The Tiny Homes project has finally got the go-ahead after almost three years in development. The project aims to build housing for homeless and vulnerable women over 55 in the Whitsundays with community fundraising and support.
Led by a group of dedicated local volunteers, the Tiny Homes Project managed to secure a plot of land in Proserpine to begin construction of four homes. The Development Approval was granted in August 2024, and the land officially donated by the Whitsunday Regional Council meant that in January this year all the volunteers for the project could finally come together and begin making the project a reality.
The builders and volunteers like CEO Matt Brabeck from Housewerk along with Joanne Moynihan and Sandy Clark from The Whitsunday Housing Company met to plan the build. They all reflected on the frustrations and hold-ups, due to the site location being close to the Bruce Highway and the holiday periods when workforce availability was non-existent.
“It’s certainly taken a while to get to the build stage,” said Sandy Clark.
Joanne is currently working with Matt to finalise the designs and engineering for the project. Local suppliers have also volunteered their time and services to support this important community project. These include but aren't limited to: Abell Point Builders, Bunnings, Reece Plumbing Centre, Fennell’s Flooring, Dulux Paints, Hayman’s Electrical, Nauticool, Beaumont Tiles, Whitsunday Marble and Granite, Stratco Proserpine and Woodman Group of Companies.
Homelessness in the age group of women 55 over, is the highest statistic not only here in the Whitsundays but Australia wide. These women may be mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters or friends and often fly under the support radar, not receiving the help they need.
Now, they have some hope of stable, long-term accommodation and support to build their lives back up through the Tiny Homes project.

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The current layout plan, shows four homes and a general gathering area fitting into the donated plot. Graphics and Illustration supplied by Hauswerk

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It’s only February, and so much is already happening this year!
Congratulations to Club Whitsunday opening their doors. It promises to be a massive asset for both the sporting community and the region at large, Well done JB and team!
A big thank you to Whitsunday Regional Council for hosting a spectacular Australia Day Awards event! The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry was proud to sponsor the Citizen of the Year Award, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Matt Stokes, our 2025 Citizen of the Year! Your dedication and contributions to our community are truly inspiring.
Major Federal Funding Secured for Our Region - In exciting news, Whitsunday Regional Council has been awarded $29.8 million under the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program. Mayor Ry Collins announced that this funding will help deliver two transformative projects:
   • $29.7 million Cannonvale Community Hub – A central space for community services and support.
   • $30 million Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct – Enhancing sporting facilities for our growing region.
These projects mark a significant investment in the future of the Whitsundays, strengthening our community and local economy.
Pop-Up Chamber: Possibilities for Proserpine
Proserpine businesses, this one’s for you! Join us for a Pop-Up Chamber event with Filby’s Motors to connect with fellow local businesses and discuss key opportunities for Proserpine.
The Chamber Board will be on hand to hear your ideas and concerns, and we’re keen to establish a Proserpine Sub-Committee to address local challenges and opportunities. This event will be a great chance to discuss the sub-committee’s purpose, scope, and structure, ensuring it reflects the needs of our Proserpine business community.
Come along, share your thoughts, and be part of shaping the future of business in Proserpine!
WHAT: Pop-Up Chamber Event
WHERE: Filby’s Motors, Proserpine
WHEN: Wednesday 12th February
TIME: 9am – 10am

Business Preparedness During Flooding
With recent heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of Queensland, businesses should remain vigilant.
Here are some key tips to help keep your operations safe and prepared:
   • Review your emergency plan – Ensure your team knows the procedures in case of extreme weather.
   • Check insurance coverage – Confirm policies cover flood-related disruptions and damages.
   • Protect key assets – Safeguard important documents, inventory, and electrical equipment.
   • Communicate with customers and staff – Keep everyone informed about potential delays or closures.
Most importantly, stay safe and look out for one another. If your business has been affected, support services are available.
As we continue into what promises to be an action-packed year, the Chamber remains committed to supporting our local businesses and advocating for the Whitsundays community.
Stay safe, stay engaged, and here’s to a strong start to 2025!

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Recycling and reducing waste are critical steps we can take as a community to minimize the burden on our landfill sites in our Whitsunday region.

These actions not only help to protect our environment but also significantly reduce the costs associated with managing waste, which are ultimately borne by our ratepayers.

In line with these goals, Council’s construction of a new landfill cell at Kelsey Creek is nearing completion. This project, essential for servicing our region's future growth, will provide much-needed capacity for many years to come.

Despite facing challenges such as delays in procuring quality testing for the cell liner and severe weather events in late 2024 and the past two weeks, progress has continued, and the contractor recently rolled out the new cell liner.

Once this work is completed early next month, subject to weather, the cell will undergo an assessment by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI). Pending approval, we anticipate the landfill cell will be operational by April 2025.

With the opening of this new cell, waste acceptance changes will come into effect. Commercial, industrial, and construction waste disposal will transition exclusively to the new cell. We thank the community for their patience and understanding during this construction phase.

However, building new landfill cells is a very costly exercise and not a sustainable solution for our ratepayers.

Council supports all initiatives that divert any waste stream from landfill with construction/demolition waste having a major impact on consumption of airspace at landfill. Further assessment of opportunities for diversion will arise from our Waste Strategy which is currently under review.

To extend the lifespan of our landfill, we encourage everyone to embrace better waste sorting and recycling practices. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, we can lessen environmental impacts and keep costs down for our community.

Let’s work together to make recycling a priority and build a more sustainable future for all.

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Are you a mum looking for a social group that supports and learns from one another? Are you and your bub keen to get your steps in and workout with like-minded mums? Or are you just looking for helpful and friendly advice to support your journey through motherhood?
If you said ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the Bowen Community Centre has the program for you!
The Bowen Pram Pushers is a State Government and NQBP funded support group, launched to help new mums or mums new to town. It’s a social group aimed at facing relevant issues that are affecting members.
Every week Bowen Pram Pushers will be different, exploring Bowen and developing parental skills. There are opportunities to visit the library for their storytime sessions with your bub and the fire station to learn about home safety. Each Friday will begin with a 30-40 minute walk to promote healthy activity, then coffee and chats at a local cafe with guest speakers or tours after.
The group meets every Friday morning for its walking sessions at 9am, promoting that healthy and active maternal lifestyle. So, if this feels like the group for you feel free to get in contact with the Bowen Community Centre anytime through their website or Facebook page or call Sally the program manager on Mondays and Tuesdays at 07 4786 2111.
WHAT: Pram Pushers Mums Group
WHEN: Fridays at 9am
WHERE: Bowen Community Centre

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1. Avoid single use plastics
A simple way to start living more sustainably is by cutting out single-use plastics. Each year in Australia, it is estimated that 3.5 million metric tons of plastic is produced, with half being used only once before ending up in landfills or the ocean, where it never decomposes. Swap single-use items for reusable alternatives, like water bottles, to make a difference.
2. Recycle
Recycle items like cans, paper, and plastics according to local guidelines. Upcycle items like plastic containers for new uses, buy secondhand, and donate unwanted items. Old T-shirts can be repurposed as dish cloths as an alternative to paper towels.
3. Do a cold-water wash when washing clothes
If your washing machine has an option to adjust based on load size, select a smaller setting. This uses less water while still getting your clothes clean. Washing with cold water can reduce the energy needed by up to 80%.
4. Replacing one incandescent lightbulb with a compact fluorescent light
Only 10% of the energy used by an incandescent bulb produces light; the rest is given off as heat. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLS) are up to four times as efficient as incandescent bulbs.
5. Reduce your air conditioning usage
In the Whitsundays, many individuals rely on air conditioning to stay cool during the summer. Air conditioners are the largest energy consumers in homes, using 10% of global electricity and releasing harmful gases. Turning them off when you leave and minimising usage helps reduce their environmental impact

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Hi Everyone,
Welcome to Ruth 2 Reef!
As a passionate environmentalist and with a background in environmental journalism, I truly admire the efforts the local community makes to preserve the natural beauty of the Whitsundays.
From small local groups to large corporations, many people here go above and beyond to protect the environment.
With this in mind, I thought it would be a great opportunity to combine my love for protecting the environment with the fantastic stories from the Whitsundays and local people.
Throughout February, a special ‘Ruth 2 Reef’ feature will appear in each edition of the newspaper, showcasing the diverse environmental activities happening across the Whitsundays. Following February, this feature will continue to appear monthly.
If you have any interesting environmental stories that you would like to be seen featured in ‘Ruth 2 Reef’, please send an email to: ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com
I hope you enjoy!
Ruth
The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved – Richard Rogers.

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Master Reef Guides aim to become the world’s top reef experts and interpreters, showcasing the marvels of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
As ambassadors of the reef, they share the latest scientific knowledge and management practices while educating visitors on how they can help protect this incredible ecosystem.
Jessica Funnell is one of the 146 Master Reef Guides across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and she is based right here in the Whitsundays.
With 15 years of experience in the marine industry, including a decade at Sea World’s Research and Rescue Foundation and her current role with Ocean Rafting in the Whitsundays, Jess shared how becoming a Master Reef Guide was a natural next step in her career and a source of true inspiration.
To become a Master Reef Guide, participants from certified High Standard Tourism Operators must complete an intensive training program. Guided by experts including Reef Authority staff, Traditional Owners, and scientists Master Reef trainees explore the history, current state, and future of the Great Barrier Reef. This program equips them with up-to-date knowledge and interpretation skills to share the reef’s wonders with visitors.
Jess explained that when educating guests, you have to find the correct balance between educating visitors around the reef’s beauty but also educating them on the urgency of its conservation:
“You want people to fall in love with the reef, because they're going to protect it if they fall in love with it,” she explained.
“I will talk about the reef and how amazing it is and then slowly move to saying ‘look guys if we want to protect it, we need to start making some changes when it comes to climate change’, and just explain basic, little things on how to limit our footprint and what we can do in the future to help it.”
While there are many rewarding parts of being a Master Reef Guide, Jess states that the conservation side is what stands out for her.
“I feel like I am really making a difference,” Jess added.
“It isn’t a job where you just snorkel all day, its educating people and trying to make a difference.”
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding the reef, with some people believing it's dead. Jess says she tries to correct people's perception of what the reef actually is and what they're looking at.
“Sometimes they'll see brown and green corals, and they're like, oh, is this dead? And you're like, no, no, this is alive and healthy.”
“So, I will also go and swim around, and I'll point out, a bit of rubble, and explain that it is cyclone damage, or what bleaching looks like.
“It is a delicate topic when it comes to the reef and its existence, because it's a living thing, and people have been told it's dead.”
Jess said the best advice for those wanting to help the reef, is by doing small things to limit their carbon footprint such as turning off the lights and air-conditioning or turning off the heat and wearing a jumper.
“One person can make a difference, even if it does seem small. But we just have to start. We've got to do something.”

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Did you know seagrass has been around since the time of dinosaurs? Four groups of flowering plants (angiosperms) colonised the oceans, these became known as seagrass, and they are the only flowering plants that can live underwater.
Seagrass, found in near-shore waters globally, is vital to marine life. Known as the "lungs of the sea," it produces 10 litres of oxygen per square metre daily. It feeds dugongs and green turtles, provides habitat for fish and prawns, and helps keep water clean by absorbing nutrients and stabilising sediments.
The Whitsundays has a fantastic opportunity for individuals in the area to participate in a Citizen Science Project in order to conduct and learn about scientific monitoring of these fantastic flowering plants.
The program requires you to undertake three days of training and then allows you to participate in research in three locations around the Whitsundays twice a year.
The Seagrass-Watch program has a simple philosophy of involving those who are concerned, and involves collaboration/partnerships between scientists, community and the data users.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of seagrass biology and taxonomy, delve into seagrass ecology, and become proficient in monitoring and mapping techniques. They will also receive hands-on training in Seagrass-Watch protocols, while developing practical skills for conducting field monitoring events and seagrass mapping exercises.
Do you have a passion for helping our oceans and marine life? Check out the Whitsunday Seagrass-Watch program: seagrasswatch.org/whitsunday_training_2025
What: Sea Grass Watch Program
When: Registration opens: 9am 13 February 2025 and Registration closes: 5pm 24 March 2025.
Training Sessions: 07- 09 April 2025.

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Sharks are often unfairly cast as the villains of the sea, but their role in marine ecosystems is both complex and crucial. As apex predators, they play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of our oceans.
Here are a few key facts about why sharks are considered “ecosystem engineers,” essential to the health of our reefs and climate, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef:
   • Sharks regulate reef ecosystems by controlling predator and prey populations. Without them, biodiversity and food chains collapse. The Great Barrier Reef relies on species like white-tip and black-tip sharks to maintain this balance.

   • Sharks control fish populations, promoting diversity and balancing the food web. Without them, overgrazing and over-predation would destabiliase reefs, encouraging algae and bacteria growth that corals can’t compete with.
Pretty jawesome huh?

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The Great Barrier Reef spans over an area of 344,000 sq km and is comprised of over 3000 individual reefs. It can be seen from outer space. It is an Australian icon. It is a world icon.
The Reef supports a very productive tourism and fishing industry that keeps that keeps regions like the Whitsundays economy in the black.
Unfortunately, the reef faces a very uncertain future.
For those who live and work in the Whitsunday region, the Reef has always been there and will always be there. It is too big to fail.
But now, scientists are telling us a different story. The health of the Reef is declining. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) states that the greatest threat to the Reef is climate change. One of the most significant impacts of climate change is coral bleaching.
Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. In a prolonged bleaching event, the corals may die.
Large or mass coral bleaching events were virtually unheard of prior to 1998. But times have changed, and the Reef has now suffered through 7 mass bleaching events. The most recent and most destructive, occurred in 2024.
Recent surveys completed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in the southern section of the Reef found the single largest annual decline in hard coral cover in that area since monitoring started in the mid-1980s, with coral cover dropping by 41% in 2024.
The future of the Reef is dependent on the world coming together to combat climate change. This will require a rapid transition away from fossil fuels like coal and gas and moving to renewables. Time is not on our side.

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Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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The Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) is a group of committed individuals who are concerned about the health and future of cetaceans in the region. The program started in 2023 following discussions at the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee about the simultaneous increase in whale and boat numbers and threats from climate change.

In 2024, The Whales of the Whitsundays achieved some remarkable milestones. While preparations are underway for their 2024 Annual Report, the organisation has shared some of their proudest moments from the year.

Highlights include the official recognition of the Whitsundays as a Whale Heritage Site, a whale information night featuring updates from GBRMPA on whale regulations, the Eye on the Reef program, and other key initiatives.

The organisation also hosted a cultural Welcome Whale event, virtual learning sessions, Hydrophone learning workshops, and an engaging stand at the Great Barrier Reef Festival, where over 300 kids had the chance to learn about whale sounds and the process of recording them.
Additionally, the Whales of the Whitsundays launched a brand-new website, designed to offer valuable resources about these incredible creatures and the ongoing work of the organisation.
Reflecting on an amazing year, the team shared their excitement for what’s to come:
“We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished together and can’t wait to dive into 2025 with even more exciting plans!”

We look forward to hearing more exciting updates on these magnificent whales in the months ahead!

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Humpback whales can live for 80 to 90 years.

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Whitsundays Humpback Whale. Photo Credit: Lynne Boyce

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Guests at Camp Island Lodge had the incredible opportunity to experience a two-day dive expedition to the outer reef provided by Ocean Dynamics.
Qualified instructors conducted scuba training in the Lodge pool, ensuring guests were ready by the afternoon to explore the magnificent fringe reefs of Silver Shoal around Camp Island.
The area is abundant with plate coral, staghorn coral, and vibrant marine life around the bommies, making it an exciting dive location. This served as a warm-up for an incredible day of diving and snorkelling at Old Reef and Stanley Reef.
These outer reefs, located approx. 60k from Camp Island Lodge, catering to all levels of divers, from certified to introductory, as well as snorkellers.
The healthy corals and diverse marine life here are considered among the best in the world. The modern 45-foot Ocean Spirit high-performance RIB is perfectly suited to transport guests to the reef with speed and comfort.
The experienced crew of snorkelling guides and dive instructors provided exceptional service, offering a relaxed and accommodating experience, always going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction. Feedback from Camp Island Lodge guests was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as one they will remember for a lifetime.

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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We’re gearing up for an exciting week in The Whitsundays as we welcome the Hon. Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation. As part of his visit, we’re hosting an important conversation about the future of tourism in Queensland—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
On Tuesday, 11 February, we’re bringing together industry operators, community voices, and key stakeholders for the Destination 2045 Regional Consultation Workshop in Airlie Beach. This is a chance to share your thoughts on where our industry is headed over the next 20 years, how we can keep growing sustainably, and how we can make the most of big opportunities—like the rise of ecotourism and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Whitsundays is such an important part of Queensland’s visitor economy, and your perspective will help shape a plan that ensures our region remains a world-class destination. Whether you’re passionate about preserving our natural beauty, growing new tourism experiences or driving investment into the region, this is your chance to have a say.
Contributed by Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

WHAT: Destination 2045 Regional Consultation Workshop
WHERE: Coral Sea Resort Ballroom, Airlie Beach
WHEN: Tuesday 11th February
TIME: 2.00pm registration | 2.30-4.00pm workshop
We’d love to see you there—register at: https://bit.ly/4aErYKx

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Apprentice / Traineeship Completion Presentation 2025 – Proserpine
Holly Smith – Rates Trainee – Proserpine Office
Holly has been working towards her certification as part of the Rates team in Proserpine. A quick and eager learner, Holly consistently takes on new tasks with enthusiasm and provides support wherever needed. Her ability to pick up new skills quickly has impressed the entire team. Holly is polite, honest, and hardworking, requiring minimal supervision while remaining diligent in seeking clarification when necessary. Her proactive approach and strong work ethic have made her an invaluable asset to the Rates team.
Ellen Arkwright – Customer Service Trainee – Cannonvale Office
Ellen has been diligently working towards completing her certificate while contributing as part of the Cannonvale Customer Service team. She has experience in both the Proserpine and Cannonvale offices, where she is highly regarded and well-liked. Ellen has proven to be a fantastic addition to the team and a hardworking, dedicated member of the Council. Recently, she secured a temporary secondment position in Customer Service at our Proserpine Office.
Jett Pannan – Innovation and Technology Trainee – Proserpine Office
Jett has been completing his certification as part of the IT team for the last two years. Working at all of Council’s sites across the region and assisting everyone with their IT enquiries. Jett has been completing a ICT30120 Certificate III in Information Technology as part of his traineeship with Council based at the Proserpine Administration Centre since the beginning of 2023. Jett has been completing this qualification while managing additional projects and responsibilities and constructively contributing to the Information Technology team, demonstrating an ability to balance multiple priorities effectively and maintain focus under pressure.
Apprentice / Traineeship Completion Presentation 2025 – Bowen
Brandon Bon – Apprentice Plumber – Bowen Depot
Brandon was initially employed as an Apprentice Plumber in 2021. During his apprenticeship he completed a Certificate III in Plumbing and was successful in becoming a licenced Provisional Plumber with the QBCC. In addition to his apprenticeship studies, he has taken the initiative to undertake additional training including CPR & First Aid training, Asbestos Awareness training, Identify, Locate and Protect Underground Service training and has also successfully completed training to be a certified MR licence holder. Brandon has worked hard to successfully complete his apprenticeship on 13/09/2024. He is now a permanent full time Plumber with Council.
Denise Honnery – Customer Service Trainee – Collinsville
Denise has been pursuing her certification while working as part of the Collinsville Customer Service Team. She joined our Collinsville Office through a mature-age traineeship, successfully completing the program and earning recognition as a valued team member.
Cr John Finlay, Mayor Ry Collins, Denise Honnery (Collinsville Customer Service Trainee), Brandon Bon (Plumber), CEO Warren Bunker and Cr Michelle Wright. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Mayor Ry Collins, Ellen Arkwright (Customer Service), Jett Pannan (IT Trainee), Holly Smith (Rates Trainee) and CEO Warren Bunker. Photo Supplied: Greg Martin
Current council plumbers David Light, Kyle Collison, and new plumber Brandon Bon, along with Denise Honnery and Shane Douglas. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton

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No, it is not an aircraft landing strip. Nor is it a porch, stoop or verandah attached to a house.
The Landing at Glen Isla was the place to which most of Proserpine’s goods were transported by boat from Mackay in the days before the railway opened in 1910. Proserpine River was the lifeline of our community before this railway became a reality. Roads to Mackay and Bowen were just bush tracks.  
The wharf at The Landing was constructed circa 1884 when the Crystal Brook Sugar Mill was planned. Construction of this mill was never completed so, in 1887, plant, horses, drays etcetera were sold. Despite the failed Crystal Brook Mill, however, the Landing remained a very busy “port”.
At this time, Proserpine was becoming a town and a school was already established at Kelsey Creek.  In 1895, C H Luxmore had a new store built at the top end of Renwick Road. The SS “Porpoise” “brought up 13 tons of general cargo. Luxmore’s shop, known as the Beehive, A J Cotton’s butcher shop and August Schumacher’s bush pub were all situated in this area but were either abandoned or shifted to Mill and Chapman Street after the 1901 flood.
By mid December 1895, 90 tons of timber, cement and building materials arrived at the wharf. Settlers were building and plans were underway for another sugar mill. The steamer, “Äustralian”, delivered more building materials in January 1896 and the “Lady Norman” delivered fire bricks, cement and lime. Mill rollers, each weighing 10tons, were brought up by the “Australian” in late April.
Up until this time, there was no rail constructed to the proposed sugar mill site. Transport was extremely difficult. Horse teams were used to transport heavy machinery through very boggy country. These were the days of prolonged wet seasons and Glen Isla was a very swampy area.
What joy it was in May 1896, when the “Western Star” arrived at the Landing with 200 tons of rails so a tramline could be built to the sugar mill site. More shops began to open as goods and other materials became more accessible. Mr Campbell, a sugar chemist, opened a shop on the corner of Mill and Main Street and Jonathon Jupp opened his store in Chapman Street.
After Proserpine Sugar Mill opened in 1897, SS “Pelican”, towing the lighter, “Quasha”, transported the first shipment of sugar to Mackay. (A lighter is another word for a barge. It is a boat with flat-bottom developed for transporting goods through the rivers and canals that large vessels cannot go through). These lighters which carried about 300 tons of sugar were towed to Flat Top outside Mackay because at this stage there was no harbour in Mackay. The sugar was then reloaded onto overseas vessels.
The opening of the railway to Bowen saw the death of the river traffic as sugar cane was subsequently transported to that town and loaded onto overseas ships at the Bowen Harbour. And so ended an era. What had once been a busy place; a hive of activity, was no more. Those passengers who had also once travelled on the lighters to and from Mackay no longer had this option.  
The Landing has long been a place for picnics and fishing from the bank. Today it is still a popular place but visitors do need to be aware of crocodiles. When the wharf was in operation, crocodiles could be seen but only in small numbers as in those days the reptiles were not protected.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Society Museum

The Landing today
The old Landing

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