Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School (Facebook) Whitsunday Anglican School’s Kindy to Year 2 students enjoyed a fun-filled Athletics Carnival, with young athletes taking part in running, jumping and throwing events while showing plenty of enthusiasm, determination and House spirit. Supported by Senior School volunteers, the day celebrated participation, encouragement and the strong sense of community across the school. See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/little-legs-big-spirit-at-whitsunday-anglican-schools-kindy-carnival
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Leading Mackay real estate business REMAX Select has announced the appointment of highly respected business professional Samantha Self as General Manager. The appointment is set to further strengthen the agency's high-performing team across the Mackay region, with Principal Nikita Kinnane describing Ms Self's arrival as an exciting step forward for the business. “We are heading in a really exciting direction with our business, and I cannot be more excited to have Samantha join our leadership team to build on that momentum,” Ms Kinnane said. Ms Kinnane said the recruitment process was focused on finding a leader whose values aligned with those of the business, it was Ms Self's shared commitment to those values and vision that made her the ideal candidate. "Samantha will play an important role in shaping the future REMAX Select, bringing exceptional experience in property, management and leadership to help drive growth and innovation, and this will flow into enhancing every aspect of our business. "Importantly, Samantha shares our core values and commitment to putting Mackay first, and we share the same drive to really make impactful change, bring big city ideas and execute them in our own country girl way.” It was the core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence and trust that Ms Self aligned with, sharing her goal to continue to build on the trust and integrity the agency has established in Mackay, while supporting the continued growth and development of both the team and business. “I’m excited to take on the role of general manager and work alongside Nikita and the entire team at REMAX Select,” Ms Self said. “REMAX Select has a strong team with exceptional talent which is highly respected throughout the community and I’m excited to be part of its continued success.” Ms Self steps into the role after eight years as retail manager of the largest shopping centre in northern Australia. During that time, she was the key driver of building positive, collaborative relationships with retailers, creating an environment where retailers were genuine partners in success. Having led sales performance analysis and market insight initiatives, Ms Self said she looks forward to applying her knowledge and experience to support the continued success of the REMAX Select team. “I am dedicated to empowering our team members through training and development opportunities, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “My goal is to continue to foster the team’s culture of professionalism, responsiveness and customer-first approach and I look forward to collaborating with our talented agents and staff to create a dynamic and successful environment here at REMAX Select.” REMAX Select is an award-winning real estate business, recently recognised as the 2025 REIQ Medium Agency of the Year and finalist at the 2026 REIA National Awards for Excellence. The office consistently ranks in the National Top 10 Offices in the REMAX Australia network, recognised as the #3 individual office for commissions and transactions at the REMAX Australia Annual Awards 2025 earlier this year, where they were also named a finalist for the network’s community service award and special achievement in marketing for an office award. REMAX Select is located at 133B Victoria Street, Mackay. Contact (07)4829 4612 or visit remax.com.au/select/ for an award winning real estate experience. Newly appointed General Manager, Samantha Self (Left) with REMAX Select Principal Nikita Kinnane (Right).
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In 2000, Peter and Denise Phillips laid the foundation for what would become one of Mackay’s most recognisable holistic, all in one property, insurance and financial services ecosystem. Starting as a Mortgage Choice franchise, Gardian was built on a commitment to helping people make confident financial decisions with local people in the know! Over the decades, that foundation has steadily evolved. Today, Gardian encompasses a wide range of services, including all manner of finance, general and business insurance, financial planning, real estate sales, property management, and commercial sales, management and leasing. What began as a single offering has grown into an integrated business model serving individuals, families, businesses, and community across the region. Now, the organisation enters its next chapter. After many years at the helm with her late husband Peter, Denise Phillips will step down from her role as Managing Director. Her leadership has been central to Gardian’s growth — not just in size, but in culture, reputation, and its connection to the local community. Taking over the role is Ben Phillips, Owner/Director and Head of Gardian Finance. Having been closely involved in all aspects of the business and its clients, he brings both continuity and a forward-looking perspective to the position. Leadership transitions often mark defining moments for organisations. In this case, the change represents both the continuation of a strong legacy and the opportunity to build on it. The evolution of Gardian — from a small franchise to a diversified advisory group — reflects the importance of adaptability, strategic growth, and staying aligned to core values to the community. For the Mackay business community, this transition highlights the strength of long-term vision and succession planning, particularly within locally grown enterprises. It also reinforces the impact that leadership grounded in community and relationships can have over time. As Gardian moves forward under new leadership, it does so with deep roots, a clear purpose, and a platform built for continued growth.
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I don’t know about you, but I find morning TV hosts incredibly annoying. I rarely get to see them, with their contrived laughter, over-the-top friendliness, stupid nicknames for each other, make-up and perfect hair cuts. But sometimes, if there has been some event that might interest me, or if I’m curious about what’s going on, I might flick on the TV and see what’s happening as I’m getting ready for work. I immediately regret it and start flicking channels to try to find someone bearable. It’s a challenge that usually lasts a couple of minutes before I turn the TV off and do something much more pleasant, like go to work. I did like Karl Stefanovic but he has been flicked, apparently because his employer didn’t like his podcast guests. There seemed something real about Karl but he was an island in a sea of fakery so there’s no point in me turning on Channel 9 anymore. There’s an Irish journalist/host on ABC TV, Catherine Murphy, who I also like. She’s funny and real and seems to want to stick to simply presenting a story in her slightly quirky style without imposing an agenda. But that’s about it for me. One thing the morning shows have an abundance of is “experts”. Whatever the drama that’s emerged, there’s an expert to explain it to you, pull it apart and tell you how concerned you should be. The expert needs to do it in about 17 seconds because everyone is going to get bored soon and we’ve got an ad break coming up. The more dramatic the event and the more it impacts the loyal viewers, the more vital it is that an expert is on hand. The current disaster of note it a neat combo: the economy/inflation/interest rates/housing downturn. This is the type of news drama you want when you’re planning the show because it affects the viewers, hits their hip pockets. But experts are everywhere in the media on this one, not just the morning shows. They’re out there giving their views on interest rates (some say they will go up, others say they will go down), the economy (some say it will be okay, others say we are headed for a recession), inflation (some say it will get worse and others say it will ease). Part of this blockbuster, of course, is house prices. Some experts say prices will drop in big cities like Sydney and Brisbane. Others say they will drop everywhere. Some say there will be a small, temporary drop but things will soon start going up again because there is a lack of housing supply across the nation. One group of experts that are worth paying attention to are the valuers from Herron Todd White, who put out their monthly property clock, which is a snapshot of how they see particular markets. The position on the clock face a particular city is located (we’re talking analogue here kids, not digital) tells you where it sits in the market. Twelve o’clock is top of the market, 3 o’clock is a falling market, 6 o’clock is the bottom of the market, 9 o’clock is a rising market. Things can change quickly and there a times a property can go from falling market to bottom of the market and up to rising market very quickly. HTW’s June clock would have been a challenge for them because tax changes and other events had happened but their longer-term impacts are unclear. They had Bundaberg and Toowoomba at the top of the market, Sydney at 2 o’clock and starting to decline, The Whitsundays, Gladstone and Sunshine Coast approaching the top of the market and Mackay, along with Rocky, Townsville and Cairns, in a rising market. Most agents in Mackay will tell you there has been a change but there is still activity, investors are still engaged and properties are selling. Most are being alert, not alarmed.
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An entrepreneurial young local who is paving the way for environmentally conscious residents is encouraging his neighbours to drop their glass and plastic bottles into his big red bin so he can take them to the Containers for Change depot.
This non-for-profit organisation recycles used bottles by receiving donations in exchange for cash.
12-year-old William Logan, who is a year seven student at Proserpine State High School, receives 10 cents for every eligible item he delivers to the depot and has raised over $1000 so far.
Starting out when he was just seven years old and living in Logan, just south of Brisbane, William was able to secure weekly donations from four of his neighbours.
Having moved to the Whitsundays three years ago, he began collecting again and in a twist of fate, his old neighbours happened to move a block away from his new home in Cannonvale.
Rekindling a friendship and a profitable business arrangement, the couple suggested William approach the body corporate managers at their apartment complex to see if it was possible to service all 12 units.
Jumping at the opportunity, William received permission and then delivered a personal note to each home.
Placing his red bin adjacent to the standard garbage bins the young man waited to see if anything would happen.
Fortunately, in less than a week his bin was full.
Estimating roughly 300 cans and bottles would fill the bin, he anticipates making $30 from each bin load and aims to save money to go towards a new car when he turns 16.
Dreaming of being a pilot when he is older, however, a portion of the money goes towards purchasing the latest model aeroplanes for now.
William is currently looking for new locations and apartment complexes that would like to donate to the cause. If you are interested, please contact him through his family business at Whitsunday Hearing – 4946 4906.
12-year-old William Logan
The doors are open and it’s time to pack the seats as the brand-new Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) welcomes its inaugural show, The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow.
Promising to home-deliver a belly-laugh inducing night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song, the Roadshow is hitting the highway to bring the freshest and funniest from its famous festival to Proserpine.
For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide – and this year it will arrive at the PEC on May 3.
The rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your comedy cravings will be sure to test the foundations of the newly reinvigorated PEC.
PEC General Manager, Katie Boyd, said they were still putting on the finishing touches for the venue but they were extremely excited.
“There’s been a lot of buzz about it,” Ms Boyd said.
“We’re very, very excited for our first show and the good news is we’ll have the bar running - who doesn’t love having a drink ahead of a comedy show?”
In Queensland, the Roadshow will head to 13 other locations, bringing with it the group of hand-picked, touring comedians selected from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Book now for that much-needed live comedy fix when they roll into town.
Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references, and material that may offend, and the show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.
The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow will arrive at the PEC on May 3
The doors are open and it’s time to pack the seats as the brand-new Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) welcomes its inaugural show, The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow.
Promising to home-deliver a belly-laugh inducing night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song, the Roadshow is hitting the highway to bring the freshest and funniest from its famous festival to Proserpine.
For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide – and this year it will arrive at the PEC on May 3.
The rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your comedy cravings will be sure to test the foundations of the newly reinvigorated PEC.
PEC General Manager, Katie Boyd, said they were still putting on the finishing touches for the venue but they were extremely excited.
“There’s been a lot of buzz about it,” Ms Boyd said.
“We’re very, very excited for our first show and the good news is we’ll have the bar running - who doesn’t love having a drink ahead of a comedy show?”
In Queensland, the Roadshow will head to 13 other locations, bringing with it the group of hand-picked, touring comedians selected from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Book now for that much-needed live comedy fix when they roll into town.
Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references, and material that may offend, and the show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.
Construction is underway for the new $2.5 million Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre with facilities forecast to rival the country’s best and expected to attract trainees from near and far.
Located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in the heart of Airlie Beach, the new centre will increase the training capabilities fivefold by doubling the floor space of the entire club.
There will be five purpose-built classrooms, an engineering workshop and lecture theatre as well as a versatile boardroom which can be opened up to boast a substantial deck with expansive sea views.
While its first role will be training future mariners, the centre will also become a community hub and a multi-use function space for industry and community groups to hold meetings, workshops, seminars and more.
Director of Projects and Development, Terry Archer said that he is excited to see this game-changing facility come to the Whitsundays.
“This will make the Whitsundays one of the best learning maritime centres in the whole country,” he said.
“It will attract students from all over Australia and potentially South East Asia and the South Pacific.”
Training Manager, Kaye Williams, said that she is looking forward to expanding the services and no longer having to restrict numbers due to limited space.
“We will be able to expand our training offerings which will be terrific,” she said.
“The quality of our instructors is equal, if not better than, other training centres – we even have a Master 1 instructor which really stands out.”
The Whitsunday Maritime Centre will focus on ‘near coastal’ qualifications, inside the reef on vessels up to 45 metres in length.
Mariners can achieve their Coxswain ticket, Master 24 (5), Master 33 (4), Master 45 (3) and their MED 2 certificates from the centre.
The build is expected to be completed by the end of this year and, due to an increase in building costs, developers are currently securing more funding for fixtures and furniture.
Sailing Manager Ross Chisholm, Training Manager Kaye Williams and Whitsunday Sailing Club General Manager Robin Ross.
“This will make the Whitsundays one of the best learning maritime centres in the whole country,”
Terry Archer
Holidaymakers will now be able to arrive at Whitsunday Coast Airport in style rather than simply depart with ease, thanks to a new bottle shop and bar experience located in the baggage claim area.
The first of its kind in all of Australia, the new bottle shop and bar will enable arriving passengers to pick up a six-pack or a bottle of wine as they arrive, making the experience flexible and seamless.
“We had plenty for outbound guests but nothing for inbound, so their holiday doesn’t start until they get to Airlie Beach - but now it starts right here!” said Taste Whitsundays owner Kevin Collins.
“We noticed it had constantly been an issue where they say the baggage takes too long – now they will be saying – slow down I’ve got time for another champagne!”
Not only will inbound guests be able to enjoy the take-away and sit-down arrival service, locals who are picking up visiting family and friends, will be able to wait next to the baggage claim.
No more traipsing through baggage control, they can relax in comfort.
As a Whitsunday Regional Council owned facility, the innovative concept not only benefits those that pass through the airport, but it will also benefit rate payers.
“The more money we make, the more money pours into the rate base,” said Mr Collins.
“That means there is less money the rate payers have to pay for services – it’s a win win – and we maximise the potential of the airport to generate income for the rate payers.”
The new bottle shop is due to open today.
The Cowboys will soon be delivering the key messages of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness to pre-school children in our local community thanks to funding from the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), which is bringing The Resilience Project’s (TRP) Early Years Program to local childcare centres.
With the aim of introducing positive mental health strategies at a key point in a child’s emotional development, the program teaches both educators and families how to live a happier life and instil an attitude of gratitude in everyday living.
This is achieved by involving parents and carers with the Early Years Family Journal to raise awareness of practical strategies to build resilience for themselves as parents and within their children.
The Journal includes a space for children to capture reflections of their learning as well as ways for families to connect and share activities together.
WSPN believe that the TRP Early Learning Program will greatly assist young children and their parents in our region to cope better with the current challenging times resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic.
“Research shows that if you practice the three principles of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness your mental health improves, you feel happier and your ability to cope in challenging times improves,” said WSPN Treasure Paul Burke.
This view is also supported by recent university research commissioned by TRP.
The research looked at the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of 80,000 young people who had used the TRP resources and 80,000 young people who hadn’t.
It found that the young people who had used TRP resources managed to maintain their mental health throughout the pandemic while the other group had experienced significant mental health issues.
The delivery of the Early Years Program in the Whitsundays will be rolled out initially to two regional early learning centres and is expected to commence in term 2, 2022.
Ergon Energy greeted Airlie Beach residents with news they were set to invest $27.5 million into the local network.
The state-owned electrical company said that the Whitsunday’s role as a tourism hub for North Queensland meant the demand for electricity in the area is growing, creating the need for a major project to bolster the region’s electricity supply.
“The Whitsundays is growing and we’re growing with you,” The Ergon Statement reads.
“This project will refurbish and expand the Cannonvale substation and duplicate key sections of the 66,000-volt underground cable network between the Cannonvale substation and Shute Harbour, providing greater network resilience.”
Ergon said this investment will increase the network’s capacity and improve the security of the electricity supply for 8,000 homes and businesses.
The company has said the existing Cannonvale substation control building across from Banjos Bar and the Whitsunday Shopping Centre will remain, with an additional modular building to be built on the site closer to TAFE.
The duplicated underground cabling will “where possible” run adjacent to the existing line, but with development in the area having progressed significantly since that initial installation, the line route options may be different.
“We’ll be able to provide more information after our detailed design is completed,” the statement reads.
The works on the substation will commence in the third quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of the year for the duplication through Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, Mt Rooper, and Shute Harbour substations.
Completion is expected by the end of 2023.
More information can be found at https://bit.ly/3K5tt6s
Our local region will be in the spotlight once again when talented singer-songwriter, Karen Jacobsen, films three destination focused music videos right here in the Whitsundays.
Launching her new album on May 22, she will be filming the videos next week and has received a $9,000 grant from Whitsunday Regional Council to contribute to production costs.
Famous for being the Australian voice of Siri and the Destination Ambassador for the Whitsundays, Karen was originally from Mackay and spent the last 20 years living in New York.
In search of a safe haven during the pandemic, she brought her family back to Australia and ventured up to her home region, falling in love with the Whitsundays once again.
Dedicating much of her time to promoting the area, driving tourism where possible and championing cultural development, Karen has become a sophisticated mascot for all that shines in the Whitsundays.
Using her song-writing skills to further promote the region, she has filmed music videos on Hayman Island and at Coral Sea Resort.
Next week she will be filming two music videos for her new album.
The first song entitled, You Are The Greatest, will feature the Airlie Foreshore and show footage of Karen travelling along the boardwalk in a pedi-cab.
The next song and title track to the new album is The Slipstream and has special meaning for Karen.
“For a long time, I was looking around at the success that other people were having and it seemed like they managed to find some slipstream of energy and then everything just worked – it seemed so easy for them,” she said.
“I was trying very hard and wondering why I wasn’t experiencing that, and this song is really about that state of desperation and feeling lost.
“There came a point for me when I realised there wasn’t something that I’ve got to go and find out there, it is something I can find in here.
“I went from thinking, what’s here for us? To, what can I provide here?”
The filming for this video takes place with the industrial backdrop of Proserpine Sugar Mill, the quintessential country stage of the cane fields, and then finishes on the Cape Hillsborough beach at dawn with the wallabies.
Karen will be wearing a custom-made golden gown by Jason Chetcuti.
“This is a very fresh delivery of the tourism messaging,” said Karen.
“They are a lasting piece of artwork that capture a moment in time with original music and I am absolutely delighted that Whitsunday Regional Council sees the benefit.”
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Jetstar Pilot James Spruce has piloted flights to international and domestic locations across the globe, but his first landing at home in Proserpine last week was the most momentous he’s had so far.
His 94-year-old grandfather, Herbert ‘Jack’ Spruce, looked on as James landed the Airbus A320 on the Proserpine runway with proud tears in his eyes - having given James the flying bug as a young boy, Jack was seeing his grandson live his dream.
Jack and James Spruce’s affinity for flying has always been common ground, with Jack taking his grandson for his first flight at the age of 14, strapping the teenager into his light plane.
Watching his grandson land the Airbus A320 onto the Whitsunday Coast Airport strip as a professional was an emotional outing for the once amateur aviator.
In his flying days, Jack was known as “Spruce Goose”, and the now 94-year-old has lived in the Proserpine Nursing Home for the last 13 years, having had a major stroke which left him unable to communicate verbally.
A lifelong sugarcane farmer, Jack was an avid aero sportsman, flying light planes for fun on weekends and holding the position of Vice President at the Proserpine Aero Club.
Jack had often taken James out to see the Boeing 737s and James remembers his grandad saying, “If I had my time again, that’s what I’d be doing”, and James is now “living the dream” for his grandad having become a commercial pilot for Jetstar.
“It was those words that really stuck with me as a young boy,” James said.
“Ever since I became a professional pilot, I’ve always had a dream to return here and have him out on the tarmac and see me fly in in a large jet.”
Jack’s daughter Jacqueline organised the occasion which saw Jack out on the tarmac watching as his grandson flew into Proserpine for the first time ever.
“For dad to still be alive at nearly 94 to see this moment is very momentous,” Jacqueline Spruce said.
“He basically gave James the flying bug, because dad would come out to do competitions for flying and take James with him in the plane.”
The whole family came out to watch on the day, including Jack’s other son Kenneth Spruce.
James said that the feeling when he saw his grandad on the tarmac was emotional, beyond words, and “absolutely nuts”.
“Proserpine airport in particular is a bit different for pilots; so, you go back to the basics, stick and rudder kind of skills and manual flight, so landing here and having him see it – hopefully having him approving it was smooth – it was beyond words,” James said.
“I get to tell him about my flying escapades now, just like he did when I was a boy; I get to share that with him.”
A family portrait of Jack Spruce (Front), his daughter Jacqueline, and his son Kenneth with his wife Suzanne Spruce
Kenneth and his dad Jack heading to greet James on the stairs of the Airbus A320
It was a teary reunion between Jack and James on the Whitsunday Coast Airport
The community are in mourning following the sudden death of 28-year-old Jed Farraway who tragically lost his life during a boating accident at Port Alma (south of Rockhampton) on Sunday.
The Jubilee Pocket man, who was originally from Calliope near Gladstone was known affectionately by friends as ‘Filthy’ - he was a Ringer by trade but had been currently working for a local concrete company.
Remembered as an adventurous and spirited soul, Jed will be missed by all who knew him.
VALE JED FARRAWAY
An avid fisherman, Jed Farraway was returning to Port Alma boat ramp on Sunday, April 3 at around 7am with three friends when the vessel is thought to have hit a marker buoy and flipped over.
One man in his 20’s was flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a serious condition, another man also in his 20’s was treated for leg and back injuries, while the third man in his 30’s was treated for chest, leg and facial injuries.
Jed was reported missing at 7.53am.
The Coast Guard chopper, Water Police and Marine Assist Rescue began a lengthy search of site following the incoming tide to upstream to look in nearby creeks.
Many local boaties joined the desperate search, and it was one of Jed’s friends who found him in the water near the site of the accident at 5pm.
Jed is survived by his mother and father, Lieth and Gavin Farraway
One of his closest friends and adventure companions was Scott Pocock who had known Jed for eight years and lived with him for five of those, regularly returning to Jed’s family home for Christmas.
The pair travelled Australia together, mustering at large cattle stations and living a free-spirited life on the land.
“He hated sitting still – if anyone ever mentioned anything about an adventure – he was there!” said Scott.
“There was not a day that would go by that he wasn’t doing anything – he would walk into a room and within 30 minutes he’d have the whole room doing tequila shots and dancing – he could lift anyone’s mood.”
Known for enjoying the outdoors lifestyle, Jed loved fishing, hunting and catching bulls – he had 11,000 people on instagram and 4000 people on Facebook following his adventures and captured many of his amazing achievements with photos.
When reminiscing about their wild adventures, Scott and Jed had often discussed how lucky they were to still be alive and remarked on the chances of not surviving until their 30’s, words that have tragically come true for Jed.
“I remember him saying – ‘if I die don’t let Mum and Dad cry for me, I’ve lived a full life’ – he wouldn’t want anyone to be upset, just have fun for him and live their lives to the full,” said Scott.
Jed’s girlfriend, Terri-anne Buckleigh, echoed this sentiment in a Facebook post.
“I am going to live my life to the fullest just like you did and make you proud, Baby!
“I am so, so incredibly grateful for all of the love you have shown me, the amazing adventures we have been on - you have brought so much light to so many lives, and I know there are a lot of heavy hearts right now.”
Friends have set up a GoFundMe page in Jed’s honour with proceeds going directly towards the VMR and Capricornia Rescue Helicopter – so far they have raised almost $15,000.
Jed and his best mate Scott
Playing for his hometown Calliope Roosters
Surfing with girlfriend Terri-anne Buckleigh
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Experiencing the islands is a quintessential part of visiting or living near the Whitsunday region.
People flock to see the crystal-clear waters, stark-white beaches, and unspoiled bushland atop the rugged peaks of rock.
There are a bevy of options available for people seeking this serene experience, but there are not many better than Sealink’s Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour.
Excitement is high as tour goers of all ages board the classy catamaran at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.
People roam between the three levels that make up Nancy Wake, the 29 metre catamaran that will traverse the islands – guests can decide between the air-conditioned comfort inside or enjoy the 360-degree vistas of the al fresco top level.
As the boat departs at 9am and weaves through Daydream, Molle, and Cid Islands, the skipper tells the story of the islands through the loudspeaker, thus beginning a day of informative adventure facilitated by friendly, vibrant, and knowledgeable crewmembers.
The vessel starts its circumnavigation of Whitsunday Island towards the first stop of the tour, Hill Inlet lookout; if you’ve seen photos of Whitehaven Beach, they were probably taken from here.
The view is vast and dreamlike and sea life can even be spotted in the depths below.
The next stop is the iconic Whitehaven Beach, where the sand’s magical white sheen can be attributed to the 98.9 per cent pure silica it consists of.
Here, passengers have the option of walking to another lookout, playing some beach sport, swimming, or simply lounging in the sun, and there is plenty of time for all of the above.
The lookout provides vistas that ever-so-slightly surpass the beauty of the first lookout, and the water is so clear and invigorating that it’s near impossible to get out when the time inevitably comes.
After leaving Whitehaven, the boat heads around the south of Whitsunday Island past the high rises of Hamilton Island, making the rooftop observation deck the place to be, to take in the impressive views.
Complimenting the tour is a terrific variety of food provided, including muffins and fruit for morning tea, meat and salads for lunch, and an Instagram-worthy cheese platter perfect for finishing off the day with a cold drink from the fully licensed bar.
Nancy Wake docks back at Shute Harbour at 5pm, ending an inspiring yet relaxing day on the water that is a must for anyone in the region.
Sealink’s modern vessel is the epitome of style and comfort
Whitehaven Beach is a sight to behold. Pictures supplied
Grapevine Group’s training coordinator Edie Weiss had been awarded the highly regarded LiFE Award by national body Suicide Prevention Australia for her outstanding contribution to the Queensland community.
Some of Ms Weiss’ significant contributions include personally training more than 5000 people in suicide prevention through 164 safeTALK sessions, coordinating Grapevine Group’s 3-hour safeTALK training and the 2-day ASIST Intervention training for Run for MI Life.
Ms Weiss has worked as a guidance officer for St Patrick’s College and Catholic Education, volunteered as a Lifeline Crisis worker and contributed over 30 years to suicide prevention activities.
Ms Weiss has also devised her own toolbox presentation called Suicide Mythbusters which gives an introduction on the signs to look for, where best to find help and the skills to be able to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts. Her extensive experience with Lifeline and in the education sector has provided her a strong background to develop this extra tool for Grapevine’s suicide prevention arsenal.
“Edie’s work is exceptional in this field,” said Grapevine president Debbie Knight.
“She is so humble about the things she’s done and achieved as a volunteer that she probably wouldn’t want us to make a fuss over this special recognition.
“We should make a fuss though because she’s an inspiration with an incredible commitment that has undoubtedly saved many lives,” Ms Knight said.
This is the third time the Grapevine Group has been recognised with Suicide Prevention Australia’s highly regarded LiFE Awards. The first time was when Grapevine president Debbie Knight won the Community Engagement category in 2017 and the organisation itself was awarded the Communities Matter honours in 2020.
Grapevine Group’s training coordinator Edie Weiss had been awarded the highly regarded LiFE Award by national body Suicide Prevention Australia for her outstanding contribution to the Queensland community.
Raw Metal Corp Mackay loaded its first full ship with recycled metal on Friday afternoon last week, finishing up on Monday mid-morning having worked tirelessly for 64 hours to get the job done.
Loading up the clean scrap steel for recycling, the local company filled the ship's holds with 12 thousand tonnes, and General Manager Brett Crosby said they were more than happy with the outcome.
“Very excited; it was exciting for our whole team as our first ship - and it went off without a hitch. Everyone was extremely happy to be a part of this process,” Mr Crosby said.
The recycled steel, which will head to a mill in Vietnam, was collected and processed over three months and comprised everything from old machinery to washing machines and dryers and a “good mix of other household items.”
Ten trucks operated by local workers from Mackay completed the work along with about 10 internal Raw Metal Corp staff on two shifts.
“It was good for us, but also good for those truck drivers because it’s providing a bit of a boost to the local economy,” Brett said.
“As well, we made sure they were well fed, had a barbecue and a tent set up for food, a coffee van set up in the café for the whole three days of work.”
It was the company's first ship ever, which Brett said had been an aspiration for the business since its early days.
“It’s something we always wanted to do - now we’ve done one and we’ll continue to do more,” he said.
In three months, Raw Metal will fill another ship, and Brett said if any Mackay locals are looking at wanting to be a part of the recycling process, to send their material Raw Metal’s way.
Over 64 hours, Raw Metal Corp transferred 12 thousand tonnes of steel to ships in Mackay
Day and night the Raw Metal Corp group worked tirelessly
The Queensland coal sector’s importance to the state and national economy has been highlighted in a major new report that forecasts coal will bring in record export earnings of $110 billion in 2021-22.
The resource is set to become just the second Australian commodity to break through the $100 billion annual export mark.
The figures are part of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources’ March 2022 edition of the Resources and Energy Quarterly (REQ).
Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said coal is making a significant contribution to a “very successful year for Australia’s resources and energy sector”.
“The latest REQ report has found that soaring demand and high prices for Australia’s coal will be a key contributor to our total resources and export earnings surging to a record high $425 billion for 2021-22,” he said.
Minister Pitt said critical global shortages in energy and some resource commodities have led to the high prices for some of Australia’s commodities.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the new figures show the importance the sector held.
“The jobs and economic opportunities the coal sector provides are critically important to our region and the Coalition Government will ensure that continues well into the future,” Ms Landry said.
Senator for Queensland Matthew Canavan said nearly 92 per cent of metallurgical coal exports came from Queensland in 2021.
“[That] means billions of extra dollars in royalties and taxes to pay for the services we all rely on,” Senator Canavan said.
“We should be thanking our coal miners for the work they do.”
LNP Candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said Queensland’s coal industry can continue delivering jobs in the region for decades
“There are 91 new major resources and energy projects in the pipeline in Queensland, which will deliver thousands of new jobs, especially in regional areas,” Mr Willcox said.
“The men and women working in the coal sector in the North and Central Queensland region, and throughout Queensland, have helped provide the bedrock for the state’s economy through the COVID pandemic.”
Minister Pitt said the efforts of Australia’s resources workers have helped put the country on track to deliver record high resources and energy export earnings.
“These earnings will keep the benefits flowing to all Australians, including through royalties the states use to pay for services such as the hospitals, roads and schools, we all rely on.”
The latest Resources and Energy Quarterly report is available on the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources website.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry with LNP Candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce (right) and Senator for Queensland Matthew Canavan
A new water main will be installed along Shakespeare Street between Rae and Hoey streets, with the project duration anticipated to take eight weeks.
The new water main will be installed along the northern side of Shakespeare Street and will reduce the risk of failure while increasing the water supply and reliability of the local network.
Water interruptions will occur during the project, however advanced notice will be given to directly affected residents prior to any interruptions occurring.
Mackay Regional Council said the works will be completed under traffic control, with the work zone area reduced to a single lane when crews are on site. The area will reopen as two lanes at the end of each day.
Motorists and pedestrians are asked to please follow all signage and instructions in the area while works are completed.
For more information on the project, visit council’s project hub connectingmackay.com.au.
Project map depicting the water main work zone area on Shakespeare Street
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