Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Tina Briskey From Taylors Property
For Tina Briskey, real estate is more than a profession: it’s a way of sharing a place she has long called home.
After arriving in the Whitsundays in 1991, following extensive travels across Australia and throughout her home state of Queensland, Tina quickly formed a deep connection to the region. What began as a move became a lifelong commitment, with the Whitsundays evolving from a destination into a cherished home.
Before transitioning into real estate, Tina spent 17 years working on Hamilton Island, gaining valuable experience and building strong ties within the community. Her move into the property sector was driven by a genuine desire to help others discover the same lifestyle she had come to love.
As a Property Specialist with Taylors Property Specialists, Tina brings a values-driven approach to her work. Loyalty, integrity, and honesty are at the core of everything she does, shaping a professional style that is both transparent and deeply client-focused. In an industry where trust is essential, Tina’s commitment to ethical practice and clear communication has become a defining feature of her service.
Tina is passionate about helping clients not only buy and sell property, but also find their own piece of paradise in the Whitsundays. Her knowledge of the local area, combined with her authentic enthusiasm for the region’s lifestyle, allows her to guide clients with confidence and care.
With a strong connection to the community and a heartfelt belief in what the Whitsundays has to offer, Tina Briskey continues to help others turn their property dreams into reality.
Lisa relocated to the stunning Whitsundays in 2023, drawn by the promise of a more relaxed lifestyle and the opportunity to immerse herself in everything the region has to offer.
With an extensive background as a paralegal and conveyancer in New South Wales, Lisa has a deep understanding of the legal and transactional aspects of property. Her passion for real estate, combined with her commitment to building genuine relationships, inspired her to transition into the industry full-time.
Grateful for the warm welcome she and her family received, Lisa is passionate about sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm, and local insight to help others achieve their property goals. She takes pride in guiding clients through the process of buying or selling their most significant assets, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience.
Approachable, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile, Lisa looks forward to assisting you with your real estate journey in the Whitsundays.
Sarah Dean from Belle Property Whitsunday
Sarah Dean brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to her role as a Sales Consultant at Belle Property Whitsundays, where she leads Team Sarah Dean.
Before moving into real estate, Sarah worked in the investment sector, helping clients maximise their superannuation through high-performing boutique funds. She also founded and ran a successful marketing business that generated qualified leads for investment property sales companies nationwide, enhancing client acquisition strategies and sales growth.
Sarah’s focus is on building strong, long-term relationships with her clients through trust, clear communication, and expert advice. She is passionate about staying ahead of market trends, deeply understanding local property values, and providing her clients with a distinct competitive edge.
Recognised for her excellence, Sarah has received multiple Sales Awards and has consistently ranked among the top agents on realestate.com.au in the Whitsundays for both performance and 5-star reviews. She is also a proud recipient of the Price Expert Badge from Rate My Agent, a reflection of her accurate market insight and pricing expertise.
What sets Sarah apart is her genuine, client-first approach and her ability to achieve record-breaking sales prices. Her strong negotiation skills and tailored selling strategies ensure optimal outcomes for every client, whether buying or selling.
Now at Belle Property, Sarah thrives in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and high standards of service. Team Sarah Dean is committed to providing a boutique experience backed by the strength of the Belle Property brand, delivering premium results with a personalised touch.
Outside of real estate, Sarah is an active member of the Whitsundays community. She enjoys quality time with her son, outdoor adventures, sporting events, and charity initiatives. Whether camping, boating, or exploring the beautiful Whitsundays region, Sarah embraces life with energy and passion—values she brings to every client interaction.
Stop the presses - one of the most loved dogs in the world is coming to Australia!
Spot the dog is taking to the stage in a show designed to be enjoyed by the whole family, and adored by little ones, for whom it might be their first ever theatre experience.
The upbeat show sees Eric Hill's beloved puppy come to life on stage in a show that's fun for all, with puppetry, songs, and puzzles for children from 18 months and up – promising to be enjoyed by ‘big kids’ too.
Spot and his friends will be setting off on a new adventure to visit Spot's Dad on the farm and meet the farm animals. But when they arrive, all the animals are lost! And so the quest begins: Can Spot and his friends find them all? They might need a little help from their new friends in the audience...
This sweet show is an amazing opportunity to introduce little ones to the arts, letting them step into a storybook world where their favourite animals have jumped off the page and stand before them. Who knows – it may inspire some future performers to take to the stage one day, too.
Tickets are available now on the Proserpine Entertainment Centre website.
WHAT: Spot – Live On Stage
WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
WHEN: Friday 1st May, 12-12.50pm, 2-2.50pm
The Proserpine Nursing Home opened 40 years ago this month, filling an important gap in aged care facilities within our community. Since the time of its opening, the nursing home has expanded from 30 to 103 beds today.
In March 2004, Mrs Zena Price, Past Patroness of the Proserpine Historical Museum, penned the following article on the history of the Proserpine Nursing Home.
It has been said that in every field of human life things have gone ahead because people of vision have had a dream and a hope of something that may be possible. To live comfortably in the world, we must have dreams and Margaret Rose Rigby’s dream was to have a nursing home in Proserpine - a place where invalids and the elderly could enjoy the comforts of being cared for in an environment they knew, amongst relatives and friends.
Margaret was not a native of this district. Her husband, Jordan, became Manager of the Proserpine Sugar Mill in 1978. Soon after their arrival, in conversation with friends and from her own observations, she learned that some of our elderly were being cared for in the local hospital or in out-of-town nursing homes. She first called a public meeting in 1980 to discuss the viability of a nursing home a committee was formed with Mr Ray Botto as president.
The first estimate of $800,000 seemed impossible but the generosity of the Eddie Dray family in donating 1.6 hectares of land for a home removed a considerable financial burden from the committee. Proserpine Co-operative Sugar Mill each gave $50,000 with the State and Federal Governments providing substantial donations.
The committee left no stone unturned in its efforts to make the home a going concern. They ran goose clubs, manned the gate at the rodeo, harvested bean crops, made curry and rice for the Harvest Festival; the ladies had bridal afternoons, the Rotary and Lions Service Clubs were most generous. By April 1986, Margaret received the keys to the home. No vacancies!!
In 1990, another marathon effort, and ten units known as “Hazelwood Hostel” were connected to the southern end of the Nursing Home. “Hazelwood” honours the memory of James Nicol, an original cane supplier to the Mill in 1897, who called his farm “Hazelwood”. The Nursing Home is built on part of that farm which was sold in 1948, to the Dray family.
In 2000, the very comfortable “Whitsunday” wing was made possible by the transfer of $350,000 from the Aged Care Association at Airlie Beach and Jubilee Pocket.
In 2003, a fourth wing named “Windermere” was opened. The name “Windermere” is familiar to this district. It was the name given to land purchased at Cannon Valley near Brandy Creek by Mr HW Holmes when he arrived in 1894 and is still in the Holmes family. The Windermere School, one of the district’s country schools, was built on land donated by Mr Holmes and operated for the children in that area from 1922 till its closure in 1942.
No doubt, Margaret Rigby’s dream came to fruition because of the untiring efforts of many good local residents, service clubs, good management, caring staff and government help.
Story sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives (PHMS Magazine Issue 54 March 2004). Photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.
Captions
L-R Jean Hinschen; Margaret Perkins; Gwyn Johns; Margaret Rigby - Four hard workers seen preparing the grounds before the opening.
Photo supplied.
Steve Fraser is the winner of Photo of the Week this week, sharing this photo of Airlie Main Street for the “Street Life” theme.
Next week’s theme is “Angles”. Budding photographers are welcomed to submit their photos via the Whitsunday Amateur Photographers Facebook Group.
1 - Photos contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Amateur Photographers group.
Bella is the kind of dog who reminds you just how powerful love and resilience can be.
Connection is everything to Bella. She thrives in environments where she can be part of the family and included in daily life. For this reason, she would be best suited to a home where people are around most of the time, as being left alone all day would not meet her emotional needs.
Bella is a medium-sized dog with a medium energy level—equally happy to enjoy playtime and then settle in for cuddles. She is wonderful with children, currently being assessed with other dogs, and her compatibility with cats is still unknown.
Her ideal home would include secure fencing, a family-oriented environment, and, most importantly, a lifelong commitment from people ready to give her the stability she deserves.
Bella comes microchipped, has had all necessary veterinary work completed, and has made a full recovery from a previous illness. She is now healthy and ready to begin her next chapter.
Her adoption fee is $400.
Bella has already proven her strength. Now, she just needs someone to choose her—and to choose her for good.
If you believe you could offer Bella the loving home she’s been waiting for, please reach out with your name, phone number, and expression of interest.
If you are interested, please contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc.
Captions
Photo source: Facebook
The volunteer-led Bowen Community Op Shop is once again showing how powerful grassroots generosity can be, welcoming an impressive flow of donations from the community, and using every dollar earned to directly invest back into the Bowen and Collinsville region.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity shown by locals, the Op Shop is currently offering clothing without tags for $1 and baby clothing for 50 cents, making essential items accessible to families doing it tough.
Not only is the shop a useful resource, all income raised is being channelled straight back into community programs. Funds have supported chair‑based exercise classes, tech classes, health forums, dancing programs, the Bowen Soup Kitchen, the Food Bank, festivals and more than 90 community organisations across the region.
The Op Shop has also helped sponsor two Bowen State High School students to attend university, demonstrating its long‑term commitment to local youth.
The Bowen Community Centre, which oversees the Op Shop, was recently approved as a registered Social Enterprise Trader, formalising its long‑standing practice of returning more than half of its profits to community benefit.
The Bowen Community Council, which is the governing body over Bowen Community Centre, has also provided free space to the Bowen Art Society, ensuring local artists have a place to create and collaborate.
Open from 8.30am to 2.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the shop relies entirely on community donations and has become a supportive hub for local residents.
If you want to be a part of it, come in and say hello at 34 – 40 Gregory Street Bowen.
Contributed with thanks to Stephanie Cora. Photo supplied.
Locals across the Mackay Whitsundays are being encouraged to celebrate the people, places and experiences that make their region special, with nominations now open for the 2026 QLD Day Awards and voting underway for the All the Best campaign.
Part of the annual QLD Day celebrations on 6 June, the initiatives shine a spotlight on community heroes, local businesses and iconic destinations that reflect the spirit of Queensland.
From volunteers and grassroots contributors to standout events and favourite local spots, the awards recognise those who help shape and strengthen communities across the state.
Premier David Crisafulli said the campaign was about showcasing everything Queenslanders love about where they live.
“From your local pizzeria to your favourite beach, we want Queenslanders to share what they love most about our amazing State,” he said.
“We’re also calling on all Queenslanders to help us recognise our amazing community members and organisations by nominating them as part of this year’s competition.”
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the region had no shortage of worthy nominees.
“We live in the best place in the world, and there is so much to be proud of and celebrate this Queensland Day,” he said.
Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm echoed the sentiment, highlighting the region’s diversity.
“From our incredible islands, agriculture and local businesses to the hardworking volunteers and community champions who give so much back, Queensland Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our region so special," she said.
Voting is now open, with winners to be announced on 3 June.
CAPTION: Sun, sea and sand at Bowen’s Grays Bay; just one of the many North Queensland gems locals are being encouraged to celebrate this QLD Day. Photo source: Visit Queensland
Bakers Co. Whitsunday started its life as a Brumby’s franchise run by couple Vicky Liu and Andy Tao. After running the store successfully for seven years, the pair decided to go independent, forming Bakers Co. Whitsunday – however the great feeds and tastes that made their business special remain.
Located in the Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale, the business has seen immense success over the years.
Bakers Co. Whitsunday boasts a host of delicious treats such as their custard tarts, vanilla slices, jam donuts for those with a particularly sweet tooth – and pies, sausage rolls and coffees for a delicious all rounded breakfast.
Both Vicky and Andy are incredibly grateful for the long-term support they have received from the community over the years.
Despite the rebranding, Bakers Co. Whitsunday show no signs of slowing down as they continue to garner support and spread the joy across the region.
A former Bowen State High School student is making waves in the scientific world, developing a revolutionary way to track one of the ocean's most invisible threats.
Dr Scott Morrissey, a member of the Bowen State High School Class of 2013, recently achieved his PhD at James Cook University. His research uses "environmental DNA" (eDNA)—tiny genetic traces left in the water—to detect the presence of deadly Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri).
For Principal Rob Harris, Scott’s success comes as no surprise. Mr Harris, who taught Scott in Year 11 and 12 Biology, remembers a student with a clear drive.
"Scott was an incredibly focused student who always had a keen interest in biology," Mr Harris shared.
"It has been wonderful to follow his journey over the past 12 years. His (Scott’s) parents always keep me updated on what he is studying and where he is in the world."
In his thesis acknowledgements, Dr Morrissey concluded - “Finally, I would like to thank my family – Mum, Dad, Dylan, Joshua, and of course my sidekick Percy. Your unwavering support and encouragement have kept me grounded and driven. Thank you for believing in me and for supporting me every step of the way.”
After graduating from Bowen, Scott completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours, a path that allowed him to travel the world while pursuing his passion for marine life. His doctoral research finally solved a long-standing mystery: where box jellyfish come from.
By testing just two litres of seawater, Scott’s method can detect the jellyfish during their ‘polyp’ stage—the stationary phase before they become mobile stingers. His findings revealed that these jellyfish are ‘homebodies’ that stay within specific bays rather than drifting along the coast, a discovery that will vastly improve how local beaches manage stinger risk.
For the Bowen State High School community, Scott’s journey represents a core mission.
"This connection with the community is what Bowen SHS is all about," Mr Harris added.
"Strengthening relationships and embracing opportunities to ensure students realise their full potential and are prepared for all things."
With his PhD now complete, Dr Morrissey’s work stands as a testament to how a passion sparked in a local classroom can lead to world-first discoveries that protect swimmers across the coastline.
Dr Morrissey’s paper can be accessed via: https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/89811/2/JCU_89811_Morrissey_2024_thesis.pdf
Contributed with thanks to Robert Harris.
Captions
Scott Morrissey attended Bowen State High School and recently completed his PHD. Photo supplied
Last week, ‘Backpacking Poms’ Joe Taylor and Isaac Hirsch passed through Airlie Beach on their epic mission to raise funds for Talk2MeBro, a charity dedicated to improving men’s mental health through connection, conversation, and education.
The two young Brits started their journey in Newcastle and will be cycling 17,000km around the Australian Coastline, sharing their adventure online and raising awareness and money for their cause – one close to both of their hearts.
“We’ve seen how many men are taught to “tough it out,” to bottle things up, and to keep moving no matter how heavy life becomes,” the pair shared.
“We’ve seen friends, family members, and people we admire fight unseen battles — and tragically, some have been lost far too soon.”
“We don’t want men to feel like they have to fight alone anymore.
“This ride is our way of proving that vulnerability is strength, not weakness. That speaking up takes courage. That connection can save lives.”
Isaac said that the duo received outstanding support in our region.
“Our stop in the Whitsundays was incredible. We got a free day trip with Ocean Rafting - Nathan helped us out - and our captain Brent was amazing.” He said.
“A lovely lady named Clare let us stay at her place for a couple of days, we made some great friends, and the locals supplied us with food throughout our stay. The support and kindness made the Whitsundays an unforgettable part of our ride!”
Joe and Isaac are forthcoming about their own struggles with mental health, and how meaningful the challenge is to them.
“For most of our lives, neither of us have truly felt fulfilled,” they stated.
“Deep down, we’ve always known we were meant for something bigger than ourselves — a challenge that would push us physically, mentally, and emotionally to our absolute limits.
“That’s why we’ve decided to take on one of the toughest adventures we can imagine.”
Follow along and donate to the cause on the pair’s socials: @the.bikepackingpoms
1- Isaac Hirsch (left) and Joe Taylor (right) were seen off a Talk2MeBro representative in Newcastle on March 1st. Photo source: LinkedIn
Over the last few weeks there have been national headlines reporting on mass cancellations of regional flights across Australia. Despite difficulties with the fuel crisis, Whitsunday Coast Airport is showing consistent and stable reports and there should be no cause for alarm at this current point in time.
Whitsunday Regional Council Director Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said while there has been some national reporting around fuel impacts and flight cancellations, the Whitsundays continues to perform strongly overall.
“Like many regional areas, we’ve seen some minor adjustments to flight schedules, however forward bookings remain very strong, and airlines continue to show confidence in the Whitsundays market”, said Mr Turner.
“In fact, Whitsunday Coast Airport is performing exceptionally well, with passenger growth of 6.2 per cent which is the strongest result among tourism-focused regional airports and well above the national average, reinforcing the Whitsundays’ position as one of Australia’s most in-demand destinations.”
“We’ve just come through a very strong Easter period, with high passenger numbers and solid demand, which highlights the ongoing strength of the Whitsundays as a tourism destination.”
“Overall, the region remains in a very positive position, with demand continuing to track strongly despite some of the broader national challenges.”
Hello everyone,
I am incredibly excited to be doing the editor’s note this week. I’ve now been in the Whitsundays for three months and I am so grateful to be part of such a welcoming community.
I was privileged to visit my home in Melbourne over the Easter weekend to see friends and family. It got me thinking about what home actually means to a person.
For a time, I had been listening to the song 500 Miles by Peter, Paul and Mary.
I’m actually a lot further than 500 miles. Moreso roughly 1478 miles. ‘Lord I’m 1, lord I’m 2, lord I’m 3, lord I’m 4, lord I’m 1478 miles from my home’ - doesn’t work as well lyrically, for obvious reasons.
I think home is more of a feeling than a place. It’s not merely a house or a room. We find home in many things – in the people we love and trust, in the sounds and noises that seem painfully familiar, in the views and sightings that become commonplace in our subconscious.
The place you grew up in is like a beautiful scar. No matter where you travel, who you meet or what new places you decide to call home – that place you are ultimately from always lingers. Even if that too changes, there is a feeling that always remains.
Having completed university in Melbourne, I spent my entire life there, up until now. This is my first time living out of home independently and it’s been a huge adjustment but I am pleased to being making that adjustment in a wonderful environment surrounded by amazing people.
So, what to you is home? Is it the Whitsundays? Is it your partner or your friend? Is it a song, or book or novel you love desperately? Home can manifest in a variety of ways.
In the words of one of my favourite writers James Baldwin: “Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition.”
Founded in January 2026, Whitsunday Migration Services provides professional, ethical, and personalised Australian immigration assistance for individuals and families navigating the migration process.
The business specialises in visa and citizenship advice, helping clients understand the pathways available and identify the options best suited to their circumstances. Services include full visa application preparation and lodgement, as well as managing communication with the Department of Home Affairs on behalf of clients. To protect sensitive personal information, the business also provides an ISO 27001-certified secure online client portal, allowing documents to be uploaded, messages exchanged, and case updates tracked in a safe and confidential environment.
The motivation behind the business is deeply personal. Having experienced the migration journey firsthand, the founder understands that migration is far more than paperwork. It is a major life decision often filled with emotional and practical challenges. Whitsunday Migration Services was created to ensure clients feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the process. Built on empathy, professionalism, and expertise, the service aims to guide people through Australia’s complex and constantly evolving migration laws with clarity and care.
The migration industry itself is also changing. Increasingly, people are turning to online tools and artificial intelligence for immigration information.
While these tools can provide general guidance, they cannot replace the expertise of a registered migration professional. Migration laws change frequently, and incorrect or outdated advice can lead to serious consequences, including visa refusals or legal complications. As a result, educating clients about the importance of trusted professional guidance is a key part of the business’s role.
Whitsunday Migration Services also offers multilingual support in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, ensuring clear communication and a culturally inclusive experience for clients from diverse backgrounds.
As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the business values connecting with other local organisations, supporting the regional business community, and contributing to a welcoming environment for people building new lives in the Whitsundays.
Learn more about Whitsunday Migration Services: https://whitsundaymigrationservices.com.au/
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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