Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Government have announced a $1 million project to construct women’s changerooms for the Rugby League Mackay & District playing fields in an aim to support the next generation of female players in the region amid an increasing demand for participation. The commitment to deliver the changerooms comes after local MP Nigel Dalton petitioned for the investment and was backed by more than 300 community members. The changerooms will also be adjacent to BB Print Stadium, the home of the Mackay Cutters, which is used by a range of other sports including rugby union and soccer for major fixtures. The project will be jointly funded by the state government and Mackay Regional Council and will include two fully-serviced changerooms with dedicated female amenities. Premier David Crisafulli said the new changerooms would provide greater dignity for women and girls wanting to play rugby league. “Every Queenslander who plays sport, regardless of their gender, age or ability, deserves to have access to changerooms and facilities,” Premier Crisafulli said. “Mackay is one of Queensland’s greatest rugby league nurseries and the growth of the women’s game in the region has been outstanding. “It’s imperative women and girls who play the game are made to feel as welcome as possible, and these new changerooms will make rugby league even more inclusive for the Mackay community. “This upgrade is overdue and our government is delivering the infrastructure local sporting clubs need to thrive, while creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sport.” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the new changerooms were a gamechanger for sport in the region. “Having the right infrastructure in place will attract more women and girls to want to play rugby league, and that is a huge win for Mackay,” Mr Dalton said. “This project is a direct result of listening to our local sporting clubs and the wider community over the past year. Time and again, people told me they wanted better facilities to support the growth of women's sport, and I'm proud we have been able to deliver on that feedback. “Having the new changerooms adjacent to BB Print Stadium means female participants using that venue, whether it be for rugby league, rugby union or soccer, will also be catered for. “This is a fantastic outcome for our community and for Mackay sport, and it's another example of what can be achieved when we listen to local people and deliver on their priorities.” Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project was a significant win for local sport. “We’re seeing strong participation in women’s sport right across Mackay, and these new changerooms will make it easier for more women and girls to get involved and stay involved in sport,” Mayor Williamson said. “The Mackay Regional Council is pleased to partner with the Crisafulli Government on a project that will deliver benefits for local clubs and the wider community for years to come.” Mackay Cutters Board Member Emma Coburn said the upgrades would allow female players access to safe, modern and inclusive facilities that support their participation in the game. “We’ve seen incredible growth in women’s rugby league across Mackay, and having modern, dedicated female facilities is essential to supporting that growth,” Ms Coburn said. “This investment will help strengthen the pathway from grassroots participation through to representative rugby league and ensure the next generation of female talent can continue to thrive right here in our region.”
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A notorious Bruce Highway intersection long considered one of the region’s most dangerous blackspots is set for a major safety overhaul, with Premier David Crisafulli announcing plans to upgrade the Habana Road junction. The project forms part of the joint State and Federal Government’s $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade program and will include a reconfigured intersection and road widening to improve safety and heavy vehicle access. Notorious intersection to be upgraded as part of Bruce Highway upgrades Premier David Crisafulli has announced a major safety upgrade to the notorious Bruce Highway intersection blackspot at Habana Road. The Premier visited the site on the morning of June 9th to share plans for the project, which will be funded by the $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade program jointly delivered by the state and federal Governments. The intersection will be reconfigured to improve safety and boost capacity, with the road widened to improve safe heavy vehicle access. The site is a known crash hotspot, with four hospitalisations following serious incidents in the past decade, and many more accidents reported. Planning and design will now commence for the upgrade, with construction expected to commence in 2027. “We are delivering the safer Bruce Highway that regional Queensland has demanded and waited too long for,” Premier Crisafulli said. “This is about getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer, starting with the worst blackspots to boost safety on the Bruce.” According to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm: “The Bruce Highway and Farleigh Habana Road intersection is notoriously dangerous, and these overdue upgrades for our community will deliver a major boost to safety,” “In addition to saving lives, this investment is ensuring we have the regional connectivity to support our tourism, mining and agricultural industries.” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said he was proud to be part of a government delivering for regional communities. “These upgrades to the Bruce Highway are something the community has been calling for and now thanks to the Government securing a $9 billion program, it’s getting the critical upgrades it needs,” Mr Dalton said.
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A Commemorative Ceremony marking the 83rd anniversary of Australia worst air disaster was conducted at the Bakers Creek memorial on Sunday 7th June. The B-17c Flying Fortress, a former bomber which had been converted to a transport aircraft, carrying 41 American military personnel back to ‘Maple’ (Port Morsby following their rest and relaxation leave in Mackay, crashed shortly after taking off from the Mackay airport before sunrise, at 6.02am, on the morning of 14th June 1943, in the area now occupied by the abattoir. There was only one survivor. The memorial which is located at the Bakers Creek Community Hall, less than a kilometre from the crash site, was unveiled and dedicated on 11th May 1992, and remembrance services have been conducted annually since that date. Following the arrival of special guests by WW2 Jeeps, American, Australian and 24 ‘Home State’ flags (representing the casualties) were marched on, with music provided by a band comprised of primary school students from several schools. A contingent of No.105 (City of Mackay) Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) followed the flags, and a guard of cadets was mounted at the corners of the memorial. The ceremony commenced with the Australian National Anthem and the American National Anthem, and an address by Mr. Greg Williamson, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council. An aerial tribute was provided by a Fly Past and ‘Dipping of Wings’ by a Tiger Moth aircraft from The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum. Piper Isaac Williamson, a member of the Mackay and District Pipe Band, played a lament as flowers of remembrance were being laid, and the last, representing the sole survivor by a staff member of the Dundula State Primary School. Taps and The Last Post were sounded by the Bugler, and the Ode to the Fallen recited following a minutes silence, after which Rouse was sounded. The ceremony concluded with a march past of the AAFC.
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After its busiest year on record and more than 300 missions already completed in 2026, BMA CQ Rescue is calling on Mackay and surrounding communities to help ensure the region's rescue helicopter service remains ready for the next emergency. The community-funded organisation this week launched its 2026 Annual Appeal, aiming to raise $280,000 to help offset rising operational costs and maintain its around-the-clock rescue capability. Based in Mackay, BMA CQ Rescue provides critical aeromedical, search and rescue, and emergency response services across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Demand for the service continues to grow. In 2025, crews responded to a record 778 missions and flew more than 339,000 kilometres across Central and North Queensland. So far this year, they have already completed more than 300 lifesaving flights. Chief Executive Officer Tim Healee said every mission represented a family facing one of the most challenging moments of their lives. “For 30 years, our crews have answered the call without hesitation, no matter the time, weather, or how remote the location,” Mr Healee said. “But every mission relies on the strength of our community. There will always be another accident, another medical emergency, another family needing help fast. And when that call comes, we must be ready.” While government funding supports part of the service, BMA CQ Rescue must still raise almost $7 million from the community each year to continue operating. The 2026 appeal centres on the story of 13-year-old Tallis Anderson, who suffered critical injuries in a serious motorbike accident near Moranbah. When the emergency call came through, BMA CQ Rescue crews responded rapidly, providing urgent medical care before transporting Tallis to Mackay for specialist treatment. For his family, the helicopter's arrival was a moment they will never forget. “You don't realise how precious they are until something like that happens,” Tallis' father Ryan said. Today, Tallis continues his recovery surrounded by family, something his parents believe may not have been possible without the quick response of the rescue crew. Mr Healee said Tallis' story highlighted why community support remains so important. “The people who need us tomorrow don't know it yet, but when that moment comes, our communities support means we can be there,” he said. This year's appeal also marks 30 years of service for the rescue organisation, which has become a vital lifeline for regional communities where distance can often mean the difference between life and death. Operating 365 days a year, the service now flies further and faster than ever before, thanks to its fleet of AW139 rescue helicopters. However, officials say continued community support remains essential to ensuring crews can respond whenever the next call for help comes. Community members can support the appeal by donating through the BMA CQ Rescue website via www.cqrescue.org.au. CAPTION: To help keep this vital service in the sky, residents are encouraged to support the 2026 Annual Appeal. Every dollar counts and could be the difference in someone’s life. Photo source: BMA CQ Rescue
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Hi Everyone,
I have a bit of an update for you! Sadly, this will be my last day in the Whitsundays as I venture back to the UK to start a new chapter. The Whitsundays has been my home for the last 1.5 years, and I will be forever grateful for what I have learned here.
It isn't only the beautiful views that make this place special; there is also an incredible community here in the Whitsundays, and that is something that should be protected, and is one of the main reasons I started my Ruth 2 Reef column last year, which I hope has encouraged you to cherish the amazing marine life and environment we have here.
I would like to thank a few people for making my time here so special. Firstly, thank you to Rachael for mentoring and supporting me throughout my time here in the Whitsundays, and for giving me such a great opportunity; it has truly been invaluable. Thank you to Daniel, Hannah, Jacob, Victoria, and Chelsea for being great journalists. You have been an absolute pleasure to work and learn with. Additionally, thank you to all the other members of staff here at Life Publishing, Trish, Trisha, Jess, Lara, Taylor, Georgia, Mark, Camilla, Sherie, Jack and Tania who work exceptionally hard and help make the paper the success that it is. Additionally, thank you to Bec and Douth for building such a great business.
Lastly, thanks to you! Without the support of all our clients and readers, our business wouldn't be here, and I have really enjoyed getting to know all of you and telling your stories, whether they were happy or sad. I can't wait to stay up to date on what is going on and see how much the Whitsundays continues to grow.
I might still be milling around behind the scenes and contributing the occasional Ruth2Reef piece for the paper in the future, so keep an eye out! But for now its goodbye as I hand over to the very capable hands of Daniel and our new journalist, Seb.
Over and out!
Ruth
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” — Louis L’Amour
It often starts as a short stay. A holiday booked months in advance, a few days by the water, a promise to “switch off” before returning to real life. But for many who visit the Whitsundays, something unexpected happens, the idea of leaving becomes harder to accept.
Locals sometimes refer to them as “accidental residents”. They arrive as visitors and quietly become part of the community. Some extend their stay. Others begin browsing rental listings. A few months later, they’re enrolling children in local schools, joining sporting clubs or learning the tides well enough to time a morning swim.
The appeal is not just the scenery, although the turquoise water and island-dotted horizon certainly help. It’s the pace of life that tends to linger. Days begin earlier and feel fuller, not rushed. Commutes are short. Time once lost to traffic is replaced with walks along the foreshore or evenings spent outdoors.
For many newcomers, the shift becomes a reset. The Whitsundays offers a way of living that feels simpler without being disconnected. Cafés, schools, healthcare and essential services are close at hand, while the region’s natural environment remains ever-present. It’s a balance that is increasingly difficult to find in larger centres.
Property plays a quiet but important role in this transition. Initial plans to rent for a season often evolve into longer-term thinking. Visitors discover that owning a home in the Whitsundays is not an abstract dream but a realistic option. Choices range from coastal apartments and elevated homes with ocean views to established family residences in well-connected neighbourhoods.
Community is another reason people stay. Sporting clubs, volunteer groups and local events make it easy to feel involved, even for those who arrived knowing no one. There is an unspoken understanding among residents that many people once stood in the same position — unsure whether they were visiting or beginning something new.
The rise of remote work has only strengthened this pattern. More people now have the freedom to choose where they live based on lifestyle rather than proximity to an office. For some, the Whitsundays offers the rare opportunity to work a standard week while living somewhere that still feels like a getaway.
Not everyone arrives intending to stay forever. But the longer people remain, the harder it becomes to imagine life elsewhere. What begins as a holiday slowly becomes routine, and then, unexpectedly, becomes home.
In the Whitsundays, moving here is rarely a grand decision made overnight. More often, it’s a quiet realisation that leaving no longer makes sense.
Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot.
Living in the Whitsundays is about more than just stunning beaches and sparkling waters, it’s a lifestyle. For residents and renters alike, bringing that relaxed, tropical feel into your home can make everyday life feel like a permanent holiday.
Start with light, airy interiors. White or pale walls immediately make a space feel bigger and brighter, reflecting the natural sunlight that’s so abundant in the Whitsundays. Furnishings in natural fibres like rattan, wicker or bamboo add texture while keeping the look casual and beach-friendly. Cushions and throws in blues, greens or sandy tones can subtly mirror the surrounding ocean and beaches, making interiors feel connected to the environment outside.
Indoor plants are an easy way to bring the outdoors in. Tropical varieties such as palms, monstera or ferns not only look the part but also improve air quality, which is especially appreciated during the warmer months. Even small pots of herbs in the kitchen add life and function, while evoking the feel of a sun-soaked terrace.
Balconies and outdoor spaces are particularly important in the Whitsundays, where the climate encourages al fresco living. Simple additions like a hanging chair, a small table for morning coffee, or fairy lights along a railing can instantly transform a patio or deck into a cosy retreat. For waterfront properties, keeping windows unobstructed to frame ocean or river views enhances the sense of space and connection to nature.
Local art and craft are another way to make your home feel distinctly Whitsundays. Seashell collections, handmade pottery or paintings from regional artists give rooms personality while showcasing the area’s creative community. Even photographs of nearby beaches or aerial shots of the islands can remind residents of the unique environment just beyond their doorstep.
Scent and sound play a surprisingly powerful role in creating a tropical atmosphere. Fragrant candles, essential oils in coconut or frangipani, or the gentle hum of ocean-inspired music can evoke a relaxed, beachy mood even when you’re indoors. Simple touches like these turn everyday routines into moments of escape and relaxation.
Practicality also matters. Choosing furniture and flooring that withstands sand, sun and humidity ensures your tropical home stays beautiful without constant upkeep. Light fabrics for lounge areas, removable cushion covers and easy-to-clean surfaces all make island living comfortable as well as stylish.
Ultimately, bringing the Whitsundays lifestyle into your home isn’t about spending a fortune, it’s about embracing colour, light, nature and creativity. Whether you live on the mainland or one of the islands, small tweaks can make your property feel like a permanent holiday retreat. After all, in a region famed for its beauty, it makes sense to let a little of that magic spill into everyday life.
It's time to overhaul your life, but the truth is simple and deeply reassuring. Real change
rarely comes from massive resolutions. It comes from small, consistent behaviours that
support your wellbeing.
Why big resolutions fail
Most New Year resolutions rely on motivation alone. Motivation is unstable; it surges when
we feel inspired, then drops when life becomes busy, stressful, or unpredictable. When
motivation fades, people often blame themselves rather than the unrealistic expectations
they set.
Large goals also trigger executive-function overload. When the brain feels overwhelmed, it
shuts down, procrastinates, or abandons the task entirely.
The psychology of change
Behavioural science consistently shows that people stick to habits that are small, easy,
rewarding, and connected to existing routines.
This is known as habit stacking. For example, after I make my morning coffee. I take three
slow breaths. After I brushing my teeth I write down one intention for the day. These micro-
habits bypass overwhelm and create momentum.
Self-compassion makes change stick. Self-criticism shuts down growth.
If you miss a day, the goal is not to “start again on Monday. The goal is simply to return
gently to the habit the next day.
Try the following quick reset:
“If you’d like more support, visit my website https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give
me a call 0418708214.” NDIS FRIENDLY
Stinger Strikes At Happy Bay. A tourist received severe stings presumably from a box jellyfish at Happy Bay, Long Island. He was treated by two doctors, also tourists, before being flown to Proserpine Hospital.
Kelsey Creek Leads Rainfall Stats. Kelsey received twice the rainfall of any other district this week. During 1985 1877.1 mm of rain fell into the rainguage on Phil and Marie Fraser’s Kelsey Creek property.
Steady Flow For Naturalisation. Last year 43 adults became Australian citizens in Proserpine Shire ceremonies in addition to many of their children who attended and automatically became citiczens. Many people from Great Britain, Europe and Asia were welcomed and received an engraved pen as is the local custom.
Museum Suggested as a Bicentennial Project. A park seemed the most favoured project but a historical museum was also a possibility. Jan Maltby and Don Dinnie were among several who were promoting the Historical Society and working hard compiling records, maps and documents of early settlers. One proposal was a museum in conjunction with a tourist information centre.
History Through Headstones. Some local members of Queensland Family Historical Society have been busy planning and mapping headstones in the old cemetery. Some iron number plates of unmarked graves have been located with the help of a metal detector.
International Guide Camp at Greenmount. Proserpine guides Tabitha Long, Jo-Anne Stevenson, Trudy Walker,Louise Bowman, Lena Sala, Terese Walton, Melissa Dufty and Anne Spencer attended.
Whitsunday Underwater Hockey Club meet every Wednesday. They have two mixed teams so far but would like new members.
First New Year Baby For Five Years. Allira Maree Norman arrived about noon to parents Linda and Barry.
Proposed Airlie Development. A town square, a beach and an all tide lagoon in Airlie are schemes being proposed by developer Chris Dorrough.
Sabot Titles. Local lads Shane and Glen Bradford competed in the national titles at Bowen last weekend.
Tourism At Bloomsbury. Frank Raiteri is building a water slide and swimming pool.
Heavy Metal. Locals Michael Hinschen, Alan Weir, Peter Collingwood, and Colin Thorogood performed rock and roll at Proserpine Motor Lodge on New Year’s Eve.
Kim Hadlow Proserpine Lady Golfer of The Year. Kim had a brilliant year the highlight of which was winning the Champion of Champions in a 6 hole play off against Townsville’s top player.
by Rebecca Clark
The first winner of Photo of the Week for 2026 is Rebecca Clark. Rebecca’s photo is of the New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Airlie foreshore, taken on her iPhone.
Theme: Celebrate.
These photographs are submitted by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers group.
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year of momentum and opportunity for the Chamber and their members!
They’ve got big plans, including a refreshed operations team, the launch of their Advocacy Manifesto and Vision for the Whitsundays research project, expanded Sub-Committees, and a new Cruise Ship Markets sponsorship program to create even more opportunities for local businesses to get involved and be seen.
These new initiatives will sit alongside their trusted activities, like Breakfast Briefings alternating between Airlie Beach and Proserpine, member-hosted monthly Speed Networking, the Whitsundays Jobs Fair, and the popular Tradies Pop-Up BBQ.
Returning in 2026 are their flagship events that highlight the best of the region’s business community.
The Whitsunday Business Awards, in partnership with Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council, will once again celebrate local excellence and give businesses of all sizes the chance to shine.
The Whitsunday Business Conference is also back as the learning and networking event of the year, bringing together expertise, and connections to help businesses across the region grow and thrive.
2026 is set to be a big year — and we can’t wait to get started!
Save the date!
The first Business Breakfast Briefing will feature a preview of the year ahead, the launch of our new member resource hub, a showcase of local members, and a Q&A session.
When: 7:30am-9am Thursday 19 February
Where: Filby’s Motors, 62 Main Street, Proserpine
Open to all, with discounted and non-member tickets available. Breakfast included. Full briefing dates for February–July are on our website: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events
Join today!
Joining the Chamber is a great way to strengthen connections, gain visibility, and access practical support for your business.
Membership starts from $99 pro-rata to 30 June 2026 – a simple and cost-effective investment in your business success.
Join today: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango has been very busy providing free refreshments to drivers in recent weeks.
The Information Centre is an official Driver Reviver Station and hundreds of drivers have taken advantage of this over the Christmas and New Year period.
The Driver Reviver program is a national road safety initiative that has been operating since 1989. It provides essential rest stops for travellers to reduce fatigue-related accidents by providing free refreshments – tea, coffee, water and snacks.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre has been providing free tea and coffee for many years but became an official Driver Reviver Station in 2024.
Previously, the Driver Reviver stand was manned by volunteers during peak holidays times at the Mount Gordon Rest Stop across the road.
By moving the service to the information centre, drivers have access to the refreshments seven days a week and not only during peak periods.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the organisation was proud to offer this free service, helping to promote road safety and providing an under-cover area for drivers to take a break.
“It is important to encourage drivers to take regular breaks when travelling – and we are perfectly located halfway between Mackay and Townsville and right on the highway,” she said.
There are signs to the north and south of the centre, directing travellers to the Driver Reviver Station next to the Big Mango.
“We are always busy during holiday times. During the wet season, when the road conditions are frequently changing to the north and south of us, many people call in to get up-to-date information and enjoy a coffee and a snack while they are here,” she said.
“Sometimes we even have free Driver Reviver merchandise for the whole family including soft toys and key rings.”
This family from the Gold Coast called in at the Driver Reviver Station at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on Monday and the kids loved the Tiny Teddy biscuits and the Driver Reviver toys. Photo supplied
The Whitsunday Regional Council will be trialling new youth-focused groups at Proserpine Library from January 2026, offering local teenagers a dedicated space to connect, learn and unwind after school.
The program, titled Our Library, Our Space, will run every Tuesday from 3.15pm to 4.30pm between January and June and is open to young people aged 13 and over.
Designed as a relaxed and welcoming environment, the weekly sessions will rotate through a range of activities aimed at encouraging creativity, learning and social connection.
The first Tuesday of each month will host a Book Club, followed by a Study Club on the second Tuesday. A Creative Lab will run on the third Tuesday, with Games Lounge sessions scheduled for the fourth and, where applicable, fifth Tuesday of each month.
Participants can attend casually or choose to take part each week, with no requirement to commit long-term.
In addition to the new program, a range of youth activities are also on offer at the library during the school holidays.
Further details on Our Library, Our Space and other youth programs are available through the Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries website.
Proserpine Library
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A Year to Deliver for the Whitsundays
As we head into a new year, I want to use my first few columns to talk honestly about where Council is heading, what we’re focusing on, and what residents can realistically expect to see on the ground.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll touch on delivery, growth, advocacy, and the work Council does behind the scenes because there’s more happening across the Whitsundays than many people realise.
This year, my focus as Mayor is clear: delivery, not just discussion.
Across our region, communities have helped shape long-term plans for places like Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Bowen, and Collinsville. Those plans matter and they reflect years of local input. But I know people want to see what that looks like beyond documents and diagrams.
In 2026, you’ll see more projects move from planning into action. That means work progressing in our town centres, community facilities taking shape, and improvements becoming visible in everyday places.
Cannonvale will continue to play an important role as a growth hub, with community-focused infrastructure helping support a growing population. In Collinsville and Bowen, long-planned community and foreshore improvements are moving closer to reality. In Airlie Beach, planning is shifting toward delivering practical outcomes that support both locals and visitors.
At the same time, Council remains focused on the basics of our business which is roads, water, waste, parks and public amenities. These are the services that keep the region functioning, particularly during peak holiday periods when our population swells.
Not everything can happen at once, and not every project moves at the same pace. Construction costs, funding conditions and approvals all play a role. But the direction is clear that my Council wants fewer ideas sitting on shelves and more turning into on-the-ground results.
This year is about momentum. Turning plans into places, and conversations into outcomes one project at a time.
Next week, I’ll talk about how Council is managing growth across the Whitsundays and how we’re working to protect the lifestyle that makes this region such a special place to live.
You can stay informed and up to date with the latest news during storms and disaster events by signing up for Council’s opt-in notification service via the Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard. Choose to receive tailored real-time alerts by text message or email, including Emergency News and Weather Warnings, so you’re always across what matters to you most.
To sign up, visit the Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard and click the green ‘Opt-in Notifications’ button.
Welcome to the new year from Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Branch Manager, Amanda Anderson, and the team.
In today’s digital world, convenience and security must go hand in hand. Online banking has made it easier than ever to manage money – paying bills, transferring funds and checking balances anytime, anywhere – but staying safe online is just as important as staying connected.
At Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, keeping customers’ money and personal information secure is a top priority. Our systems include 24/7 fraud monitoring, multi-factor authentication, Payee Check for first-time payments, and secure online banking tools designed to protect customers at every step.
However, online security is a shared responsibility.
Community Bank Branch Manager Amanda Anderson shares some simple actions everyone can take to reduce risk:
“A simple rule to remember is: Stop. Think. Protect” says Amanda. “Stop if something feels wrong. Think about whether a message or call could be fake. Protect yourself by acting quickly and contacting your bank.”
At the end of the day, our goal is simple – to provide Whitsundays locals with banking that’s personal, secure and built around what really matters.
If you ever have questions or concerns about online security, the team at Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is always happy to help.
Visit Amanda and the team at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale
Call (07) 4948 3599
Email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Bendigo Bank – the better big bank.
Proserpine State High School (PSHS) has wrapped up its 63rd Annual Awards Night celebrations, proudly recognising students who demonstrated outstanding commitment, achievement, and character throughout 2025.
The final release of photo highlights showcases the school’s Awards of Excellence recipients - students whose dedication and positive contributions stood out across academic, cultural, sporting, and community areas.
School leaders said the Awards of Excellence reflect not only high achievement, but the values that underpin the Proserpine State High School community, including perseverance, respect, and leadership. These students consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to personal growth, setting an example for their peers.
The Annual Awards Night marked an important opportunity to reflect on the many milestones and memorable moments that shaped the 2025 school year. Families, staff, and students came together to celebrate success, acknowledge effort, and recognise the collective achievements of the school community.
Proserpine State High School extended its thanks to everyone who joined in the celebrations, whether in person or through the school’s series of photo highlights, which captured the spirit of the evening and the pride shared across the community.
As PSHS looks ahead to the 2026 school year commencing on Tuesday, the 27th of January, staff expressed confidence in another year of learning, growth, and opportunity, building on the strong foundations established throughout 2025.
A small souvenir teddy bear bought in a docklands gift shop in England is set to arrive in Airlie Beach this week after travelling more than 20,000 nautical miles as part of a Clipper Round the World Yacht Race delivery destined for two local children.
The bear will be given to Airlie Beach siblings Harper, 12, and Jack, 9, who both take part in junior sailing and have grown up around boats and regattas. Their connection to the global race began in Portsmouth, the historic UK port where the Clipper yachts depart on their circumnavigation of the world.
While attending the race’s departure festival, grandmother Pauline Porter noticed the Great Ormond Street Hospital team yacht displaying teddy bears on its stand. Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the United Kingdom’s leading children’s hospitals.
Crew members explained the bears were being carried aboard to bring comfort and joy to sick children following the race. After mentioning that her grandchildren live in Airlie Beach one of the Clipper Race stopover ports Pauline asked whether a teddy bear could be taken all the way to Australia for them.
With the crew’s agreement, she purchased a Spinnaker Tower souvenir bear and handed it to the skipper, where it was officially placed on board the yacht.
Airlie Beach marks the halfway point of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, with yachts having completed approximately 20,000 nautical miles by the time they arrive. The bear is expected to reach Airlie Beach later this week, with supporters and visitors anticipated at Coral Sea Marina between January 13 and 15. The fleet is scheduled to depart again on January 19.
The Great Ormond Street Hospital team is currently performing strongly, sitting first in the general rankings and well positioned to win the current leg.
For Harper and Jack, the bear’s arrival is especially meaningful. Harper has ambitions of becoming both a sailor and a marine biologist and dreams of one day taking part in the Clipper Race herself.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is open to everyday people from all walks of life, with no prior ocean sailing experience required before undertaking its intensive training program.
Participants can choose to complete one leg or the entire race, making it one of the most inclusive and challenging sailing events in the world.
For Airlie Beach, the arrival of the Clipper fleet (and one very well-travelled teddy bear) highlights the town’s place on a truly global stage.
As Host Port Sponsor, Coral Sea Marina will provide a wide range of experiences which will be delivered for Clipper Race crew, supporters and organisers, showcasing the very best of the Whitsundays.
The Race 6 Prize-giving will be held at Coral Sea Marina on Monday 12 January, welcoming more than 300 race crew, officials and supporters to celebrate the leg concluding in Airlie Beach.
Supported by Whitsunday Regional Council, the evening will feature a cultural welcome, official prize-giving, live music and refreshments, all set against a sunset backdrop over the marina and yachts.
Crew and visitors will also be invited to a 'Meet the Whitsunday Wildlife' experience in the Coral Sea Marina Gardens, where keepers from Whitsunday Wildlife will introduce international guests to a range of iconic Australian animals through an interactive encounter.
Sustainability and science will be highlighted through an engaging talk hosted by the International Seakeepers Society, focusing on Great Barrier Reef citizen science and how sailors can contribute to marine research.
In addition, Reef Catchments will offer a Seagrass Nursery Tour and Talk for selected crew, providing insight into research being conducted at the marina’s seagrass nurseries, followed by a guided exploration of the seagrass meadows at Cannonvale Beach.
Adding a touch of adventure, Pioneer Adventures will take one sailor from each boat on a glass-bottom boat tour, offering a unique view of the underwater environment in Shute Harbour.
Throughout the stopover, The Garden Bar Bistro will host daily ‘Golden Hour’ from 3–5pm, welcoming Clipper Race crews and supporters to unwind with cold drinks, waterfront views and relaxed Whitsundays hospitality.
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