection of items included a 1941 Oldsmobile sedan, 1943 Willys Jeep and trailer, a Ford Army Jeep, motorcycles, weapons and more.

Acting Head of Department – Humanities Brigette Foot said when connecting our young people with veterans, history is no longer something they read in a book or online, it becomes something they feel.

“Hearing their personal stories, marked by courage, humanity and resilience, offered a mesmerising, raw and chilling reminder that history truly lives in the voices of those who have served,” she said.

“Our Year 10 History and Year 11 and 12 Modern History students are profoundly grateful to the Rockhampton RSL VP80 Convoy for sharing their time and memories - reminding us all that service to something greater than yourself can bring empathy, hope and compassion into our future.”

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With Pastor Andy Wilson From Whitsunday Baptist Church

Are we looking at the right statistics in the right way? For decades, society has rightly fought for women’s rights. But in the process, have some men been left behind? In the 1960s and ’70s, Australia introduced no-fault divorce laws, initially to protect women—especially those abandoned by husbands. These laws allowed women to retain the family home and often full custody of the children. At the time, it was a necessary reform. But five decades on, some are asking: do these laws now unfairly disadvantage men?

Whitsunday Pastor Andy Wilson married his high school sweetheart when he was just 21 years old. The couple went on to have four children together, bought a house in Brisbane and Andy ran his own business while his wife opted to be a stay at home mother. For many years life was idyllic, but then the marriage started to become strained.

Desperate to rekindle the spark Andy tried to woo his wife again, buying her flowers, leaving little notes for her to find and reading ‘Seven Ways To Be A Hero’ about how to win your wife back. He also sold their boat to renovate the kitchen and invested time improving the house so she could be happy.

Sadly, none of his efforts worked and he was asked to move out of the family home.

Andy rented a small room nearby to stay close to the children. Without a suitable home for overnight stays, and while continuing to financially support the family, he found himself paying over $500 per week in child support.

Meanwhile, his wife left for France on a holiday. During this time, Andy had access to the house while he was looking after the children. It was on one of these days that he saw a handwritten letter from France and curiosity got the better of him. The letter confirmed his suspicions: it was a love note to his wife.

Later that same day he looked on the family computer and discovered multiple images of his wife wearing different outfits. On each of them she had a black eye. He recalled her receiving this injury when their son accidentally swung his head into her. But here, it looked like a set-up. He realised, she was using this to try and incriminate him into a domestic violence allegation.

Andy took the hard drive and when his wife returned home she phoned him up rattled, trying to get him to admit to destroying the evidence. Andy recalls feeling like the police were listening in.

Though ultimately Andy wasn’t charged, the experience left him shaken. After speaking with a lawyer friend, Andy was told the legal battle would be lengthy and costly— his wife likely to receive up to 80% of the assets. Rather than fight, he chose to walk away and start over.

Sadly, Andy’s story isn’t uncommon. Many men report losing their homes, finances, and access to their children following divorce. While domestic violence laws are vital for protecting victims, some allege they are misused during custody disputes. Research suggests that separation and family court issues are contributing factors in male suicide. According to Dads In Distress, a national support group, separated men are six times more likely to die by suicide than their married counterparts.

Fortunately, Andy was one of the lucky ones. He may have walked away without any money, but he was able to see his children. He also met and fell in love with a beautiful woman and was able to become a caring stepfather to her two children.

Andy also discovered his true calling which is ministry – to build God’s church right here in the Whitsundays. Since December last year Andy has been the Pastor at Whitsundays Baptist Church, where his candid and uplifting sermons have grown the congregation.
His journey, however, could have ended very differently.
“I honestly believe after losing everything that without my faith in Jesus I would have been another suicide statistic,” shared Andy.

“After what happened I had every reason to hate but hate but hate locks you in a prison of bitterness. The sun will rise again - hang in there and don’t give up, because I am testament to how life does get better.”

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By Sharon Ashman

You can’t talk to an angry brain.

Have you ever tried reasoning with a child in the middle of a meltdown? It doesn’t work – and here’s why.

When your child is yelling, hitting, throwing things, or just completely losing it, they’re not being “naughty” – they’re in their Red Brain. This is the reactive, survival part of the brain – I call it the T-Rex Zone. It’s all fight, flight, or freeze – and it takes over when kids feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or out of control.

In Red Brain mode, logic goes out the window. This is not the time for consequences or deep conversations. It’s the time for calm, connection, and safety. Once your child feels regulated again, then their “thinking brain” can come back online.

As a child counsellor, I work with kids (and their parents!) to understand these brain states – and to build real strategies for calming down, recognising triggers, and shifting out of Red Brain faster.

If your home is full of yelling, big reactions, or you're walking on eggshells – you are not alone.

Let’s help your child tame their T-Rex and rediscover their calm.

Call 0418708214  to book a supportive counselling session or explore our webpage personaltransitions.com.au

Next fortnight : What’s going on when your child suddenly shuts down or bursts into tears?

Meet the Blue Brain.

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Sharon Ashman
CMHN MPAS GD Psych

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Forty years ago, on July 24, 1985, Kelsey Creek joined the age of modern telecommunications.
Kelsey Creek was the last country exchange functioning in the Mackay District. While the transformation to a new automatic exchange provided subscribers with up-to-date phones and services, many missed the personal service provided by Marie Fraser, the operator of this manual exchange at the time. Marie had tended that country hook up from 1968 – 1985 running the service from the bottom floor of the family’s two-storey farmhouse after taking over from the Trotter family.

Initially, the exchange operated part-time from 8am – 1pm and from 2pm – 10pm which gave the Fraser family with their four children some free time. There were times during floods and bushfires when Marie and husband, Phil, manned the phone all night to connect emergency calls.

As the population grew, the exchange was made a 24 hour service to keep up with the calls in and out of Dittmer Gold Mine. This effectively meant that unless Marie could find someone to relieve her, she was tied to the job 24 hours a day; 7 days a week.

When the Frasers first manned the exchange, they had 485 calls in 28 days. In May 1983, that number had increased to 2293 calls for the same period. But all the family knew how to operate the exchange if need be. Only once did Marie have to shut down and that was when all the children were at school and Phil was out on the farm – and Marie had tonsilitis and could not speak.

In her time as operator, Marie became confidante, co-ordinator, advertiser, and information service to the small close-knit Kelsey Creek community. She was used as a counsellor for the lonely; a co-ordinator for fires and floods and an advertiser for local community groups. If Marie received a call from one of the farms, they would often simply say, “We’ve got a fire!” and hang up so Marie would ring around neighbours to assist -  all part of the service.

It was not unusual for a casual caller asking for mates by Christian name only such as, “Could ya get Charlie or Joe?’ Mmmm which Charlie or Joe? If a caller asked for a number or a particular person, Marie was able to tell them they had gone to town because she had seen the car drive past. Then there were requests for function dates, recipes and knitting patterns; even appeals such as how to catch a porcupine!

With the updating of the Kelsey exchange, the era of personal telephone service came to an end. Gone was the convenience of contacting the exchange for information (on any subject; not just relating to phone calls) and leaving messages to be passed on to others.

In place of the old farmhouse-cum-telephone exchange was a series of squat white boxes housing the technology which brought Kelsey Creek to the rest of the world. While residents were then able to ring direct anywhere, at any time, not all were totally happy with the change and admitted they would miss Marie’s familiar, friendly and calming voice at the end of the line.

At Marie’s suggestion, the old manual exchange was kept in the shire and is on display at the Proserpine Museum. Why not pop in and check out this wonderful reminder of the past.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum. Information also sourced from the “Proserpine Guardian”.

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