Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
There are new things to consider when buying real estate in Australia. Up until last month, people buying real estate in Sydney really only considered the capital growth they were expecting to create within just a few years of making their purchase. Paying $1.2 million for an inner-city two-bedroom apartment didn’t matter so much if it was going to be worth $1.5 million two years later. It didn’t really matter that the crap rental returns you got for that price didn’t go anywhere near covering the mortgage because the old negative gearing benefit meant you could claim the losses on your tax. Things have changed. Negative gearing has gone and prices are dropping in Sydney … so that $1.2 million apartment doesn’t look so enticing any more, even though it’s now $1.1 million. Other cities have also been hit hard. Melbourne is now one of the cheapest cities in Australia to buy real estate. Although there are special Victorian reasons that come into play in that state. Victorians were bullied during COVID in a way that impacted small businesses in a disastrous way. The state’s debt is exorbitant, and no one seems to know how it gets paid back. Tobacco shops keep getting blown up by some underworld gang thing that the Government can’t control. They have metal boxes where people can hand in their machetes and that doesn’t appear to instil peace of mind in anyone. Terrible Governments end up having an impact and it definitely has had one on property prices in Victoria. A quick scan of on-line property sites shows you that you can pick up a decent two-bedroom unit in an inner-city suburbs like St Kilda and Collingwood in the $400,000s. I saw a three-bedder in St Kilda advertised in the $500,000s. While those prices might seem like great value, there are reasons the market is so low. People don’t trust the state Government and its management of the economy and the obvious concern would be that even though the prices might be low, there is no guarantee of capital growth. Capital growth has offered a warm embrace for investors in Australian real estate over many years. There has been an expectation that prices will go up. Obviously they will go up again but the questions is: Where will they go up, when and by how much? Unfortunately I don’t have the answer to that but I do find that when things get a bit blurry and uncertain, it’s good to stick to what you know … which, for me, is Mackay. We have several advantages over many other markets. Our median price for houses, in the $600,000s, is a lot lower than bigger cities so more affordable for local people who, by the way, still need somewhere to live. And, with the end of negative gearing and the banning of borrowing for property out of self-managed super funds, lower prices and strong rental returns should become a key factor in real estate investment. Yes, investors want capital growth but I feel the focus will probably shift more to rental yield and the monthly return on investment. Mackay’s rental returns are good and the purchase prices relatively low compared to other markets so there seems to me a good chance that our market will continue to be buoyed by those wanting to take advantage of that. Meanwhile the Mackay economy seems to be going well, driven by that crucial resource that is dug out of the ground and exported to countries that make steel. I got strong offers on three properties this week so there is a feeling that while there has certainly been a change driven by national political factors, our market is moving through it, adjusting to the new information and still bubbling along. The only thing I would say is that if any of you bump into David Crisafulli tell him to dump those high-level coal royalties.
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Queensland’s top real estate professionals and agencies are being called to step into the spotlight, with nominations now open for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) 2026 Awards for Excellence. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the awards remained the state’s highest professional recognition in real estate and continued to adapt alongside the profession itself. “The REIQ Awards for Excellence are the pinnacle of professional recognition in Queensland real estate, and each year we ensure the program remains contemporary, inclusive and reflective of the full scope of our profession,” Ms Mercorella said. “This year, we’re delighted to add a new Multi-Office Network of the Year category, recognising real estate agencies that operate as a unified multi-office network. “It’s a category our members asked for, and it’s a great example of how the awards continue to evolve alongside the structure and sophistication of Queensland real estate businesses.” Ms Mercorella said there was even more incentive for members to nominate this year, with a pathway from the outset to national recognition in eligible categories through the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) National Awards for Excellence (NAFE). The REIQ Awards for Excellence span individual and agency categories, with some split into regional and SEQ areas, across residential and commercial sales, property management, buyer’s agency, auctioneering, business broking, multimedia, innovation and community contribution. Ms Mercorella said real estate professionals throughout Queensland could now start preparing and polishing their award nominations with the clock now ticking down. It’s time to shine! Nominations close on Sunday 12th July 2026, with the winners announced at a spectacular awards gala on Saturday 31st October 2026 at The Star Brisbane. Nominate now via awards.reiq.com
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Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region. Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces. Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division. Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525. CAPTION: Bianca O'Brien works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Photo supplied Makayla Groves works as a Commercial Property Manager with Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied
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The Coalition has pledged to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) a permanent institution, arguing the move would provide long-term certainty for regional investment, infrastructure and jobs across Northern Australia, including Mackay. The announcement follows the Federal Government's decision to extend the NAIF for a further 10 years, rather than permanently removing its sunset clause. Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said while the Coalition would support Labor's legislation, it believed the independent review's recommendation to make the facility permanent should be adopted. “The Developing Northern Australia is a proud LNP achievement,” Senator Canavan said. “Despite naysayers at the time, Northern Australia has remained on the agenda ever since. I am personally proud to have introduced the original Northern Australia legislation in 2016, with the policy built on the work that was done by LNP Members of Parliaments such as former Senator Ian Macdonald and former MP Warren Entsch. “Unfortunately, Labor is now kicking the can down the road. Northern Australia shouldn’t have to fight every decade to prove it is worthy of investment. “The independent review recommended making the NAIF permanent because it works. The Coalition established the NAIF in 2016, and we will make it permanent because Northern Australia should have long-term certainty for investment, jobs and economic growth.” Since its creation, the NAIF has supported 33 projects with $4.3 billion in finance commitments, helping deliver more than 18,000 jobs and an estimated $33 billion in public benefit across Northern Australia. Those investments include upgrades to airports in Darwin, Alice Springs, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay, along with projects supporting agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald said permanent funding would continue to drive regional development. “Labor talks about Northern Australia, but the Coalition backs it with lasting investment,” Senator McDonald said. “The NAIF has transformed communities, unlocked private investment and created jobs across the North. Making it permanent sends a clear message that the Coalition believes in Northern Australia’s future and won’t treat its development as a temporary priority.” “Governments come and go, but Northern Australia’s importance will never diminish,” she said.
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By Sebastian Conidi
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue have been hard at work rehabilitating and re-locating dogs and cats. The no-kill shelter, that will never put an animal down, covers a large area from Airlie Beach to Charter Towers.
The organisation take on dogs of all sorts, including big dogs, traumatised dogs and dogs with little access to training - setting them apart from shelters that can be more rigid about the types of dogs they accept. Dogs in need of more focused rehabilitation are supported by foster carers who specialise in training and dog psychology. Careful measures are also taken to ensure the dogs find the right home.
"We look for homes that suit the animal", said organiser Jodie Sangster.
Despite all the hard work, finding foster carers can be a struggle.
"The biggest area that we struggle with is foster carers. When we get dogs from the pound, they need a middle place before they find their forever home - and thats always our biggest struggle. If we haven't got foster carers, we can't get them out of the pound."
The team urges anyone interested to take action, and clarifies that they will provide the support needed.
"We pay for vetting, food and things that are needed. It can be for as short as a week that you foster for, it just helps us get an animal out. That's its lifeline. If we could find more people willing to do that, it would be game changing."
The team are also always looking for support through fundraising to help with vetting, vaccinations and general medical work, which can become costly.
"Anyone who can help us with fundraisers or even a donation, it really helps significantly. You can do the smallest thing by spreading the word."
The program has seen great success with pets being rehabilitated to full health, being trained in appropriate behaviour and finding a new safe home.
"Never give up on them, because they'll fit somewhere."
If you are interested or know anyone that may be, don't hesitate to get involved. You can find all contact details on the Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Facebook page.
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue supports animals in need from Charters Towers to Airlie Beach. Photo source: Shutterstock
Bus drivers and passengers in Bowen are set to benefit from improved safety measures, with the Government committing additional funding to accelerate the rollout of full safety barriers across Queensland’s bus fleet.
An extra $3 million has been allocated this financial year to fast-track the installation of driver safety barriers, with Bowen specifically included among regional locations receiving upgrades. The funding forms part of a broader $6 million investment this year aimed at improving safety for bus drivers and the wider community.
Of the new funding, $2 million will support regional operators to upgrade around 70 buses across Queensland, including services operating in Bowen. These upgrades are designed to protect drivers from abuse and assault while delivering a safer and more secure public transport experience for passengers.
Upgrades to existing buses are expected to begin in early 2026 and will include full driver safety barriers, air-conditioning within the driver cabin, electronic blinds and mirrorless cameras. Full safety barriers will also be mandatory on any new buses entering the Translink network.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the investment marked a significant step forward for bus driver safety across the state.
“This is about making sure bus drivers across Queensland feel safe doing their job,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“The Government has drawn a line in the sand. That is why we’re getting on with the job and doubling investment in bus safety barriers to $6 million this financial year, helping make sure Queensland buses meet Australia’s highest safety standards."
The funding boost follows discussions between bus drivers, operators and unions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving frontline safety after years of underinvestment.
“The additional $3 million investment will fast-track critical safety upgrades in both regional Queensland and the South East Corner, ensuring bus drivers have the protection they deserve," he added.
To support the rollout, a Public Transport Stakeholder Reference Group has been established to provide ongoing advice on safety and transport issues, including consideration of stricter penalties for offenders. The group has already held its first meeting.
For Bowen, the upgrades represent a welcome investment in local public transport safety, helping ensure drivers can do their jobs confidently while continuing to provide an essential service to the community.
Bowen bus drivers will receive enhanced safety protections following a boost in state funding. Photo source: Translink
The widely beloved 'Blessing of the Fleet', returns to Bowen this weekend. Being held on Sunday the 25th of January, the age old maritime tradition will feature again in 2026. Although postponed by the cyclone, the new date means that the iconic occasion can continue as planned The North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club does not discriminate, stating 'if it floats, its a boat'. Therefore, don't be shy to participate with whatever water ready vessel you have.
The blessing will be held at 12pm before the first race of the season at 1:30pm. The blessing is followed by the Henry Darwen Memorial Race. The EuroFusion Cafe will be open for breakfast and lunch with the bar open from 11:30am. There will also be live music from Sonic Vibe at 12:30pm. Spectators are welcome to head out onto the water with the fleet, ensuring they take care not to interfere with the race.
The 'Blessing of the Fleet' is a classic tradition dating back centuries and is performed to launch new vessels as well as being a yearly ceremony to ensure the protection of a ship and its crew. It is a great community event filled with spirit and inclusivity.
What: Blessing of the Fleet - North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club
When: Sunday, the 25th of January, 12pm
Where: Yacht Club, 1 Starboard Drive Bowen
The community are set to enjoy a wonderful afternoon by the water. Photo supplied
by Sharon Ashman
A new year often brings excitement, but it also brings uncertainty. Whether you’re worried about work, finances, relationships, or simply the unknown, anticipatory anxiety can quickly take over.
Why the future can feel overwhelming
The brain is wired to predict danger. When the future feels unclear, the nervous system may interpret this as a threat. This can lead to:
• racing thoughts
• difficulty sleeping
• muscle tension
• avoidance behaviours
• irritability or withdrawal
For people in high-risk or high-stress jobs (such as security, healthcare, or shift work), this anxiety can be amplified.
Reclaiming control through nervous-system regulation
You don’t need to eliminate anxiety to feel better; you only need tools to help your mind and body settle. Anxiety is normal when at an adaptive level. For example, we need caution to cross the road, but when it is preventing you from engaging in regular daily activity, it becomes maladaptive.
Try these grounded strategies:
5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Notice 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
Predictability pockets: Build small routines (morning, mealtime, wind-down). The brain finds safety in structure.
Improve your cognitive flexibility with CBT
Create a personal ‘calm plan’
Use these three steps:
Small, intentional adjustments can transform how you enter the year emotionally and mentally.
For more information about managing anxiety and CBT visit my website
https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give me a call 0418708214.”NDIS FRIENDLY
Although Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji is now long gone, there is still a risk of danger in the aftermath and it is important that Whitsunday residents remain safe, especially during the clean up period. Injury and illness can still occur during this time, and therefore it is imperative that people take the proper precautions.
The main risks may include injuries from exposed debris, skin infections, animal bites, sunburn, mosquito-borne infection, carbon monoxide poisoning from petrol powered generators and using pumps in confined spaces and illness from eating or drink from contaminated sources.
The Queensland Government has specific advice for individual health hazards which can be accessed on their website.
When returning to a home that was previously evacuated, there are a number of measures that should be taken to ensure safe re-occupation. Check that all power and gas supplies have been turned off, including external sources. If the house has sustained significant damage, then an electrician will need to check the wiring before power is restored. It is important to be vigilant of any structural integrity that was affected. Be aware of any dangerous wildlife which has moved in during the disaster event and be cautious of any hazardous household materials or substances that have been released (such as absestos). Assume that anything that has come into contact with floodwater has been contaminated.
Likelihood of illness and injury increases when entering a premise affected by disaster. To protect yourself from injury, measures should be taken such as avoiding direct contact with floodwater, wearing protective clothes, maintaining personal hygiene, wearing sunscreen, avoiding dehydration and wearing P2 face masks as required.
As has been seen with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, massive amounts of waste can be generated. The Whitsundays Regional Council has multiple waste facilities: Bowen Landfill, Kelsey Creek Landfill, Cannonvale Transfer Station and Collinsville Transfer Station. Waste not managed and stored properly can become a health hazard and attract unwanted pests. There are numerous ways to minimise health risks. Perishable waste should be stored in a concealed bag for protection. Building waste and debris must be disposed of in a safe place in allocated disposal sites. Materials from buildings built prior to 1990 may contain asbestos so care must be taken when handling them - such material is generally not a health to risk unless it is significantly disturbed.
Hazardous wastes such as chemicals, medicines, gas tanks and asbestos material should not be left by the kerbside - rather these items should be left in a secure location.
During this clean up period it is important to maintain patience and resilience. Visit the Queensland Government Health site for more specific information and stay up to date with the Whitsunday Regional Council through social media and public announcements. Cleaning up waste after an extreme weather event is a team effort that requires community support. It has been wonderful to see already how the community is banding together to help manage waste - lending support to those most adversely affected. Hopefully the initiative can continue as we move through the season.
Council and authorities warn residents to focus on their health and safety when cleaning up after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. Photo source: Whitsunday Regional Council
As families across The Whitsundays prepare for the start of a new school year, I know this time can bring a mix of excitement, anticipation and added pressure for parents and carers.
From school supplies and uniforms to transport, sport, and after-school activities, getting ready for Term 1 can place extra strain on household budgets. That’s why practical, everyday support for families matters.
To help ease some of that pressure, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a $100 Back to School Boost, providing families with extra assistance to help cover the costs that come with returning to school. Families are also encouraged to make use of Play On! vouchers, which help children take part in sport and active recreation, keeping them healthy, connected and engaged in their local communities.
As students head back to classrooms, safety is front of mind. With more cars on the road around our schools, I ask everyone to slow down and take extra care in school zones during drop-off and pick-up times. A few extra moments of patience can make a big difference in keeping our kids safe.
The start of a new school year is also an important time to reinforce kindness, inclusion, and respect. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and welcomed at school, and we all have a role to play in standing against bullying and looking out for one another.
I want to wish all Whitsunday students, teachers, school staff, and families a positive and confident start to the year ahead. Thank you to parents and carers for the care, encouragement and support you give our young people every day.
As always, my office is here to help if you need information about available programs or support.
Amanda Camm MP
Member for Whitsunday
Starting a new school is a big milestone for both children and their families — and it’s completely normal for it to come with a mix of excitement, nerves and lots of questions. Whether your child is heading into Prep, making the leap to high school, or moving schools for a fresh start, a little preparation can make all the difference.
Families play a vital role in supporting a smooth transition. One helpful way to begin is with a simple three-point checklist: visit the new school, meet the teachers, and prepare for new routines. Taking the time to explore the school grounds, locate classrooms and facilities, and introduce your child to key staff can help remove some of the fear of the unknown.
Talking openly with your child about school is just as important. Encourage questions, listen to their concerns, and keep conversations positive and realistic. Making sure they understand transport arrangements, before and after school care, and daily routines can help them feel more confident and in control. Connecting with other families whose children will be in the same class can also provide comfort and familiarity from day one.
Starting a new school can feel overwhelming for young people. New faces, unfamiliar surroundings, different academic expectations and the pressure to make friends can all contribute to stress or anxiety. Some children feel excited and ready for the adventure, while others may feel nervous or worried — both reactions are completely valid.
Planning ahead can ease first-day nerves. Visiting the school beforehand, organising uniforms and stationery early, reviewing timetables, and establishing healthy sleep routines can set your child up for success. Encouraging them to visualise a positive first day, pack nutritious lunches, and identify trusted people they can ask for help can also build confidence.
Most importantly, remind your child they don’t have to do it all alone. Transitions are easier when they’re supported by family, school staff and, if needed, professional services. With preparation, reassurance and open communication, starting a new school can become a positive step toward new friendships, opportunities and experiences.
Starting at a new school doesn't need to be scary, instead, reframe the start as exciting! Photo credit: Yuganov Konstantin
The Whitsunday community is once again invited to be part of something truly epic, with the Epic Walk for Domestic Violence returning to Coral Sea Marina on Sunday, March 22.
Founded by former Dancing CEOs Brendan Smith (Network Ten) and Brendon Mann (Epic Hair Designs), the Epic Walk for DV is held alongside the annual Dancing CEOs campaign and raises funds for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). The organisation provides life-saving legal support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.
Originally a Brisbane-based initiative, the Epic Walk was brought to the Whitsundays in 2025 by the region’s former 'Dancing CEOs': Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit) and Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental), along with WLSQ Ambassador and local coordinator Katelyn Aslett-Collins.
Ms Aslett-Collins said last year’s inaugural Whitsundays Epic Walk was an incredible community event, bringing people together to share stories and raise vital funds.
“Following the success of last year’s Epic Walk, we are excited to bring this important event back to our community,” she said.
“Thanks to the incredible support shown through the Whitsundays Dancing CEOs campaign, Women’s Legal Service Queensland has committed to allocating even more funding back into our region.
“This means more families, not just across Queensland but locally, can access critical services when they need them most. For this reason, we are calling on our community to rise up and support this initiative once again.”
This year’s Epic Walk will be hosted by the Whitsundays’ 2026 Dancing CEO, Clarice Davis from McGrath Whitsunday.
Ms Davis said supporting WLSQ was something she felt deeply connected to.
“The work this organisation does to protect, empower and advocate for women and children in vulnerable situations is incredibly important,” she said.
“Having a community event like the Epic Walk that raises both funds and awareness makes a real and lasting difference. What I love most is that it brings together locals, families and businesses in a way that feels positive and meaningful. Everyone can take part, and every step truly counts.”
Ms Aslett-Collins said she hoped the Coral Sea Marina foreshore would once again be filled with purple shirts, smiling faces, dancing children and happy dogs, united in support of an important cause.
“We are also seeking business and personal sponsors to join the campaign, with several sponsorship levels available,” she said.
“We encourage teams, workplaces and community groups to get behind the event, raise funds and join the walk on the day. Rain or shine, the goal is to come together in a visible show of support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.”
Participants can register at www.epicwalkfordv.com.au
Sponsorship enquiries can be directed to kate@tastewhitsunday.com.au
Thanks to the generous support of initial sponsors Coral Sea Marina Resort, Belle Property, Bendigo Bank, Taste Whitsundays, Whitsunday Escape and Whitsunday Regional Council, more than $14,000 has already been raised.
Contributed with thanks to Sharon Smallwood.
Photo credit: Phil Gordon - Riptide Creative
The start of a new year is a good chance to reset and share a bit more about what we do at Tourism Whitsundays and where we’re heading together.
At our core, we’re here to showcase The Whitsundays as one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. We lead destination marketing across key domestic and international markets and work closely with Whitsunday Regional Council, Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia to make sure the region is front and centre.
Just as importantly, we support the local businesses and people who bring the Whitsundays experience to life every day. When the destination is strong, everyone benefits and that shared success is what we’re focused on.
Behind the scenes, our team works closely with industry, sharing insights and supporting businesses as the tourism landscape continues to evolve. From marketing or media opportunities and training, to research, storytelling and partnerships, our work is most effective when we’re moving in the same direction.
Looking ahead, the focus is on strengthening connections across the region and supporting growth that benefits both visitors and locals. If you’re a tourism-related business and haven’t connected with us yet, we’d love to hear from you.
Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays
Rex is a 1-year-old Greyhound x Staffy with a big personality, smarts, and plenty of energy — and he’s ready to find a home where he can truly thrive. Once overlooked and running out of time at the pound, Rex was given a second chance and now he’s looking for the right family to help him reach his full potential.
Rex is an intelligent, eager-to-please dog who loves learning and building a bond with his person. With consistent guidance and structure, he responds well to training and enjoys engaging activities that challenge his mind and body.
About Rex:
Health:
Rex is looking for a home that understands the time, patience, and consistency required for young dogs. With the right care, he will grow into a loyal, loving companion who just wants a chance to belong.
Adoption fee: $200
Residents interested in meeting Rex or learning more can email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com to arrange a meet-and-greet.
Council To Decide: Three options were on the table:-
Dufty Smashes Record. Proserpine’s own sporting wheelie broke his own world record in the 400 metres at the National Wheelchair Games in Adelaide on Tuesday.
Wendy Jansen Bound For Panama. She was awarded an American Field Scholarship on finishing year 12 at Rockhampton Grammar School last year and leaves for Panama in February.
Obituary
Francis George [Don} Hunter, aged 51, died in an accident on Mount Charlton Road at the weekend.
National Body Painting Championship. This was held at Airlie Hotel. So far there have been 12 entries.
Barrier Reef Real Estate: Mt Julian, fully air conditioned, well appointed 3 bedroom home on a large block with valley blues, a steal at $85,000.
Reef Litter. Air Whitsunday pilots have had an ongoing garbage collection service operating for the last 12 years
Development Planning Meeting. 70 representatives of the community met to discuss how the area should grow. They agreed that: there should be no more development on the Islands, a development plan should be worked out with a tourist zoning. a proper beach for Airlie, bigger sporting facilities,
removal of The Caravan Park, and removal of traffic flow from the Main Street of Airlie.
Cricket Results- Centrals beat Valleys, Colts beat Norths,and Magpies beat Souths.
Intertown Cricket; Bowen 246 [T.Cabe 71, G.Pearce 65] beat Proserpine 196 [S.Heal 54] by 50 runs.
Indoor Cricket. This was proving very popular with the interesting feature of ladies playing with gents and being allowed to bowl underarm and bat against underarm bowling.
Jelly Wrestling. Whitsunday Village is preparing 122 cubic inches of red jelly for a ladies jelly wrestling competition on Saturday.
Rugby. Proserpine Raiders end 22 game winning streak with a loss to Blackrock RUFC in Dublin.
This week's Photo of the Week winner is Alissa Tomlinson for their picture of a waterfall on the street side at Hydeaway Bay!
Theme: Waterfall
These photographs are submitted by the Whitsundays Amateur Photography Group
Hi everyone,
This one is a little bittersweet for me. I’ve decided to leave the Whitsundays and return home to the UK to pursue further qualifications in journalism, with the hope of moving into travel journalism.
I’ve truly loved my time here and have learned so much about nature, marine life, and Australia as a whole. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m very grateful for it.
I hope my column has helped you learn a thing or two about the environment, and that it’s encouraged you to head out into the world feeling more inspired to protect it. While this may be goodbye for my time in Australia, you may still see ruth2reef pop up from time to time as I continue to support Whitsunday Life from the UK (so keep an eye out!).
The Whitsundays is a wonderful place and hosts a beautiful community, protect and cherish that - I can't wait to visit in a few years time, to see how much its grown.
As always, happy reading!
Ruth
Are you one of those people who loves strolling along the beach, eyes down, scanning the sand for the little natural treasures left behind by the last high tide?
If you’ve wandered along almost any beach in the Whitsundays, you may have noticed a curious find: numerous small, thin discs—only one or two centimetres across—with a neat hole right in the centre.
What are these mysterious beach gems?
Meet the Forams
These tiny discs are the shells of foraminifera—forams, for short. Although they behave much like animals, forams are actually single-celled protozoans: incredibly complex organisms made up of just one cell. To protect themselves, they build an intricate shell, called a test, made from calcium carbonate—the same material that forms corals and familiar sea shells.
Today, there are somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000 species of forams living throughout the world’s oceans. They vary dramatically in size, from microscopic specks to species that reach an astonishing 20 centimetres in length. Some species host symbiotic algae, effectively “farming” them inside their shells. Others feed on dissolved organic matter, bacteria, diatoms, other single-celled algae, and even tiny animals such as copepods.
To catch their meals, forams extend a delicate network of thin, thread-like pseudopodia—think spaghetti strands—through openings in their shell. Bottom-dwelling (benthic) species also use these pseudopodia to move slowly across the seafloor.
Although most forams live in the ocean, a few hardy species inhabit freshwater or even moist soils. Many live on or in the sea floor, while others drift freely in the plankton.
**A Familiar Foram: Marginopora **
One of the most common species found around the Whitsundays is Marginopora. These forams build a thin, perfectly circular disc, thickest at the rim and delicate in the centre. Once the organism dies, its empty shell is tossed about by waves and currents; the thin centre often wears through, creating the distinctive “doughnut” shape beachcombers frequently find.
Living Marginopora are yellowish-green to brownish in colour, thanks to the symbiotic algae living inside their shells. Once washed ashore, their tests fade to white, cream, orange, or even black, depending on staining from iron and manganese oxides in the sand.
Ancient Creatures With a Story to Tell
Forams have existed for at least 500 million years, first appearing in the Cambrian period. Because they are so widespread and abundant, and because their shells preserve well, they have left behind one of the most detailed fossil records of any marine organism. For more than a century, scientists have used fossil forams to study past climates, ocean chemistry, and evolutionary history.
Tiny Creatures, Big Challenges
Like corals, forams—especially species with calcium carbonate shells such as Marginopora—are vulnerable to the modern pressures facing our oceans. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changes in water quality can all affect their survival. These tiny architects of the seafloor are sensitive indicators of ocean health, making them important not just as beach treasures but as early warning signals for the wider marine ecosystem.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council
Visitors and locals in the Whitsundays are urged to stay alert when encountering marine turtles, and to know how to respond if a turtle appears sick, injured, or stranded. Acting quickly and correctly can make a life-or-death difference for these vulnerable animals.
If you come across a turtle in distress, call the Marine Animal Stranding Hotline on 1300 130 372. This line connects directly to wildlife authorities and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, who can assess the situation and send help if needed. Immediate reporting is essential, even if injuries seem minor.
Follow the instructions given by rescue staff carefully. They may ask you to monitor the turtle from a safe distance, assist with basic first aid, or help stabilise it while waiting for trained rescuers. If instructed, you can:
It’s also important to know the difference between a turtle basking normally and one in distress. Basking turtles float calmly to rest, warm up, digest food, or absorb oxygen. Look for smooth, controlled breathing, even flotation, alert eyes, and calm behaviour.
Signs a turtle may need help include:
Even turtles with minor visible injuries may be suffering internal trauma, infections, or shock. Keep noise and disturbance low, secure pets and bystanders, and avoid feeding or handling the turtle unnecessarily.
If you’re unsure, always call 1300 130 372. Quiet observation, photos, or short videos noting breathing and movement can help rescuers assess the situation remotely.
By following these steps, Whitsundays residents and visitors can protect these iconic marine animals and help ensure their survival for generations to come.
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