Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a successful year of student sport, recognising the tremendous talent and achievements of its athletes at its 2026 Sports Awards. Among the major honours, the Bill Turner Cup Under-15 Soccer Team and Vicki Wilson Cup Year 7–9 Netball Team were named Sports Teams of the Year after winning their respective Mackay competitions and progressing to represent the Mackay Region at state competitions. Harriet received Sports Official of the Year for her commitment to netball umpiring, including her selection to officiate at Queensland Representative School Sport level, while Maverick and Chelsea were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for their sporting excellence, integrity and contributions to the school. The school also recognised Mr Jim Fredericksen for 20 years of volunteer coaching with its Archery Programme. Mayor Greg Williamson attended the awards, alongside guest speaker Mrs Deanna Turner, who shared insights into the value of sport in education. A former Queensland Firebirds netball player, Australian rugby league player and Queensland Rugby League coach, Mrs Turner is also a current Queensland Representative School Sport coach. Her presentation explored how sport can help build resilience, teamwork and leadership. The school congratulated all award recipients and students who represented Whitsunday Anglican School throughout 2026. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
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It’s the story about 30,000 drowned pigs and how it applies to real estate, best business practices and life in general. In an earlier life I was the editor of the Daily Mercury newspaper, back when it was published and printed six days a week and over 20,000 copies were sold on a Saturday. Different times in the media world. Anyway, this one day we were following a story about flooding in Rockhampton. Some days earlier there had been a lot of rain and some flooding in the Mackay region and, as often happens, the river system’s flood waters then made their way towards Rockhampton. When there is a rain event upstream a lot of water from various rivers and tributaries runs into the low-lying Fitzroy River system and into Rockhampton. It is very predictable and Rocky authorities can often establish that when there is flooding further north in places like Mackay that in a week’s time the Rocky area will be flooded. So up in nearby Mackay we were following the approaching flood and in communication with our sister paper in Rocky who were giving it massive coverage. It wasn’t Mackay so it wasn’t going to be front page in our paper but we were planning on a significant coverage. In the late afternoon one of our reporters came into my office and said: “30,000 pigs have drowned in the Rocky floods. They were washed away from a farm.” I said: “Thirty thousand pigs!? That’s a lot of pigs. Can we check on that?” The reporter came back five minutes later and said: “The story’s right. The farmer told the Rocky journo thirty thousand pigs have drowned from his property upstream from Rocky. Rocky’s running the story.” I asked if we had photos and he said they didn’t but would let me know when they had some, although none arrived that evening. We went pretty big on the drowning, as the Page 3 or Page 5 lead story with the obvious headline of 30,000 pigs drowning in the Rocky floods. Early the next morning the young journalist who had told me about the thirty thousand pigs drowning approached my office and tentatively knocked on the door. In a stammering voice he said: “Ah, look … about that, um, story about the, ah, thirty thousand pigs drowning near Rocky ...” I had an uneasy feeling, bordering on dread. “Uh ha … what about the pig story?” I asked. He said: “It wasn’t thirty thousand pigs. It was 30 sows and pigs.” I’m no mathematician but even I could work out that our story and big headline was out by about 29,970 dead pigs. I knew immediately how the miss-communication would have happened. A young Rocky reporter busily covering the floods. On the phone talking to a distressed farmer or piggery owner who blurts out: “Mate it’s terribly out here. I’ve lost 30 sows and pigs, all drowned.” If someone, speaking quickly, blurts out “thirty-sows-and-pigs” you can understand how someone could hear “thirty thousand pigs”. Also, who says “sows and pigs”? A piggery owner, obviously, but probably no-one else. Certainly not a reporter in the city. Anyway, we ran a correction the next day. The story reminds me that in life, real estate and business, listen to your gut. I had questioned the story. I thought 30,000 pigs was extremely unlikely but accepted it when the young reporter confirmed it. I should have asked more questions. I should have listened to my gut. In real estate, owners sometimes get the facts wrong … how many kilowatts in the solar system, how many litres the bore produces, when the previous owner had renovated the house. You can’t just pass these things on to a buyer as facts if you don’t know them 100 per cent true. You’ve got to be cautious, listen to your gut and check the facts.
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Queensland Telestroke Service is saving lives one video call at a time, recently providing life saving consultation to 37-year-old Mackay mum Angelica Murray. Angelica suffered a stroke whilst out with a friend, and was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital. Within minutes of her arrival she was connected by video to a specialist stroke neurologist who prescribed life-saving medication. “I was in the car with my friend and suddenly I couldn’t concentrate or remember names,” Angelica said. As her condition deteriorated, her friend rushed her to hospital. At the emergency department, staff immediately recognised the signs of a stroke. “I remember all the nurses and doctors working together so quickly,” Angelica said. “They were explaining everything, even the stroke doctor on the screen.” From the advice of the Queensland Telestroke Service (QTS) neurologist, Angelica received the clot busting medication she needed. The speed of the service made a life changing difference. “I started feeling better after a couple of hours,” Angelica said. Mackay Base Hospital is now recording the fastest stroke treatment times in the state. QTS is operating live across ten Queensland sites ( Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Makay, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Bowen, Proserpine, and Gladstone hospitals) with more than 850 patients being treated so far. 12 Queensland hospitals are planned to be added to the list. The service aims to make sure that regional patients are receiving specialist stroke care just as efficiently as those in central areas. Local Stroke Nurse Helen Nengasha, who has spent more than a decade caring for stroke patients, said seeing outcomes like Angelica's was exactly why the team has embraced Queensland Telestroke Service. “The introduction of QTS has streamlined care for patients experiencing time-critical strokes,” Helen said. “Now, it doesn’t matter where you live, you can get that expert care straight away. “In one recent case, the team achieved treatment in just 42 minutes, well under the national 60-minute benchmark. That’s the fastest we’ve ever done.”
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From toilet training to prostate health, pregnancy to menopause — why pelvic health matters to us all. When you hear the words pelvic floor, what comes to mind? Pregnancy? Childbirth? Perhaps those exercises you were told to do but never quite remembered? For many years, pelvic health has been viewed as a women’s health issue. But here’s something that might surprise you: everyone has a pelvic floor, and everyone can experience pelvic health problems. Whether you’re a child struggling with constipation, a new mum recovering from childbirth, a man experiencing bladder changes after prostate surgery, or someone navigating menopause, pelvic health plays an important role in everyday life. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of our pelvis. These muscles support our pelvic organs, help control our bladder and bowels, contribute to sexual function and work alongside our abdominal muscles during movement. When things aren’t working as they should, the impact can extend well beyond the bathroom. It might be the child who avoids school toilets because passing a bowel motion hurts. The mum who stops running because she leaks urine. The man who avoids social outings because he’s worried about finding a toilet. Or the woman who believes pelvic heaviness is simply another part of getting older. Different people. Different stages of life. But one common thread: pelvic health can influence our confidence, activity levels and quality of life. And importantly, many pelvic health concerns can improve with the right support. Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than strengthening muscles. Treatment might involve bladder retraining, bowel management, improving muscle coordination, addressing pain or helping someone return to activities they love. Sometimes the answer is strengthening. Sometimes it’s learning to relax. And sometimes it’s simply understanding what’s happening in your body. This broader understanding of pelvic health is also why our clinic has recently embraced a new name. After five wonderful years as Women’s Health Physio Mackay, we are now proudly Pelvic Health Mackay. Our new name reflects something we’ve always believed: pelvic health is for everyone. While our name has changed, our team, our care and our commitment to helping the Mackay community remain the same. So here’s my question to you. Have you stopped doing something you love because of your bladder, bowel or pelvic health? Perhaps you’ve given up running because of leakage, avoided social outings because of urgency, or accepted discomfort because you thought it was simply part of getting older. You don’t have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. Many concerns can improve with appropriate assessment, education and individualised treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, start the conversation. Speak with your GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist and find out what support is available. Because pelvic health isn’t just about muscles, bladders or bowels. It’s about confidence, independence and enjoying life without unnecessary limitations. Pelvic health isn’t just women’s business. It’s everyone’s business. And your health deserves attention. Lauren Neill | APA Titled Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist | Pelvic Health Mackay
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After 21 years producing one of Airlie’s favourite community events, the dedicated team of organisers and volunteers finally took home Gold for best Festival and Event at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards last weekend.
Event Coordinator, Margie Murphy said that they had been a finalist and a silver award winner several times, but that it was a wonderful feeling to receive Gold.
“This is the first time we’ve cracked the Gold!” she said.
“This is testament to the hard work of the combined committee who always do a fantastic job.”
The 2021 Great Barrier Reef Festival received the award and Margie said she is excited to enter the 2022 event next year as she believes that was the best yet.
“We’ve progressed even further since then” she explained.
“I think the 2021 event caught the judge’s eye because of the quality of the events, our awesome re-brand and our increasing link to the Great Barrier Reef through our educational experiences.”
The Great Barrier Reef Festival takes place in Airlie Beach on the first week of August each year.
Dozens of events bring the community together for fun and festivity – they include the Recyclable Regatta, Lantern Parade, Immerse Art Installation, Comedy Gala, Wearable Art Show, Rotary Street Parade and of course the fireworks.
The Great Barrier Reef Festival team at the awards on Saturday night
Last Saturday saw tourism operators from across the region come together for the first formal awards ceremony in the Whitsundays in two years.
The last event of its kind took place in 2019, and industry leaders were thrilled to be back celebrating their achievements amongst their peers.
Held in a big-top at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards saw 330 guests dressed to impress in a circus-themed black-tie dress code.
A total of 24 awards were handed out on the night and Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton, said it was great to celebrate the significant contribution the tourism industry makes to the Whitsundays region.
‘The process of compiling an awards submission isn’t an easy feat and it was designed this way to encourage operators to really look at what they are doing in their business and how that flows onto the customers, locals and region,’ said Mr Hamilton.
‘We have one of the most cohesive and successful tourism industries in the country, this night is an example of that, everyone is here celebrating their achievements, their competitors’ achievements and the overall achievements of the tourism industry.’
Mayor Julie Hall also attended the awards and congratulated the winners.
“The awards night was all about our amazing tourism stakeholders and honouring their efforts to make the Whitsundays the most popular tourism destination in Australia and the world,” she said.
“I am proud of the collaborative and productive working relationship my Council has formed with Tourism Whitsundays.
“We will continue investing in improved infrastructure across the region to position the Whitsundays for strong future growth in tourism.”
Mackay and Whitsunday Life Advertising Account Manager Mike McCann with his partner Demie Wigham
Bowen mango growers are in for a strong season of good prices, according to local growers and the industry’s peak body.
Conditions have been excellent for farmers across the state, meaning a high yield is expected which could drive down prices as demand lessens.
Picking season in North Queensland commences in November, running for roughly four to six weeks on average, and local farmers are currently expecting between $40 to $45 dollars per seven-kilogram tray, depending on species/variety/ and tonnage.
The industry’s peak body, Australian Mangoes Industry Association, are forecasting a strong outing from Bowen and the Burdekin of roughly 1.1 million mangoes from November through to late January – a large contribution to the country’s 8 million tally.
But with an excellent yield, prices could drop due to supply and demand. But that’s if the industry – which is still reeling from the sheer drop off in backpackers, who usually fill the role of picker – can find workers.
The launch of the recent Pick Paradise campaign – which sought to lure agricultural workers to the region – in September is what the industry hopes will be a lifeline.
The fruit picking season in the southern states has already reported being left short-handed, with much of the industry in Victoria falling behind, and in some cases, leaving fruit to rot for lack of seasonal workers.
Bowen and the Burdekin are the fourth largest producers of mangoes in the country.
The industry is expecting an excellent yield after favourable conditions, but who will pick the crop?
It was a golden night at Saturday’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards for the region’s most awarded tour operator, Ocean Rafting, who took home the top spots in Major Tour and Transport Operator, Adventure Tourism, and the People’s Choice Award.
The Whitsundays’ original tour operator celebrated their three golds, as well as a runner up finish in Whitsundays’ Business Of The Year, just a month after celebrating their 25th birthday in October.
Owners Peter and Jan Claxton were ecstatic to receive the awards, which were proudly shared with their team on the night.
“We are honestly very humbled and honoured to take home three awards,” Ms Claxton said,
“We are so proud to be recognised and rewarded for our team’s ongoing passion, dedication and commitment to sharing the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Park.”
Ms Claxton extended her thanks on behalf of the Ocean Rafting family, to each and every business, family member, friend, guest, and team member who enabled them to be where they are now.
“Receiving the Major Tour and Transport Award and the Adventure Tourism Award are true reflections of our products, which offer the adventure of a lifetime around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, surfing the waves and feeling the rush on the boats we have designed especially for this purpose, then up to the sky with our scenic flights and Fly Raft package,” Ms Claxton said.
“The People’s Choice Award was won based on voting from our guests and industry colleagues and the recognition is a testament to our team and our product, so we couldn’t be any prouder.”
Having successfully been in operation for two and half decades as one of the Whitsundays’ most loved on-water experiences, and with three generations of family actively working in the business, the Ocean Rafting team are renowned for always “taking it to the next level”, a whole company approach which reflects their long-term success and continuous growth over the years.
Despite the last two COVID-impacted years, Jan and Peter circled back to Peter’s aviation roots in 2022, adding not another “duck” to the existing fleet of eight custom designed vessels, but a plane: Ocean Rafting’s 7-seater Australian-built Airvan which took to the skies in May.
While Ocean Rafting’s Fly Raft packages and scenic flight touring options have been offered for several years, this added investment has allowed for more available seats on scenic flights over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and famous Heart Reef, resulting is an iconic triple-whammy providing the ultimate Whitsunday experience in just one day.
This past year also saw the launch of Ocean Rafting’s own 'Research' vessel, which is used for the company’s many environmental initiatives, Reef Seeker Edutourism programs and charters.
The ever-expanding business has brought in award after award for their innovation and desire to always be improving, even when at the top of their game.
Ocean Rafting had an exceptional evening at the first Whitsunday Tourism Awards in two years, claiming three of the highest echelon awards at the Saturday night event
Bowen Tourism and Business won Gold twice at the 2022 Whitsunday Tourism Awards on Saturday night.
The Visitor Information Centre won Gold in the Visitor Information Services category and then backed it up when the Big Mango was named the top tourist attraction.
Bowen, at the top of the Whitsundays, is a real hidden gem and the heart of secluded beaches.
Bowen Tourism and Business is a not-for-profit organisation with more than 200 member businesses who are based in Bowen, the greater Whitsundays region and other parts of Queensland.
The small team of dedicated staff work alongside a very passionate team of 15 volunteers to operate the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre and the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.
Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) is responsible for destination marketing, ensuring visitors are aware of the incredible experiences on offer in Bowen and the wider Whitsundays region.
This is carried out daily through interactions with visitors as well as through print, television, radio and online platforms.
Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery, said winning two Gold awards was testament to the dedication and passion of the staff and volunteers.
“They work tirelessly and pride themselves in exceptional customer service,” she said.
“Bowen has so much to offer with beautiful beaches, fringing reefs and country hospitality.
“The BTB team ensure every visitor is aware of what Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region has to offer.
“As a booking agency, our organisation supports many of the tourist operators in Airlie Beach,” she said.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the team was absolutely thrilled to win Gold in two categories.
“The staff, the volunteers and the committee are all so very passionate about Bowen so we were all very proud to be named the best in two categories,” she said.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
*The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is open seven days a week and welcomes more than 40,000 visitors per year
*The centre now stocks an expanded range of merchandise and local produce including many mango products – sorbet, chutney, jam, chilli sauce, body products, candles and even mango daquiri mix.
*The centre has more than 300 brochures on display including 102 regional guides, 94 brochures from Bowen businesses, 70 Whitsunday brochures and 52 brochures from out-of-region operators.
THE BIG MANGO
*The Big Mango was built as part of a community campaign to revitalise the local community and boost tourism.
*Built in May 2002, plans are already underway for a 21st celebration in May next year.
*The Big Mango is located at Mount Gordon, 5km south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway.
*It cost about $90k to build and is 10 metres high
*It is painted in the lush colour of the Kensington Pride mango that was introduced to Bowen from India in 1871.
The Big Mango wins top tourist attraction
One of the Whitsunday’s most innovative business offerings, Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting, took out two accolades at last weekend’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards – Gold for New Tourism Business and winner of the Young Achievers Award.
Owner and founder, Crystal Lacey said that she still couldn’t believe it.
“I almost didn't even enter into the awards, so to win was phenomenal!” she said.
“There are a handful of people who I have worked with over the years who have always believed in me, mentored me and inspired me.
“Through the process of creating my own business they have always been in my corner, cheering me on, helping to build the pathway I am walking upon and I will never be able to express the level of gratitude I have for that continual unconditional support.”
Crystal has worked in the tourism industry for 16 years and was selected in the first Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority (GBRMPA) Master Reef Guides Cohort.
She is also a Dive Instructor and Underwater Photographer, and as an Eye on the Reef Surveyor she helped execute the largest natural coral transplant on the Great Barrier Reef.
In August she became the first environmental coordinator for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.
“Immersing and educating the wider community on our World Heritage Area through life changing experiences is undeniably my absolute passion!” she said.
“Developing Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting was a natural progression to enable myself to access the industry who want to develop and deliver guest experiences that are inventive, educational and interactive.”
Crystal’s business works alongside tourism operators to offer a range of specialised services that enhance their offering.
These innovative immersive educational adaptations are unique and fit-for-purpose to tourism businesses throughout the Great Barrier Reef, providing practical and relevant training, product development, guest experience training and business development to tourism business.
Little Fish offers business and product developments and enhancements, workplace training, marine education training, interpretation and immersive storytelling training, event coordination and event presentations, extensive stakeholder connections and much more.
When asked why she thinks the judges chose her and her business, Crystal said it was likely the passion she puts into everything she does.
“I hope it was the passion!” she laughed.
“The passion I have to engage, educate, inspire and deliver the wonder and excitement of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef through interactive educational immersive guest experiences by engaging with the tourism industry to innovate and develop leading edge unforgettable experiential experiences for each and every guest, energizing the world stage about our incredible Natural Wonder.”
Crystal Lacey from Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting at the 2022 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Photo credit: R Jean Photography.
Gold for New Tourism Business and winner of the Young Achievers Award. Photo supplied.
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has been awarded top honours in two categories at the annual Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held on Saturday night under the big top at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Winning gold in the ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks’ category, the resort also won the consumer-voted ‘People’s Choice Award for Accommodation’ at the gala industry awards.
The resort has been proudly owned by the McKinnon family for 29 years and was represented on the evening by 20 of the resort’s now 75-member strong team, who enjoyed a night out celebrating the Whitsunday tourism industry’s night of nights.
“We are so very proud and grateful to have won both of these awards,” said resort owner and operator, Greg McKinnon.
“Both awards reflect the offerings of our quality tourism product, our ongoing development and our customer service, which is a testament to our forever growing team who are incredibly deserving of this award.
“They are a huge part of making the magic happen. And of course, our guests - we truly thank them for choosing us to enjoy their precious family holiday.”
“We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Tourism Whitsundays for hosting another brilliant event and for all of their incredibly hard work in promoting and celebrating this beautiful part of the world we are lucky enough to live in.
“It’s also so important for us to recognise our local community, industry partners, agents and suppliers who have supported us throughout.
“The resilience the region has shown throughout the last couple of years is unwavering and it certainly is time for everyone to shine again.”
“Last but not least, a massive congratulations to all of the other Whitsunday winners and entrants - what a wonderful night to share with our industry friends - it's been far too long and it was definitely worthy of huge celebration, which was most certainly had by all it seems.”
Over the years, the McKinnon family have been passionate about continually reinvesting into the business in order to offer the ultimate Whitsunday mainland holiday resort.
“We have put everything into the resort over the past 29 years and continue to grow to make it the multi-award winning and nationally recognised destination to escape to with family and friends in the Whitsundays,” Greg contnued.
“Our resort is all about connecting with each other by offering an environment where everyone can enjoy the many facilities and activities on offer, relax in quality accommodation and just all come together.”
This year has seen further development of the resort, with a particular focus on accessibility needs.
To complement the resort’s existing accessible cabins, facilities and Sensory Room, vision-impaired cabins were recently added to the inventory to more broadly cater to guest’s specific needs and provide them with an unforgettable Whitsunday holiday.
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a range of accommodation, from tropical landscaped camp sites through to self-contained studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins, providing options to suit every taste and budget.
With over 15 onsite activities including a big, huge, mega waterslide park, lagoon style pool, mini golf, outdoor cinema, Kid’s Club, year-round activities program and much more, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers the ultimate holiday escape.
For more information visit www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au
The BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday representatives at the awards on Saturday
The huge waterslide park
A friendly welcome
Whitsunday Regional Council are congratulating their team’s success following the Tourism Awards on Saturday evening which saw Whitsunday Coast Airport and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal take out the Tourism Retail, Hire and Service Category.
Craig Turner, Chief Operating officer Aviation and Tourism, and his team at Whitsunday Coast Airport won Gold, while Shaun Cawood, Shute Harbour Coordinator, and his team at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal took home Bronze in the same category.
“The gold win for the airport was a great reward for the hard-working team as they have been kicking numerous goals for our region’s post Covid recovery,” said a Council spokesperson.
“Our airport recorded the highest ever monthly passenger totals in April this year, with 47,384 passengers transiting through the terminal.
“The previous highest monthly total passenger count for April was 37,486 in 2019 so too eclipse that by nearly 10,000 proves that the Whitsundays is one of the fastest growing regional airports in Australia.”
Connectivity is key to making it easy for visitors to explore the Whitsunday region and the flow on economic benefits to Bowen, Proserpine, Collinsville, and other areas is huge.
Over 220 flights monthly equate to more passengers and visitors to stay and play, all the while supporting our region’s tourism and business stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Shute Harbour team took home bronze for their efforts in reactivating the new Shute Harbour Marine Terminal which will welcome the first of many luxury cruise liners docking in the marina in November.
Celebrity Eclipse will dock on November 9 followed by the Royal Caribbean’s 4000 passage ship, Quantum of the Seas on November 20.
Shute Harbour is home to a multitude of operators including Sealink, Cruise Whitsundays, Explore Group, Ocean Rafting, Salty Dog Sea Kayaking, Scamper, Pioneer Adventures and Elysian Resort.
Explore 74 Café will open in the coming weeks and will be a welcome addition complete with a bar and off-premises liquor available.
Shute Harbour is an ideal location for functions and conferences due to its proximity to Airlie Beach and the Islands.
The well-equipped 344m2 function space is located on the upper floor of the terminal building.
The fully air-conditioned space can accommodate 120 guests and up to 250 guests in a luxe cocktail formation.
The integrated Wi-Fi and private amenities allow for a fully immersive conferencing experience.
Council wishes to congratulate all the nominees and winners of this year’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards and applauds all their efforts in making the Whitsundays the one of most popular tourism destination in Australia and the world.
Marianne Goldman from Whitsunday Coast Airport, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall, Amy Humphries Terminal’s Officer and Craig Turner, Chief Operating officer Aviation and Tourism
Whitsunday Coast Airport’s innovative departure’s lounge aquatic feature
The newly revitalised Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
“Waking up at a different pristine reef every day, 145-kilometres offshore” is just a small part of why local business Kiana Sail and Dive won big at the 2022 Whitsunday Tourism Awards on Saturday night.
Claiming two wins and a finalist recognition at the region-wide awards, Brent Chatterton and his team at Kiana were ecstatic with the results, especially in their first year entering the esteemed competition: Gold in Ecotourism, Bronze in Unique Accommodation, and a Finalist in Adventure Tourism.
The win in Gold Ecotourism is something close to owner and master of Kiana Sail and Dive, Brent Chatterton’s heart.
“I was shocked when they called our names; I was stunned like a mullet! My team were so ecstatic for me,” Brent said.
“I’m humbled by it because we’ve done a lot of work in the Reef space – rehabilitation, work in the Whitsundays, restoration and giving our own time and money to the reef we love so much.”
A tourism company named after its vessel, Kiana specialises in unique tours out to the Reef for three and five day overnight trips, but is also a key voice and activist in reef restoration – a factor that undoubtedly played a role in its Gold win.
They have been involved in placing restoration frames as part of Project Refresh at Bait Reef, the recent Coral Nurture Program in the Whitsundays, Reef Bags as a separate project, and the Coral Reseeding Project.
“What it’s about is giving back. We give back to places so important to us as key, top tourism sites, which have economic, cultural, and social benefits and significance,” Brent said.
“We impart that to our guests too, that stewardship of the Reef. I tell the story of the Great Barrier Reef on the second night of our tours: how it was formed, the interconnectivity, the size, the fun facts.
“But I also let them know that now they’ve seen it and fallen in love with it, they must protect it.”
Alongside their Gold win, they placed Bronze in the Unique Accommodation category, which Brent attributes to their tours being “further than any other operator. You wake up every day on an exceptional and different reef.”
Kiana nabbed a finalist spot in Adventure Tourism as well, an extremely strong category in the Whitsundays, which Brent said was “fantastic to be up there with esteemed colleagues like Ocean Rafting.”
The Gold win sees the business gain direct entry into the Queensland Tourism Awards, but staying on brand, Brent said he will be unable to physically attend.
“I’ll be heading 200-kilometres out where there’s not much data on the health of the reef for a Great Reef Census,” Brent said.
“Although business is important, it’s more important that we’re out there doing stuff in those undiscovered places, even if it’s at a great cost to the business. I think it’s important to do these things because we live and breathe and love the place we work in.”
On Saturday night luxury accommodation providers, Mirage Whitsundays, were thrilled to take home an award for the fifth time in a row.
Having entered into the Hall of Fame at the 2018 Whitsunday Tourism Awards for bringing home Gold three years in a row, the team were glad to be back after COVID put a halt to the awards, making the 2022 occasion even more special.
This year they took home Gold in the 4-4.5 star category.
General Manager Jeanette Harris said that she had recently joined the team, having worked over on Hamilton Island for the past eight years, and that it was wonderful to see all the great work they had been doing.
“The team were really proud!” she said.
“It was really fantastic to be among other industry participants in the region and really exciting to be with other excellent operators on the night.
“I would like to give special thanks to Connor Davis who is our Front Office Manager and Mick Bennett who is our long-serving Maintenance Manager who knows the place inside and out and keeps it running.”
There are 104 luxury apartments at the complex and Mirage Whitsundays manages 85 of them as Holiday Rental Apartments.
Ms Harris says that people comment most about the palatial feel of the large and modern apartments and Villas which have full kitchen facilities and spacious lounges. The Villas and Executive and Penthouse Apartments also each have their own private plunge pool.
“They also love the sea views!” she said.
Mirage Whitsundays offers a hot buffet breakfast each morning from the on-site Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant, and their signature Bottomless Brunch is held every Sunday morning.
General Manager of Mirage Jeanette Harris with Maintenance Manager, Mick Bennett
A couple that are bringing their own unique style of guest experience to the region were thrilled to take home the Excellence In Customer Service Award at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards on Saturday night.
Paul and Fran Tuddenham, who took over their first property management role at Peninsula in Airlie Beach in July last year, have transformed the local business and have now received recognition for all their hard work.
“We simply treat people the way we want to be treated and try to do little extras wherever we can,” said Paul.
From leaving chocolates on pillows for guests when they enter their rooms to keeping a secret stash of kids’ toys, like bubbles and bracelets, under the counter to give away and organising honeymoon hampers wherever possible – it is easy to see why their guests always give them excellent reviews.
“If you have happy kids, then you have a happy holiday!” laughs Fran.
But it is more than just gifts that create a customer experience, nothing is too much for Paul and Fran and their positive enthusiasm is infectious to everyone they encounter.
“We are all about customer service,” said Paul.
“People come here happy, and our job is to maintain that.”
Originally from Robina, the couple worked in Banking and Management for over 20 years before starting a Mortgage Broking Business which they also operated for 20 years.
When they came to Airlie Beach on holiday, they took a tour of Peninsula and fell in love with the area and its stunning sea views.
Now, just 12 months after taking over the business, they have grown from 12 units to now managing 21 units on the property.
They were also awarded Resident Managers of the Year at the ARAMA national awards in July.
Paul and Fran Tuddenham from Peninsula Airlie Beach at the Tourism Awards last weekend. Photo credit: R Jean Photography
A $483 million project that has been over 20 years in the making and was forecast to deliver water security for our region, has been axed following the Federal Budget which was announced on Tuesday night.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox says he is disappointed to see the Urannah Dam project on the chopping block.
“Urannah Dam is planned and ready to go. It’s a dam shame,” Mr Willcox said.
“It was the only dam that has been through Infrastructure Australia and has private equity partners ready to go.
“Urannah Dam ticks all the boxes, provides water for agriculture, tourism, mining, and urban use as well as pumped hydro which will put clean, green electricity directly into the north south grid.”
Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, agrees saying that Urannah Dam would have provided a secure water supply.
“This project is one of the most advanced in approvals for our State and it's a deceptive move by the Government to not support this project,” she said.
Meanwhile the Mackay Conservation Group say they welcome the government’s decision to stop the project.
“This project has the potential to damage our region’s precious waterways, the Great Barrier Reef and wildlife while returning as little as 26 cents in economic benefits for every dollar it costs,” said Mackay Conservation Group dams campaigner, Imogen Lindenberg.
“The water from the Urannah Dam will be used to wash coal but the industry in our region has a limited lifespan.
“Without demand from coal, this dam will become a stranded asset in decades to come, costing taxpayers even more money.”
Meanwhile, the state government recently announced a new pumped hydro project in the Pioneer Valley, just north of Mackay.
While it is set to supply 50 per cent of the state’s renewable electricity, it will also displace local residents with the need to remove 50 houses in a small rural area called Netherdale.
Mr Willcox suspects the hydro project is an unsubstantiated decoy.
“Labor’s Pioneer-Burdekin Project is nothing more than a thought bubble that is set to wipe out local homes,” he said.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced this years’ Federal Budget on Tuesday night, aiming to address cost of living issues in a number of ways.
Promising to build one million new homes, increase paid parental leave to 26 weeks, provide cheaper prescription medicines and an additional $4.6 billion boost to childcare subsidies, the new budget will undoubtedly make a big impact on living costs around the country.
Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, however, says he is concerned that there is not enough set aside for his electorate which spans from Mackay to Townsville and includes all of the Whitsundays.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised if he won government, there would be “no one held back, no one left behind”,” he said.
“In Labor’s first Budget, 30 per cent of Australians who live in regional and rural areas, including Dawson have been held back and left behind.”
Expecting drastic increases in grocery bills, Mr Willcox states that the average family worse off by at least $2000 by Christmas.
“Groceries are eight per cent higher, not just because of natural disasters, but also because of Labor’s foolish political decision to scrap our Ag Visa,” he said.
“Supply has been slashed because farmers and processors are only working at around 60 per cent capacity, which has put upward pressure at the checkout for families in Dawson.
“Retail electricity prices are predicted to go up by 50 per cent, while the $275 promised by Labor to reduce electricity bills is now gone.”
SNAPSHOT
• 1 million new homes built
• Paid parental leave increased
• Cheaper medicine available
• Bigger childcare subsidies
• Tax rates flattened to 30 per cent for people earning between $45,000 and $200,000
Hi, Constant Readers.
Professionals, tradesmen, and business owners in the Whitsundays are more than familiar with the characteristics of a small team: can do attitudes, grit.
And, often, being in a small team means doing the odd job around the workplace.
Those can range from things like vacuuming to – in my case – distributing newspapers across Proserpine last month.
That extra-vocational outing took me on a morning drive through the sugarcane town to, in effect, deliver the newspaper to you, Constant Reader.
That was one of two times recently where I was shown how much the newspaper means to people in the region – especially Proserpine.
As soon as bundles went onto the shelf at places like IGA, they started flying off again; there was even a queue developing at one point. Lots of people had two copies furled under their arms or popped into the trolley – one for them and one for their neighbours, mostly.
Sometimes you can’t see the scale of a thing until you spy its smallest part.
That was one of the sentimental moments in the past month that’s underpinned this profession with sweetness for me.
The next week, I was back in Proserpine chasing a story and ended up in the Museum’s archive room. It’s filled with boxes on boxes of Proserpine’s history, and amongst them I found hundreds of copies of Whitsunday Life newspaper.
When I saw that in amongst issues of the long-since gone Proserpine Guardian, it put into perspective what our paper means to people.
To become an integral part of people’s lives here when they read our paper each week, and a part of its history - that is a feeling I can’t express.
Thank you.
Declan
Quote Of The Week:
"There is a history in all men's lives.” – William Shakespeare
In this week’s Good Deed Feed our local Whitsunday member, Amanda Camm MP, is encouraging others to volunteer their time at Proserpine Meals on Wheels.
This vital local service has been struggling to find volunteers since COVID and they are currently operating with a team of just 21 people.
This means that the staff that kindly donate their time are having to work longer hours to ensure the needs of the community are met.
“Meals on Wheels Proserpine provides healthy meals which are cooked on site, to clients from Midge Point to Dingo Beach and from Proserpine to Jubilee Pocket and all the rural areas in between,” said Ms Camm.
“The service isn't just for seniors as many think, and they provide for anyone who is unable to prepare a meal or shop for themselves.
“They currently have clients of all ages who have differing circumstances like recovering from hospitalisation, living with a disability, or major injury or are in their senior years.
“The service not only provides nutritional support but also an important contact point for members of the community - community connection is very important to mental health and plays a big part in any recovery or way of life.”
The kitchen is open Monday to Friday and people can volunteer in the kitchen preparing meals from 6.15am to 10am or volunteer as a driver delivering the meals from 10am to 12pm.
If you have some spare time to help, please call Helen a Proserpine Meals on Wheels on 4945 1733.
Amanda Camm with the kind staff at Proserpine Meals on Wheels
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