Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Six-year-old Whitsundays pupil Titan wowed the team at Cruise Whitsundays after creating a gorgeous pastel drawing of their vessel, Seaflight, during art class.
His mum, Rachael, shared the image on social media, and the Cruise Whitsunday team soon responded with their appreciation.
Learning how much the crew loved the artwork, Titan kindly gifted them the original, which now hangs in the terminal office.
Cruise Whitsundays repaid this honour with an invitation for Titan and his family to experience the real Seaflight for themselves with a trip out to the reef pontoon.
Liza Muller, Sales & Marketing Manager at Cruise Whitsundays, said the interaction was a special reminder of the company’s connection to the local community.
“With multiple vessels crisscrossing the region every day, we’ve really become part of the landscape — something we’re incredibly proud of,” she said.
“To see that reflected through the eyes of a young local like Titan is so special. It’s amazing to see kids across the Whitsundays recognising and connecting with what we do.”
This good deed is a charming reminder of how special it is for young ones to be brought up in this corner of the world – and how sharing our passions can create connections, open opportunities and bring joy to the people around us.
Hi Everyone,
This week, our amazing team came together for our quarterly Team Connect - three days dedicated to reconnecting, realigning, and recharging. It’s always a highlight on our calendar, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.
A big thank you to Judy Porter from Shiift, who led us through an insightful session, helping us better understand our individual personalities and how they all contribute to us coming together as a team.
In true celebratory style (and making up for a missed Christmas party!), we also took to the water aboard Viper for a day we won’t forget in a hurry. From the breathtaking beauty of Whitehaven Beach to snorkelling at Mantaray Bay - where we met resident Maori Wrasse, Gorgeous George - it was pure magic!
For some of our newer team members, it was their very first time experiencing the islands, while for others it was the first time they had snorkelled since a child.
Across the three days, each department rolled up their sleeves to help shape our mission, sharing the words that define who we are and what we stand for. It was incredibly rewarding to see so much overlap, with values like community, trust, positivity, adaptability, accountability, engagement, and fun rising to the top. It’s a reflection of a team that’s not only aligned, but genuinely passionate about what we do.
Of course, as luck would have it, while we were all off connecting, some major local events popped up! Our apologies to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Coexistance Queensland - we’re grateful to those who stepped in to capture moments so we could still share them with our readers in the paper this week.
Finally, on a more serious note, our thoughts are with two local families who have experienced sudden and tragic loss this week. News like this ripples through a community like ours, and we share in that grief alongside them.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Rach
Quote of the Week: “When we understand that each day isn’t one more day, but one less, we start giving more value to what truly matters.” (Unknown)
Since 2009, Brad Sobott has proudly called the Whitsundays home, making the move from Sydney with his young family in search of a better lifestyle. What began as a temporary change soon became permanent, with Brad recognising the region as an ideal place to raise a family.
Over the years, he has become a familiar and respected figure in the community, contributing to local projects, supporting charity events, and sharing his extensive real estate expertise. With more than two decades of experience—including running his own agency—Brad brings a deep understanding of the market to every client interaction.
A skilled auctioneer as well as a sales specialist, Brad has conducted over 500 auctions across the region. Known for his professionalism and ability to achieve strong results, he is equally at ease negotiating privately or commanding the auction floor.
Brad believes that while experience is essential, the way clients are supported throughout the process matters just as much. He takes pride in providing a thoughtful, attentive service, ensuring each property journey is as smooth and positive as possible.
Though he has received numerous awards, Brad says his greatest achievement is the lasting relationships he has built with clients. For him, success is measured not just in results, but in trust, community connection, and the life he continues to build with his family in the Whitsundays.
Emily Neil has recently started with Tourism Whitsundays as a Marketing and Administration Assistant, where she supports the team across a mix of marketing and administrative tasks. Emily really enjoys learning the role and gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how Tourism Whitsundays bring the Whitsundays to life.
Having grown up in the Whitsundays and attending St Catherine’s Catholic College, Emily has been a local for over 10 years, so choosing to live and work here has always felt natural. It’s such a special place that combines a relaxed coastal lifestyle with incredible tourism opportunities, and she feels really lucky to call it home.
In her new role, Emily is most looking forward to building skills in marketing and helping promote the Whitsundays to a wider audience. She loves combining creativity with local knowledge to showcase what makes this region so unique.
One thing she thinks everyone should know about the Whitsundays is that it’s so much more than just a holiday destination. The Whitsundays is a vibrant, close-knit community full of hidden gems, and Emily loves sharing those local insights with new travelers.
Contributed with thanks Emily Neil, Marketing and Administration Assistant, Tourism Whitsundays.
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Emily Neil
Photo supplied
Cannonvale’s much-loved Easter Carnival is set to return in 2026, promising a vibrant afternoon of family fun, entertainment and community spirit.
The event will take place on Friday, 27 March from 5pm to 9pm at the Cannonvale State School oval, bringing together locals and visitors for an evening packed with activities for all ages.
This year’s carnival will feature a wide range of attractions, including rides, games, live entertainment, raffles and face painting, along with a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Families can enjoy interactive experiences such as the Cruise Whitsunday Treasure Hunt, while adults can unwind in the dedicated 18+ Pilchers bar area.
A variety of food stalls will also be on offer, including the popular cake stall and the Airlie Crane Hire food stall, serving up classic carnival favourites. Funds raised throughout the evening will go towards the installation of a new shade structure over the school playground, helping to keep students safe while they play year-round.
Entertainment will run throughout the evening, with live performers and an MC keeping the atmosphere lively. Visitors can also browse the craft stall, enjoy free professional face painting, and take part in raffles featuring prizes donated by local sponsors.
With free entry, attendees are encouraged to bring along their friends, family and festive spirit for what is shaping up to be a memorable community event.
Scan the bar code below to purchase your unlimited arm bands for the rides.
For more information, contact Sabrina on 0401 959 572.
What: Cannonvale’s Easter Carnival
Where: Cannonvale State School Oval
When: Friday, 27 March, 5pm to 9pm
To celebrate International Day of Storytelling, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is inviting writers of all levels to take part in a special Fast Fiction Competition — a creative challenge designed to spark imagination and celebrate the art of storytelling.
Writers are encouraged to craft an original story in 250 words or less, inspired by the prompt: Something unexpected washed ashore on Whitehaven Beach…
The competition is open now and closes at 11:59pm on Friday 3 April 2026, with entries submitted online via the festival website. Free to enter, participants can submit as many entries as they like, making it an accessible opportunity for both seasoned writers and newcomers to share their creativity.
The winning writer will receive a $100 cash prize, along with a free day pass to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival — a chance to connect with fellow writers, readers, and literary voices from across the region.
Festival Director Richard Evans says the competition is designed to inspire and encourage storytelling in a fun, low-pressure way.
“This is about celebrating the power of stories in a place as inspiring as the Whitsundays,” he said. “We’re excited to see how writers interpret the prompt and bring the region to life in just 250 words.”
Aspiring entrants are encouraged to think creatively, embrace the spirit of the Whitsundays, and let their imagination lead the way.
When: 10:30am–4:30pm Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Ave, Airlie Beach
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Photo source: Shutterstock
Copper thieves who risk lives by cutting telecommunications and plunging deadly intersections into darkness could now face life in jail under proposed new legislation welcomed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.
Public consultation has now opened as the Crisafulli Government works to tackle rising metal thefts, including copper wire, which have seen criminals not only endanger their lives, but the lives of others in the community.
Mr Last said the proposed legislation demonstrated how seriously the Crisafulli Government was taking the theft of copper wire.
“We’ve seen drivers forced to navigate pitch black intersections on some of the deadliest intersections of our highway while copper cabling has also been cut from emergency generators and telecommunications infrastructure in these despicable acts,” Mr Last said.
“Under the proposed legislation criminals who target essential key infrastructure where the life or health of a person is endangered or the conduct occurs during or in the lead-up to a natural disaster will face up to 25 years imprisonment.”
“As the Premier said earlier this year these are the lowest of acts and our government is taking action with penalties to reflect the seriousness of these crimes and the cost they impose to taxpayers to undertake repairs.”
Mr Last said following the introduction into parliament the proposed legislation was now up for consultation and encouraged anyone affected by these crimes to make their voices heard.
“As with any new legislation it’s important the mechanisms and outcomes achieve what our communities expect which is why we encourage anyone affected by these sorts of crimes to make their voices heard during the public consultation process.”
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Photo source: Facebook
At Collinsville State High School, students are proving that when it comes to education, bigger isn’t always better.
As the 2026 Student Council school president, Kodi Mackie says they are often asked whether attending a school with fewer than 150 students feels limiting. The answer is simple: the school’s size is not a barrier, but a launchpad.
Reflecting on her final year, Kodi offers one key piece of advice to fellow students—carpe diem, seize every opportunity. In larger schools, it can be easy to blend into the background, but in a smaller environment, students are encouraged to step forward and make the most of every chance presented to them.
From being named Best Public Speaker at the Lions Youth of the Year Zone Finals to earning a place on the QCE Student Reference Group, these achievements highlight how initiative and willingness can open doors, regardless of location.
Collinsville State High is also embracing innovation, with students participating in the Hydrogen
Horizon (H2GP) racing team, gaining hands-on experience with renewable energy technology while
competing against schools across Queensland.
Beyond the classroom, students are supported to explore a wide range of opportunities, including Student Council, the Noosa Film Academy, STEM Girls Camp, QMEA programs and International Women’s Day initiatives.
One standout achievement for Kodi is being selected for the 2026 Queensland Youth Parliament,
offering the chance to travel to Brisbane, develop leadership skills and debate legislation in a real
parliamentary setting.
As graduation approaches, Kodi's message is clear: geography does not define potential. At Collinsville State High, students aren’t just looking to the horizon—they’re already owning it.
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Founded in December 2024, Clean Sunnie is a Whitsundays-based cleaning and property care business built on a simple but powerful belief: premium results don’t require toxic shortcuts. Specialising in short-stay and Airbnb turnover cleans, residential cleaning, and commercial and workspace services, Clean Sunnie delivers high-end outcomes while prioritising people’s health and the environment.
Central to the business is the Five-Star Reset service — a premium short-stay clean that prepares properties to a hotel-level standard using eco-safe, non-toxic systems. Beyond cleaning, Clean Sunnie supports hosts with linen coordination, eco-conscious restocking, and an online retail range of sustainable products, with free local delivery across the Whitsundays for essential items.
Clean Sunnie was founded by Nadine Brown in response to a clear gap in the local market. Despite the Whitsundays’ global environmental significance, many cleaning practices still rely on harsh chemicals and single-use waste. With a background in health and environmental science, Nadine recognised an opportunity to challenge industry norms and demonstrate that sustainability and exceptional presentation can go hand in hand.
As expectations across tourism and accommodation continue to rise, guests and property owners are increasingly focused on indoor air quality, chemical exposure, waste reduction, and authenticity over greenwashing. This shift has driven strong demand for Clean Sunnie’s approach, where sustainability is embedded into systems, training, pricing, and service design — not added on as a marketing label.
Responding to this demand, Clean Sunnie is preparing to launch Sunnie Eco-Stays, an eco-focused co-hosting and short-stay management service designed to help owners operate high-performing, low-waste, non-toxic properties.
While scaling without compromising standards has been a key challenge, Clean Sunnie has met it through strong systems, clear processes, and pricing that supports fair wages and ethical operations. As a Chamber member, the business values opportunities to connect, collaborate, and help shape a more sustainable future for Whitsundays business and tourism.
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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Grief is hard. Sorting the paperwork shouldn’t be.
When someone passes away, there are often legal and financial matters to manage: probate, transferring assets, dealing with the bank.
We’ll guide you through the process with care and clarity. We know you’ve got enough on your plate, so we focus on making things easier, not more complicated.
Whitsunday Law – Taking care of the legal, so you can take care of each other.
Are you feeling stuck? Evert client’s situation is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals and provide tailored solutions that work for you.
Domenico (Bill) Fazio emigrated from Sicily in 1924 and settled in the North Queensland town of Silkwood where he had a blacksmith’s shop, before working for some time at the Ipswich Railway Department. When Bill came to Proserpine, he farmed in the Preston district for three years before taking over Perry and Co's blacksmithing business.
Bill and his first wife, Minnie, rented a house in Blair Street. Initially, he leased and later bought a block in Main Street from Mrs Daisy Biggs (near the present-day location of Fraser Ford). Working with Bill was his father, Mr Fazio Snr, a wheelwright by trade and possibly the only one in town at the time. Old Mr Fazio would make or repair wheels for cane truck carriers. Chiselled wooden spokes were placed onto curved wooden blocks and then a steel rim, heated in an open wood fire, was placed over the perimeter and burnt onto the wooden wheel. It was cooled with water as quickly as possible to shrink the steel and fix it tightly.
It was in the late 1940s/50s that Bill Fazio made a big impact in his trade in Proserpine. “The Difficult we do immediately The Impossible we take a little longer” said his advertisement but local farmers remember his humble comment when he finished a welding job ... "He no looka too good, but he plenty strong." Apparently, Bill wasn't the neatest welder in the business, but his welds always held!
His business went from strength to strength as reported by the “Guardian”: "Mr Fazio has made rapid advancement in his sphere of industry. Apart from the usual repair jobs associated with blacksmithing, he has branched out into the production of farm implements of his own design which secured a ready market among the farming community of Proserpine and throughout a wide area of North Queensland."
Bill won first prize at the Mackay show for both his wheel grubber and a double mouldboard plough with attached rake. He took the Fazio Grubber and Cultivator as far north as Ingham for demonstration purposes. Orders rolled in the only holdup being the shortage of steel at the time.
The “Proserpine Guardian” June 18, 1948 cited this letter –
"Dear Sir, The grubber which you made for me has given me entire satisfaction, having been in use for some time now. It is very strongly made and has stood all the tests that I have given it. 1 can strongly recommend it to anyone desirous of securing a good grubber. Yours faithfully, J Biggs, Lethebrook, Proserpine.
In the early stages of development of mechanical cane harvesters, Bill was involved with the manufacture of the Rolleston harvester which he exhibited at the Proserpine Show in 1951. The Rolleston was invented by Mackay cane farming brothers. A demonstration of Bill’s model was held on EO Dray's Waterson farm and generated a lot of interest but advancing technology soon surpassed it and expectations were left unfulfilled.
Bill’s wife Minnie had died in 1954 aged 55. He married a second time and had three children Mario, Cristina and Agata. The Fazios would often visit the Vitanza family at their Myrtle Creek farm and when Vitanzas moved to town in 1952, their daughter, Lucy Zamparutti (Marano) would do the book-keeping for Bill. Such was their friendship that Antonio Vitanza and Bill bought a cane and dairy farm at Maryborough in the early sixties.
After many years in Proserpine, the Fazios left the area and settled on the farm in Maryborough. Their eldest child, Mario, still resides in the district. The Vitanza family remained in the district, farming in the Conway area though Antonio and son, Joe, often visited.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Thanks also to Tony Vitanza for his recollections.
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Golda is a beautiful ginger and white Domestic Medium Hair with a calm, gentle presence and a quiet confidence that grows once she feels safe.
She is affectionate in her own way, preferring a peaceful home where she can enjoy companionship without being overwhelmed. Golda isn’t a high-energy or demanding cat — she’s more of a relaxed observer who enjoys routine, calm voices, and a settled environment.
About Golda:
Ideal Home:
Golda would suit a quiet household with a single person, couple, or calm family. She is well-suited to apartment living and would thrive as an indoor-only cat. Her ideal owner will respect her need for space and minimal handling while allowing her confidence to grow at her own pace.
Habits and Routine:
Golda is currently progressing with litter training and learning appropriate scratching behaviours. She sleeps through the night and is sensitive to loud noises, reinforcing her need for a calm, predictable home environment.
Health and Vet Care:
Golda is vaccinated (next due 28 February 2026), microchipped, and up to date with flea, tick, and worm treatments. Desexing will be arranged, and she has no known medical issues.
Adoption Fee: $190
Adoption fees help cover veterinary care and allow Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue to continue their work as a non-profit, no-kill organisation.
Golda would make a wonderful companion for someone seeking a calm, independent cat who enjoys quiet company and a peaceful home.
To learn more or register your interest in adopting Golda, please contact Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue. Sharing her story will help her find the loving home she deserves.
On Thursday March 19th, the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry brought together 70 local businesses to their March Business Breakfast Briefing at Club Whitsunday with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. Both Willcox and Camm helped to deliver wide-ranging updates on policy, infrastructure and investment affecting the region.
The event facilitated a direct line of communication between elected representatives and the business community, covering a wide range of relevant topics.
Mr Willcox outlined a federal agenda with the goal of reducing business costs and addressing workforce shortages that affect the region.
“In my role as Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing, my priority is ensuring that Australia returns to being a self-reliant nation,” said Mr Willcox.
“In these volatile economic times, being a member of Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce is more important than ever. It serves as a vital bridge between local business owners and decision makers, offering the advocacy and support needed to navigate rising costs and supply chain instability.”
Meanwhile, Ms Camm highlighted recent progress across community safety, health, housing, infrastructure and regional development in the Whitsundays.
Crime rates have dropped by 7 per cent, which she attributes to increased police presence. A new police station in Proserpine has officially begun construction and will feature a trauma-informed design to better support responses to domestic and family violence. Additional investment in the local ambulance station has also been confirmed.
Healthcare remains a priority, with planning underway for upgrades to Proserpine Hospital and redevelopment works continuing at Mackay Base Hospital.
On housing, Ms Camm said she is working with all levels of government to boost regional housing supply through the Regional Housing Fund.
“It was wonderful to join our local business community at the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce breakfast alongside Andrew Willcox and have some really constructive conversations about the future of our region,” she said.
“These events are so important - they give our business community a real voice and ensure we’re hearing firsthand about the challenges and opportunities across the Whitsundays. From infrastructure and housing to workforce and community safety, my focus remains on delivering practical outcomes that support local businesses and strengthen our region’s future."
The Chamber welcomed the strong turnout and engagement from local business.
“This is exactly what Chamber is here to do,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic.
“To bring business and decision-makers into the same room, have real conversations about the issues that matter and make sure the voice of our business community is heard loud and clear.”
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Photo source: Facebook
Whitsunday Regional Council is taking a strategic step to improve how specialised services are delivered at Whitsunday Coast Airport, endorsing a new procurement pilot aimed at boosting efficiency, transparency and value for money.
Adopted at a recent Ordinary Meeting in Bowen, the Strategic Procurement Pilot will operate within Council’s Aviation department and follows recommendations from the Audit and Risk Committee to strengthen procurement practices in complex, high-demand environments.
Mayor Ry Collins said the initiative reflects the unique challenges of airport operations.
“Airport operations are a highly specialised and time-critical environment where the ability to engage qualified suppliers quickly can be important to maintaining safe and reliable services,” Mayor Collins said.
“This pilot is about strengthening the way we approach procurement so we can be more strategic, efficient and ensure we continue delivering strong value for money for our community.
“It also responds directly to recommendations from our Audit and Risk Committee to continue improving Council’s procurement processes and ensuring we have the right frameworks in place for specialised operational environments.”
The pilot will explore procurement methods that better align with the realities of aviation, where technical expertise and limited supplier availability can complicate traditional processes.
Mayor Collins said the goal is simple: “At the end of the day, this is about making sure our airport continues to operate safely, efficiently and reliably for the people and businesses who rely on it every day.”
Outcomes from the pilot will be monitored and reported back to Council.
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