Locally and globally loved Hamilton Island, is set to join Blackstone’s global hospitality portfolio. Real Estate funds managed by Blackstone (NYSE: BX) have entered into an agreement to acquire the Whitsunday Islands resort from the Oatley family, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Located in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island spans more than 2,800 acres across two islands, around 70 percent of which remains undeveloped. The resort offers five hotels, more than 20 restaurants and bars, 20 retail outlets, a championship 18-hole golf course on neighbouring Dent Island, a marina, and its own airport. The island is a major employer in the Whitsundays, supporting a vibrant local community and regional businesses.

Chris Heady, Chairman of Asia Pacific & Head of Real Estate Asia, Blackstone, said: “Hamilton Island is an exceptional destination, and we are honored to build on the vision and dedication that the Oatley family has brought to investing in its transformation and add a standout asset to our portfolio. We are committed to investing in the long-term success of Hamilton Island, its people, and its local businesses and community.”

The Oatley family said: “We would like to thank our Board and Management for achieving this outcome, and welcome the new owners Blackstone. Hamilton Island has a special place in the hearts of many Australians. We are delighted to have a partner of Blackstone’s calibre and resources to continue the legacy, while supporting our people and island community.”

Blackstone is a leading global investor in hospitality, with major holdings across Australia, Japan, India, and the United States.

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Hi Everyone,

I have a bit of an update for you! Sadly, this will be my last day in the Whitsundays as I venture back to the UK to start a new chapter. The Whitsundays has been my home for the last 1.5 years, and I will be forever grateful for what I have learned here.

It isn't only the beautiful views that make this place special; there is also an incredible community here in the Whitsundays, and that is something that should be protected, and is one of the main reasons I started my Ruth 2 Reef column last year, which I hope has encouraged you to cherish the amazing marine life and environment we have here.

I would like to thank a few people for making my time here so special. Firstly, thank you to Rachael for mentoring and supporting me throughout my time here in the Whitsundays, and for giving me such a great opportunity; it has truly been invaluable. Thank you to Daniel, Hannah, Jacob, Victoria, and Chelsea for being great journalists. You have been an absolute pleasure to work and learn with. Additionally, thank you to all the other members of staff here at Life Publishing, Trish, Trisha, Jess, Lara, Taylor, Georgia, Mark, Camilla, Sherie, Jack and Tania who work exceptionally hard and help make the paper the success that it is. Additionally, thank you to Bec and Douth for building such a great business.

Lastly, thanks to you! Without the support of all our clients and readers, our business wouldn't be here, and I have really enjoyed getting to know all of you and telling your stories, whether they were happy or sad. I can't wait to stay up to date on what is going on and see how much the Whitsundays continues to grow.

I might still be milling around behind the scenes and contributing the occasional Ruth2Reef piece for the paper in the future, so keep an eye out! But for now its goodbye as I hand over to the very capable hands of Daniel and our new journalist, Seb.

Over and out!
Ruth

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” — Louis L’Amour

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It often starts as a short stay. A holiday booked months in advance, a few days by the water, a promise to “switch off” before returning to real life. But for many who visit the Whitsundays, something unexpected happens, the idea of leaving becomes harder to accept.

Locals sometimes refer to them as “accidental residents”. They arrive as visitors and quietly become part of the community. Some extend their stay. Others begin browsing rental listings. A few months later, they’re enrolling children in local schools, joining sporting clubs or learning the tides well enough to time a morning swim.

The appeal is not just the scenery, although the turquoise water and island-dotted horizon certainly help. It’s the pace of life that tends to linger. Days begin earlier and feel fuller, not rushed. Commutes are short. Time once lost to traffic is replaced with walks along the foreshore or evenings spent outdoors.

For many newcomers, the shift becomes a reset. The Whitsundays offers a way of living that feels simpler without being disconnected. Cafés, schools, healthcare and essential services are close at hand, while the region’s natural environment remains ever-present. It’s a balance that is increasingly difficult to find in larger centres.

Property plays a quiet but important role in this transition. Initial plans to rent for a season often evolve into longer-term thinking. Visitors discover that owning a home in the Whitsundays is not an abstract dream but a realistic option. Choices range from coastal apartments and elevated homes with ocean views to established family residences in well-connected neighbourhoods.

Community is another reason people stay. Sporting clubs, volunteer groups and local events make it easy to feel involved, even for those who arrived knowing no one. There is an unspoken understanding among residents that many people once stood in the same position — unsure whether they were visiting or beginning something new.

The rise of remote work has only strengthened this pattern. More people now have the freedom to choose where they live based on lifestyle rather than proximity to an office. For some, the Whitsundays offers the rare opportunity to work a standard week while living somewhere that still feels like a getaway.

Not everyone arrives intending to stay forever. But the longer people remain, the harder it becomes to imagine life elsewhere. What begins as a holiday slowly becomes routine, and then, unexpectedly, becomes home.

In the Whitsundays, moving here is rarely a grand decision made overnight. More often, it’s a quiet realisation that leaving no longer makes sense.

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Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot.

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Living in the Whitsundays is about more than just stunning beaches and sparkling waters,  it’s a lifestyle. For residents and renters alike, bringing that relaxed, tropical feel into your home can make everyday life feel like a permanent holiday.

Start with light, airy interiors. White or pale walls immediately make a space feel bigger and brighter, reflecting the natural sunlight that’s so abundant in the Whitsundays. Furnishings in natural fibres like rattan, wicker or bamboo add texture while keeping the look casual and beach-friendly. Cushions and throws in blues, greens or sandy tones can subtly mirror the surrounding ocean and beaches, making interiors feel connected to the environment outside.

Indoor plants are an easy way to bring the outdoors in. Tropical varieties such as palms, monstera or ferns not only look the part but also improve air quality, which is especially appreciated during the warmer months. Even small pots of herbs in the kitchen add life and function, while evoking the feel of a sun-soaked terrace.

Balconies and outdoor spaces are particularly important in the Whitsundays, where the climate encourages al fresco living. Simple additions like a hanging chair, a small table for morning coffee, or fairy lights along a railing can instantly transform a patio or deck into a cosy retreat. For waterfront properties, keeping windows unobstructed to frame ocean or river views enhances the sense of space and connection to nature.

Local art and craft are another way to make your home feel distinctly Whitsundays. Seashell collections, handmade pottery or paintings from regional artists give rooms personality while showcasing the area’s creative community. Even photographs of nearby beaches or aerial shots of the islands can remind residents of the unique environment just beyond their doorstep.

Scent and sound play a surprisingly powerful role in creating a tropical atmosphere. Fragrant candles, essential oils in coconut or frangipani, or the gentle hum of ocean-inspired music can evoke a relaxed, beachy mood even when you’re indoors. Simple touches like these turn everyday routines into moments of escape and relaxation.

Practicality also matters. Choosing furniture and flooring that withstands sand, sun and humidity ensures your tropical home stays beautiful without constant upkeep. Light fabrics for lounge areas, removable cushion covers and easy-to-clean surfaces all make island living comfortable as well as stylish.

Ultimately, bringing the Whitsundays lifestyle into your home isn’t about spending a fortune, it’s about embracing colour, light, nature and creativity. Whether you live on the mainland or one of the islands, small tweaks can make your property feel like a permanent holiday retreat. After all, in a region famed for its beauty, it makes sense to let a little of that magic spill into everyday life.

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It's time to overhaul your life, but the truth is simple and deeply reassuring. Real change
rarely comes from massive resolutions. It comes from small, consistent behaviours that
support your wellbeing.

Why big resolutions fail
Most New Year resolutions rely on motivation alone. Motivation is unstable; it surges when
we feel inspired, then drops when life becomes busy, stressful, or unpredictable. When
motivation fades, people often blame themselves rather than the unrealistic expectations
they set.

Large goals also trigger executive-function overload. When the brain feels overwhelmed, it
shuts down, procrastinates, or abandons the task entirely.

The psychology of change
Behavioural science consistently shows that people stick to habits that are small, easy,
rewarding, and connected to existing routines.

This is known as habit stacking. For example, after I make my morning coffee. I take three
slow breaths. After I brushing my teeth I write down one intention for the day. These micro-
habits bypass overwhelm and create momentum.

Self-compassion makes change stick. Self-criticism shuts down growth.
If you miss a day, the goal is not to “start again on Monday. The goal is simply to return
gently to the habit the next day.

Try the following quick reset:

1. Choose one area: sleep, movement, stress, or routines.
2. Set a tiny habit: two minutes or less.
3. Pair it with an existing behaviour (e.g., bed, meals, commute).
4. Reward yourself: acknowledge the effort, not the outcome.

“If you’d like more support, visit my website https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give
me a call 0418708214.” NDIS FRIENDLY

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Stinger Strikes At Happy Bay. A tourist received severe stings presumably from a box jellyfish at Happy Bay, Long Island. He was treated by two doctors, also tourists, before being flown to Proserpine Hospital.

Kelsey Creek Leads Rainfall Stats. Kelsey received twice the rainfall of any other district this week. During 1985 1877.1 mm of rain fell into the rainguage on Phil and Marie Fraser’s Kelsey Creek property.

Steady Flow For Naturalisation. Last year 43 adults became Australian citizens in Proserpine Shire ceremonies in addition to many of their children who attended and automatically became citiczens. Many people from Great Britain, Europe and Asia were welcomed and received an engraved pen as is the local custom.

Museum Suggested as a Bicentennial Project. A park seemed the most favoured project but a historical museum was also a possibility. Jan Maltby and Don Dinnie were among several who were promoting the Historical Society and working hard compiling records, maps and documents of early  settlers. One proposal was a museum in conjunction with a tourist information centre.

History Through Headstones. Some local members of Queensland Family Historical Society have been busy planning and mapping headstones in the old cemetery. Some iron number plates of unmarked graves have been located with the help of a metal detector.

International Guide Camp at Greenmount. Proserpine guides Tabitha Long, Jo-Anne Stevenson, Trudy Walker,Louise Bowman, Lena Sala, Terese Walton, Melissa Dufty and Anne Spencer attended.
Whitsunday Underwater Hockey Club meet every Wednesday. They have two mixed teams so far but would like new members.

First New Year Baby For Five Years. Allira Maree Norman arrived about noon to parents Linda and Barry.

Proposed Airlie Development. A town square, a beach and an all tide lagoon in Airlie are schemes being proposed by developer Chris Dorrough.

Sabot Titles. Local lads Shane and Glen Bradford competed in the national titles at Bowen last weekend.

Tourism At Bloomsbury. Frank Raiteri is building a water slide and swimming pool.

Heavy Metal. Locals Michael Hinschen, Alan Weir, Peter Collingwood, and Colin Thorogood performed rock and roll at Proserpine Motor Lodge on New Year’s Eve.

Kim Hadlow Proserpine Lady Golfer of The Year. Kim had a brilliant year the highlight of which was winning the Champion of Champions in a 6 hole play off against Townsville’s top player.

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by Rebecca Clark

The first winner of Photo of the Week for 2026 is Rebecca Clark. Rebecca’s photo is of the New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Airlie foreshore, taken on her iPhone.

Theme: Celebrate.

These photographs are submitted by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers group.

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2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year of momentum and opportunity for the Chamber and their members!

They’ve got big plans, including a refreshed operations team, the launch of their Advocacy Manifesto and Vision for the Whitsundays research project, expanded Sub-Committees, and a new Cruise Ship Markets sponsorship program to create even more opportunities for local businesses to get involved and be seen.

These new initiatives will sit alongside their trusted activities, like Breakfast Briefings alternating between Airlie Beach and Proserpine, member-hosted monthly Speed Networking, the Whitsundays Jobs Fair, and the popular Tradies Pop-Up BBQ.

Returning in 2026 are their flagship events that highlight the best of the region’s business community.

The Whitsunday Business Awards, in partnership with Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council, will once again celebrate local excellence and give businesses of all sizes the chance to shine.

The Whitsunday Business Conference is also back as the learning and networking event of the year, bringing together expertise, and connections to help businesses across the region grow and thrive.

2026 is set to be a big year — and we can’t wait to get started!

Save the date!
The first Business Breakfast Briefing will feature a preview of the year ahead, the launch of our new member resource hub, a showcase of local members, and a Q&A session.

When: 7:30am-9am Thursday 19 February
Where: Filby’s Motors, 62 Main Street, Proserpine
Open to all, with discounted and non-member tickets available. Breakfast included. Full briefing dates for February–July are on our website: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events

Join today!
Joining the Chamber is a great way to strengthen connections, gain visibility, and access practical support for your business.

Membership starts from $99 pro-rata to 30 June 2026 – a simple and cost-effective investment in your business success.

Join today: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join

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The Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango has been very busy providing free refreshments to drivers in recent weeks.

The Information Centre is an official Driver Reviver Station and hundreds of drivers have taken advantage of this over the Christmas and New Year period.

The Driver Reviver program is a national road safety initiative that has been operating since 1989. It provides essential rest stops for travellers to reduce fatigue-related accidents by providing free refreshments – tea, coffee, water and snacks.

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre has been providing free tea and coffee for many years but became an official Driver Reviver Station in 2024.

Previously, the Driver Reviver stand was manned by volunteers during peak holidays times at the Mount Gordon Rest Stop across the road.

By moving the service to the information centre, drivers have access to the refreshments seven days a week and not only during peak periods.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the organisation was proud to offer this free service, helping to promote road safety and providing an under-cover area for drivers to take a break.

“It is important to encourage drivers to take regular breaks when travelling – and we are perfectly located halfway between Mackay and Townsville and right on the highway,” she said.

There are signs to the north and south of the centre, directing travellers to the Driver Reviver Station next to the Big Mango.

“We are always busy during holiday times. During the wet season, when the road conditions are frequently changing to the north and south of us, many people call in to get up-to-date information and enjoy a coffee and a snack while they are here,” she said.

“Sometimes we even have free Driver Reviver merchandise for the whole family including soft toys and key rings.”

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This family from the Gold Coast called in at the Driver Reviver Station at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on Monday and the kids loved the Tiny Teddy biscuits and the Driver Reviver toys. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Regional Council will be trialling new youth-focused groups at Proserpine Library from January 2026, offering local teenagers a dedicated space to connect, learn and unwind after school.

The program, titled Our Library, Our Space, will run every Tuesday from 3.15pm to 4.30pm between January and June and is open to young people aged 13 and over.

Designed as a relaxed and welcoming environment, the weekly sessions will rotate through a range of activities aimed at encouraging creativity, learning and social connection.

The first Tuesday of each month will host a Book Club, followed by a Study Club on the second Tuesday. A Creative Lab will run on the third Tuesday, with Games Lounge sessions scheduled for the fourth and, where applicable, fifth Tuesday of each month.

Participants can attend casually or choose to take part each week, with no requirement to commit long-term.

In addition to the new program, a range of youth activities are also on offer at the library during the school holidays.

Further details on Our Library, Our Space and other youth programs are available through the Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries website.

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Proserpine Library

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A Year to Deliver for the Whitsundays

As we head into a new year, I want to use my first few columns to talk honestly about where Council is heading, what we’re focusing on, and what residents can realistically expect to see on the ground.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll touch on delivery, growth, advocacy, and the work Council does behind the scenes because there’s more happening across the Whitsundays than many people realise.

This year, my focus as Mayor is clear: delivery, not just discussion.

Across our region, communities have helped shape long-term plans for places like Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Bowen, and Collinsville. Those plans matter and they reflect years of local input. But I know people want to see what that looks like beyond documents and diagrams.

In 2026, you’ll see more projects move from planning into action. That means work progressing in our town centres, community facilities taking shape, and improvements becoming visible in everyday places.

Cannonvale will continue to play an important role as a growth hub, with community-focused infrastructure helping support a growing population. In Collinsville and Bowen, long-planned community and foreshore improvements are moving closer to reality. In Airlie Beach, planning is shifting toward delivering practical outcomes that support both locals and visitors.

At the same time, Council remains focused on the basics of our business which is roads, water, waste, parks and public amenities. These are the services that keep the region functioning, particularly during peak holiday periods when our population swells.

Not everything can happen at once, and not every project moves at the same pace. Construction costs, funding conditions and approvals all play a role. But the direction is clear that my Council wants fewer ideas sitting on shelves and more turning into on-the-ground results.

This year is about momentum. Turning plans into places, and conversations into outcomes one project at a time.

Next week, I’ll talk about how Council is managing growth across the Whitsundays and how we’re working to protect the lifestyle that makes this region such a special place to live.

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You can stay informed and up to date with the latest news during storms and disaster events by signing up for Council’s opt-in notification service via the Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard. Choose to receive tailored real-time alerts by text message or email, including Emergency News and Weather Warnings, so you’re always across what matters to you most.

To sign up, visit the Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard and click the green ‘Opt-in Notifications’ button.

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Welcome to the new year from Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Branch Manager, Amanda Anderson, and the team.

In today’s digital world, convenience and security must go hand in hand. Online banking has made it easier than ever to manage money – paying bills, transferring funds and checking balances anytime, anywhere – but staying safe online is just as important as staying connected.

At Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, keeping customers’ money and personal information secure is a top priority. Our systems include 24/7 fraud monitoring, multi-factor authentication, Payee Check for first-time payments, and secure online banking tools designed to protect customers at every step.

However, online security is a shared responsibility.

Community Bank Branch Manager Amanda Anderson shares some simple actions everyone can take to reduce risk:

1. Strong, unique passwords remain the first line of defence. Avoid using personal details or common words and consider longer passphrases instead. Updating passwords regularly – particularly after suspicious activity – adds another layer of protection.
2. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another powerful safeguard. This extra verification step, such as facial recognition, fingerprints or prompts sent to your phone, makes it much harder for fraudsters to gain access.
3. Public WiFi networks can also pose risks. While convenient, they can allow hackers to intercept information or mimic legitimate networks. Customers are encouraged to avoid accessing online banking while connected to public WiFi.
4. Staying alert to security notifications and banking alerts is equally important. These notifications allow customers to approve or reject activity in real time. If something doesn’t look right, changing your password and contacting the bank immediately can make all the difference.
5. Phishing scams remain one of the most common threats. These emails or text messages often pretend to be from a trusted organisation and create urgency to trick people into clicking links or sharing information. Your bank will never ask for banking details via email or text, and suspicious messages should always be reported.

“A simple rule to remember is: Stop. Think. Protect” says Amanda. “Stop if something feels wrong. Think about whether a message or call could be fake. Protect yourself by acting quickly and contacting your bank.”

At the end of the day, our goal is simple – to provide Whitsundays locals with banking that’s personal, secure and built around what really matters.

If you ever have questions or concerns about online security, the team at Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is always happy to help.

Visit Amanda and the team at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale
Call (07) 4948 3599
Email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Bendigo Bank – the better big bank.

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Proserpine State High School (PSHS) has wrapped up its 63rd Annual Awards Night celebrations, proudly recognising students who demonstrated outstanding commitment, achievement, and character throughout 2025.

The final release of photo highlights showcases the school’s Awards of Excellence recipients - students whose dedication and positive contributions stood out across academic, cultural, sporting, and community areas.

School leaders said the Awards of Excellence reflect not only high achievement, but the values that underpin the Proserpine State High School community, including perseverance, respect, and leadership. These students consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to personal growth, setting an example for their peers.

The Annual Awards Night marked an important opportunity to reflect on the many milestones and memorable moments that shaped the 2025 school year. Families, staff, and students came together to celebrate success, acknowledge effort, and recognise the collective achievements of the school community.

Proserpine State High School extended its thanks to everyone who joined in the celebrations, whether in person or through the school’s series of photo highlights, which captured the spirit of the evening and the pride shared across the community.

As PSHS looks ahead to the 2026 school year commencing on Tuesday, the 27th of January, staff expressed confidence in another year of learning, growth, and opportunity, building on the strong foundations established throughout 2025.

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A small souvenir teddy bear bought in a docklands gift shop in England is set to arrive in Airlie Beach this week after travelling more than 20,000 nautical miles as part of a Clipper Round the World Yacht Race delivery destined for two local children.

The bear will be given to Airlie Beach siblings Harper, 12, and Jack, 9, who both take part in junior sailing and have grown up around boats and regattas. Their connection to the global race began in Portsmouth, the historic UK port where the Clipper yachts depart on their circumnavigation of the world.

While attending the race’s departure festival, grandmother Pauline Porter noticed the Great Ormond Street Hospital team yacht displaying teddy bears on its stand. Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the United Kingdom’s leading children’s hospitals.

Crew members explained the bears were being carried aboard to bring comfort and joy to sick children following the race. After mentioning that her grandchildren live in Airlie Beach one of the Clipper Race stopover ports Pauline asked whether a teddy bear could be taken all the way to Australia for them.

With the crew’s agreement, she purchased a Spinnaker Tower souvenir bear and handed it to the skipper, where it was officially placed on board the yacht.

Airlie Beach marks the halfway point of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, with yachts having completed approximately 20,000 nautical miles by the time they arrive. The bear is expected to reach Airlie Beach later this week, with supporters and visitors anticipated at Coral Sea Marina between January 13 and 15. The fleet is scheduled to depart again on January 19.

The Great Ormond Street Hospital team is currently performing strongly, sitting first in the general rankings and well positioned to win the current leg.

For Harper and Jack, the bear’s arrival is especially meaningful. Harper has ambitions of becoming both a sailor and a marine biologist and dreams of one day taking part in the Clipper Race herself.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is open to everyday people from all walks of life, with no prior ocean sailing experience required before undertaking its intensive training program.

Participants can choose to complete one leg or the entire race, making it one of the most inclusive and challenging sailing events in the world.

For Airlie Beach, the arrival of the Clipper fleet (and one very well-travelled teddy bear) highlights the town’s place on a truly global stage.

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