Airlie Beach has won Bronze in the Small Top Tourism Town category at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra on Wednesday 3 September. This is a huge award on the national scale and Bowen was also a nominee for the Top Tourism Town.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor was in Canberra for the announcement and said he was incredibly proud to see Airlie Beach recognised as the third best Small Tourism Town in the nation at the 2025 Australian Top Tourism Town Awards.

“This award is more than just a trophy as it reflects the passion, creativity and sheer determination of our local tourism operators, businesses, community groups and residents who all play their part in making Airlie Beach the vibrant and welcoming place it is today,” he said.

“What makes today even more special is that the Whitsundays was the only region in Australia to have two towns named as national finalists.”

Whitsundays Represent At National Awards
Region Once Again Is Proven As World-Class

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Whitsundays success at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards once again proves that the Whitsundays is a world-class tourism destination.

“From Bowen’s pristine beaches and rich history to Airlie’s gateway to the islands and the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, our region offers experiences that are unrivalled anywhere in the world,” said Mayor Collins.

“To our operators, volunteers, community champions, and the many locals who welcome visitors with open arms, this is a victory for every person who calls the Whitsundays home.

“Together we are building a reputation second to none, and as we head full steam towards hosting sailing at the 2032 Olympic Games, these awards prove that the Whitsundays is not just competing with the best in Australia but proudly leading the way.”

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said it was a huge honour to end up with two towns listed as finalists to represent Queensland.

“With both Bowen for the top tourism town as a finalist, and then Airlie Beach winning bronze for the small tourism town is incredible outcome for the region. I'm very very proud,” he said.

“Bowen is going through a fair bit of growth at the moment with the potential of space tourism coming to Queensland, which is really, really exciting.

“We're seeing the biggest use of the Great Barrier Reef Marine, with about 130,000 more visitors than any other region along the Great Barrier Reef going out from Airlie Beach, which is incredible.”

“This award is very important to towns like Airlie beach and Bowen from an economic prospect.

“In Airle Beach, one in two jobs is in the tourism industry, so it's incredibly important. It's a fabric of our town and part of the region. The more that we can continue to grow it, the more economic success all of our businesses will have.”

Tourism Whitsunday CEO Tim Booth also said with the Skyway Project they expect to see more and more growth in the region, in particular Airlie Beach and he and the Tourism Whitsunday team look forward to next year’s awards with Gold in their sights.

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Tourism Whitsunday CEO Tim Booth, Chair of Tourism Whitsundays Julie Telford, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy, and Bowen Tourism and Business Visitor Services Coordinator Glenn Womal. Photo supplied

Queensland was represented at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards. Photo sourced: Facebook

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Good Deed Feed

In the spirit of community connection, Bowen Meals on Wheels received some extra helping hands this week as part of National Meals on Wheels Day.

Whitsundays Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Councillors Michelle Wright (Deputy Mayor, Whitsunday Regional Council), John Finlay (Division 6) joined Christine and the rest of the Bowen Meals on Wheels team to assist with meal deliveries across town.

The group spent the day delivering warm meals, friendly smiles, and cheerful conversations to local seniors — including Mrs Rodgers, who was delighted to catch up after missing the Bowen State School anniversary last weekend.

The initiative highlighted the incredible contribution of Meals on Wheels volunteers, who dedicate their time to ensuring older residents remain connected, supported, and cared for.

With heartfelt thanks extended to the Bowen Meals on Wheels team, the day was a reminder of the power of community spirit and the importance of looking after one another.

Mayor and Councillors join Meals on Wheels volunteers for the day. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone!

I’m back from my travels around Western Australia and the Northern Territory and I’m excited to get stuck in again.

The trip was nothing short of incredible. There were plenty of long drives, but even more unforgettable views, gorges, towns and people. I feel so grateful to have had the chance to see more of this beautiful country and to experience a true Aussie road trip.

Along the way I picked up plenty of travel stories, tips and advice that I can’t wait to share in Ruth2Reef as well as in Tripping, our travel magazine that comes out every two months.

One highlight that stood out for me was Ningaloo Reef. The colours there are the complete opposite of the Great Barrier Reef yet just as breathtaking. While snorkelling I had the chance to swim alongside two sharks and a pair of humpback whales, and I was surrounded by schools of vibrant fish. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Another lesson I took from my trip was the importance of slowing down and living in the moment. It’s so easy to get caught up in work, stress and day-to-day worries, but spending time in nature without phone signal, reminded me how valuable it is to simply switch off and be present.

Ruth
"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present." - Jim Rohn

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At around midday on Sunday 31 August the Queensland Fire Department were made aware of a fire near Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach.

A smoke issue was given but Queensland Fire Department announced on Facebook that no properties were at risk, but the smoke should be avoided.

“Stay inside and close windows and doors as smoke could be harmful.” Was the advice given on the Facebook page.

A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson confirmed the fire was put out at around 4:05pm on Sunday 31 August.

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The fire attracted attention on several Facebook groups. Photo source: Facebook

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Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue is urging for more foster carers to step forward.

Unfortunately, they have been left in the position where they have been turning away animals.

With every foster home already full, the rescue centre is struggling to keep up with desperate requests even for animals facing euthanasia.

The rescue centre covers vet work, food, and ongoing support, while foster carers provide love, safety, and a temporary home. Every time someone fosters, it means one more dog or cat doesn’t have to be turned away.

Carers don’t need to commit forever. It can be short or long term, and the network extends from Mackay to Townsville and west to Majors Creek.

To find out more or apply to foster, message the Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Facebook page today.

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The Bowen Gumlu Growers Gala Dinner and Awards was held last weekend, bringing together the people who power the region’s vital agricultural industry. Among those in attendance were Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins and his wife Mel, who joined local growers, industry leaders and special guests for an evening of recognition and celebration.

The event highlighted the hard work, innovation, and commitment of the farming community, with several individuals and businesses acknowledged for their outstanding contributions. Winners included Stackelroth Farms, who received the Community Stewardship Award proudly sponsored by Whitsunday Regional Council; Rowan Munro, awarded Emerging Leader; Chris Monsour, recipient of the Agtech Impact Award; Vee Jay’s Kalfresh, named Farming Business of the Year; and Leanne Born, honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Recognition Award.

Guests also heard from guest speaker and MC Shane Webcke, along with Assistant Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Sean Dillon MP. BGGA CEO Jenn Honnery shared exciting updates on the association’s evolution and its refreshed brand identity as North Queensland Farmers.

The evening was a resounding success, with thanks extended to President Carl Walker, Jenn, Gill, sponsors, and all involved for shining a spotlight on agriculture’s central role in the community.

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Mayor Ry Collins standing with some of the winners on the night
Celebrating the agricultural industry at the Bowen Gumlu Growers Gala Dinner and Awards

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Last weekend the Queensland Police force deployed two horses to the streets of Airlie Beach.

Sergeant (Sgt) Ben Bassingthwaighte said the Brisbane based Queensland Mounted Police unit were in Airlie Beach and the surrounding areas in relation to high visibility controls, with the main focus of being visible in the community and being able to offer support.

“Horses are still relevant, even amongst modern technology, in that they're highly visible,” he said.

“They're there to provide safety for the community. They make the community feel safe.

“They are a very good connector for the community as well, the community really get a buzz out of seeing the horses. But they're also a great deterrent as far as crime.

“There are two sides to the same coin as far as their capability. So, they do attract people to come up and say hello. We're attracting a lot of community engagement, explaining why we're there, explaining community safety messaging and things like that.

“So they're great in that regard, but they're also a great deterrent.

“They can do the work of about four officers, particularly in crowded districts like here at Airlie Beach on Friday and Saturday night, which is supporting the police operations for the next two days; they provide a great presence in that regard.

Sgt Bassingthwaighte also said that patrol officers are commonly not seen, but having Police on main streets are highly beneficial.

“Most of our work is supporting frontline. 90% of our work is doing proactive control and supporting events to help police events and things of that nature, and that's why we're here today.”

Inspector Glenn Cameron said the main message Queensland Police wanted to convey is that the Police are part of the community.

“We want to get out there and engage with the community and make the community feel safe,” he said.

Availability of the Queensland Mounted Police unit varies but Inspector Glenn Cameron hopes it becomes a more regular deployment.

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Sergeant Ben Bassingthwaighte and Lance

Sergeant Ben Bassingthwaighte and Lance, with Constable Debbie Bruntflett and Karma

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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At the Whitsunday Regional Council Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 27th August Mayor Ry Collins and Councillors voted 5–2 against the proposed Dinosaur Activity Centre development in Airlie Beach.

Mayor Ry Collins said the proposed mini golf activity was refused for a variety of reasons, including aesthetic, parking concerns, and a community petition that was heard by council.

“We all want to see new land-based activities come into Airlie Beach that give locals and visitors something fun to do, but this proposal just wasn’t the right fit,” he explained.

“The design didn’t sit well with the tropical look and feel of the Main Street, and with no car parking included it would have added to the pressure we’re already seeing in town.

“We also heard from the community loud and clear, with more than 20 submissions and a petition of over 500 signatures raising concerns about the visual impact and location.

"Councillors listened, and those issues were a big part of why the proposal wasn’t supported.

“Council is always open to new ideas that bring something fresh to Airlie, but they need to add to the character of the Main Street and make the most of the tropical setting we’ve got here.”

The entity which proposed the development kindly stated it would prefer not to comment.

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The proposed Dinosaur Activity Centre on Main Street has been voted against. Photo sourced: Whitsunday Regional Council August Meeting

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A rare opportunity is now on the market, with just 13 hillside lots offering sweeping views of the iconic Whitsundays, priced from $495,000.

With premium coastal land across the Whitsundays becoming increasingly scarce, buyers are turning their attention to Airlie Summit, one of the region’s last elevated masterplanned communities offering sweeping ocean views and a rare chance to build in a blue-chip location.

The Panorama Release, nestled within Alder’s $60 million hillside community, has already attracted strong interest from buyers seeking elevated coastal land. The release comprises just 13 premium homesites, ranging from 616sqm to 898sqm and priced from $495,000, each offering sweeping vistas over Coral Sea Marina, Port of Airlie Marina, Pioneer Bay and across to the Whitsunday Islands — all from a vantage point 200 metres above sea level and just minutes from the Airlie Beach town centre.

Alder’s General Manager of Development, Frank Galvin, said the release had generated strong enquiry from both local and interstate markets, drawn by the scarcity of elevated land and the lifestyle on offer.

“Whether you’re planning your forever home, investing in a growing market, or seeking a holiday retreat with strong letting potential, the Panorama Release delivers,” Mr Galvin said.

“This is one of the last significant elevated land holdings in the region, and with availability tightening and demand growing, it’s an ideal time to secure a slice of paradise. Buyers also have the opportunity to benefit from strong long-term growth potential in one of the Whitsundays’ most prestigious coastal addresses.”

Adding to the opportunity, Alder has also introduced the Luxe Design Collection – an exclusive suite of home concepts created by specialist tropical designers. Each design has been tailored to the site’s hillside topography, maximising views and privacy while embracing natural light, sea breezes, and seamless indoor–outdoor living. The concepts also optimise airflow, level outdoor entertaining areas designed to optimise the unmatched views creating a bespoke lifestyle environment that is unique to Airlie Summit.

“The Luxe Design Collection provides buyers with a clear vision of what’s possible at Airlie Summit,” Mr Galvin said. “It allows people to imagine a home that not only fits the landscape but celebrates it, while offering the flexibility to work directly with designers to tailor the home to their personal needs and lifestyle.”

Alder has recently opened a new on-site Sales Suite, offering an immersive introduction to the community. The centre features an interactive digital masterplan and showcases the Luxe Design Collection – all set against what is already being hailed as “the best views of any sales office in Australia.”

For more information or to book an appointment, visit airliesummit.com.au.

Contributed with thanks to Alder

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Alder's home range
Airlie Summit is one of the region’s last elevated communities

Photos supplied

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It has been a big few weeks for Bowen, with our community well and truly kicking goals on both the agriculture and tourism fronts. Two very different but equally important parts of our economy have been in the spotlight and both have done us proud.

Last weekend I attended the Bowen Gumlu Growers Gala Dinner and Awards, a fantastic celebration of the people who drive our agriculture industry.

It was a great opportunity to spend time with many of our Whitsunday region’s leading growers, and to hear from special guests including Assistant Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Sean Dillon MP, and the evening’s MC and guest speaker, Shane Webcke.

The awards were a highlight, recognising outstanding contributions across the industry. A special mention to Leanne Born, who received the Lifetime Recognition Award.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Your dedication, innovation and resilience keep our industry strong and ensure Bowen and the Whitsundays remain leaders in agriculture.

It was also exciting to hear from BGGA CEO Jenn Honnery about the association’s evolution, including the launch of their refreshed brand, North Queensland Farmers which is an exciting step forward.

On the tourism front, I am equally proud to share that Bowen was named Visitor Information Centre of the Year in the Local Tourism Organisation category at the annual Queensland Information Centres Association conference recently.

This recognition is all about the incredible team of staff and volunteers who make the Bowen Visitor Information Centre such a welcoming place for visitors.

They are the friendly faces who greet travellers, share their knowledge, and showcase everything our region has to offer. Their passion and pride for Bowen and the Whitsundays shines through every day whether it be pointing visitors to our stunning beaches or sharing our rich history and community spirit.

With both agriculture and tourism recognised over the past week, it’s clear Bowen is kicking goals right across the board.

These achievements highlight the strength, diversity and resilience of our industries and the dedication of the people who make it all possible.

Most importantly, they show how Bowen is playing its part in making the Whitsunday region a great place to invest, live, work and visit.

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As part of Bendigo Bank — Australia’s most trusted bank — Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine delivers the products, technology and security of a big bank while staying true to what matters most: personalised service and reinvesting profits back into our community.

Unlike many financial institutions, we are independently owned and operated with one clear mission — to support the Whitsundays. Over the past seven years, we’ve proudly contributed more than $249,000 into local schools, social programs, sporting clubs, arts and culture, conservation initiatives and community prizes.

Local Banking, Full Service

Led by Branch Manager Amanda Anderson, our branch offers the full suite of personal, business and wealth services. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1:00–2:00pm), with face-to-face service from experienced lenders and bankers who understand local needs.

Our services include:

• Personal banking: home loans, everyday and savings accounts, credit cards, general and travel insurance.
• Business banking: agribusiness, finance, insurance, overdrafts, property purchases, construction loans, refinancing and equipment finance.
• Wealth services: financial advice, share trading and managed funds.

Meet Our New Team Members

The Cannonvale–Proserpine branch recently welcomed two new faces, both proud locals with deep roots in the Whitsundays.

Jade, Customer Service Officer, shared:

“I grew up here in the Whitsundays and went through the Proserpine schools, so this region will always be home. After nine years living and working in New South Wales, I returned at the end of 2023 because I missed the sense of community, the familiar faces and the lifestyle you can only find here. Working with Bendigo Bank gives me the chance to be more involved in our community, and I’m proud knowing my work makes a difference right here at home.”

Kylie, Customer Relationship Officer, added:

“I feel blessed to be a fifth-generation local and to have grown up in such a beautiful part of the world. After living in England, Switzerland and most recently Moranbah, nothing compares to being back in the Whitsundays raising my three children. What I love about working with the Community Bank is knowing we genuinely support locals — it makes every day at work more rewarding.”

Backing Local Business

Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is also passionate about supporting local enterprise. We’re proud to provide dedicated business banking expertise through Luke Sheppard, Senior Business Relationship Manager for North Central Queensland and Cairns, who regularly visits Cannonvale and Airlie Beach to meet with business owners face-to-face.

In 2025, we sponsored the Whitsunday Business Conference, hosting more than 70 companies, and we are honoured to be the Principal Partner of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards — celebrating the innovation, excellence and resilience of the region’s business community.

Your Town. Your Bank.

When you bank with us, you’re helping build a stronger Whitsundays.

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.

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L-R: Jade, Branch Manager Amanda, Natasha, and Kylie. Photo credit: Danile Heggie/Mackay and Whitsunday Life

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When it comes to recycling, keeping it loose makes all the difference. Bagged recycling can’t be properly sorted at recycling facilities; in fact, it can damage the sorting equipment and can sometimes mean the whole load is sent straight to landfill.
By placing your hard plastics, steel, aluminium, glass, paper and cardboard loose in the yellow bin, you’re helping make sure these items get recycled into useful new products, like park benches and planter boxes.

Keeping your recycling loose is a simple step that has a big impact. For more information, search for Let’s Get it Sorted on Council’s website.

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Tourism Whitsundays is proud to showcase local operators leading by example in environmental responsibility, proving that world-class experiences and conservation go hand in hand.

Over at Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef, the Living Reef team is literally growing the future. Their coral restoration program sees new life planted into Lovers Cove, where guests can snorkel among thriving reefs they've helped create.

Wings Sailing Charters has earned Advanced Eco certification, ensuring every sailing adventure has minimal environment impact, while Portland Roads has gone above and beyond with Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action Business and Carbon Positive certifications, plus Recognition of Culture certification.

The sustainability story extends beyond the water. Zambrero is tackling food waste with Biopak packaging and their incredible Plate 4 Plate program – every meal sold triggers a donation to vulnerable communities through Foodbank Australia and Rise Against Hunger. They're also supporting Love Mercy's Cents for Seeds Project.

Waterview Airlie Beach contributes to Soap Aid, recycling discarded hotel soap into hygiene bars for communities in need, while Magnums Accommodation makes an impact through recycling stations, energy-efficient lighting and promoting eco-conscious tours.

These initiatives show that protecting our stunning region while creating unforgettable experiences isn’t just possible, it’s happening right here in our community.

Contributed with thanks to Rosanagh Gallivan, PR & Social Media Manager, Tourism Whitsundays

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The Living Reef Team have been out and about surveying the Daydream Island reefs. Photo supplied

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Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Caleb has his sights set firmly on the automotive trade, splitting his week between the classroom, paid work, and hands-on experience at the Townsville Audi and Porsche dealership just down the road from Tec-NQ House boarding campus.

“I got to work on a timing belt,” said Caleb. “Each day I went to work experience, I walked because it was just up the road.”

Time in a prestigious workshop has given him confidence and clarity. “I get to help the workers in the workshop,” he commented. “Watching how they fix problems has shown me what the job is really like.”

Caleb isn’t waiting around for opportunity to knock. He’s stacking experience wherever he can, working part-time. “I also have a job at Dan’s Automotive,” said Caleb. “When I’m not doing work experience or school, I work there, where I am learning a lot.”

Head of Boarding, Luke Papworth, says Caleb’s initiative is exactly what Tec-NQ House is designed to encourage. “Caleb is taking every chance to learn; he’s balancing school, work experience, and a real job. That work ethic is what sets our students up for apprenticeships,” Luke said.

He also points to the advantage of transport and flexible staff support. “Transport is provided to the Tec-NQ Douglas co-educational campus each day, and students are driven to and from their workplaces as required,” said Luke. "That means students can get to placements, arrive on time, and focus on learning rather than logistics,” added Luke.

As a boarder, Caleb benefits from a supportive home base in Townsville. Tec-NQ House is a purpose-built boys-only boarding facility in Rosslea, providing accommodation for up to forty senior students from regional and remote Queensland so they can access Tec-NQ’s trade-focused senior school program.

The residence blends structure with a warm, homely feel. Students have 24/7 supervised care, air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms, modern communal lounges, computer access, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.

Daily routines make success easier. An on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals, staff run after-hours sport and social activities, and regular excursions build friendships.

“Boarding gives students independence with a safety net,” said Luke. “We set expectations around study, wellbeing and behaviour, and we’re right there to guide them. The result is young people who are ready for the workplace.”

That workplace-ready mindset is exactly what Caleb is building. He’s learning to communicate with tradespeople, follow procedures, and take pride in doing the small things right: clean tools, tidy bays, and careful checks before a car leaves the workshop. Each shift adds to his confidence.

Caleb’s next goal is clear: secure an automotive apprenticeship and keep learning on the tools. With Tec-NQ House providing structure, support and proximity to employers, and with the combination of work experience, paid work and school learning under his belt, he’s well on the way.

Keep up the great work, Caleb; your future is idling at the lights, and you’ve already got the green.

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Automotive trade experience. Photo supplied.
Caleb at Tech NQ's common area. Photo supplied.

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The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre officially opened their Food Bank on Monday 1st September, a project that has been in the works for the last 12 months.

The Food Bank, funded by the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s op shop and sponsorship by North Queensland Bulk Ports and the Whitsunday Regional Council, is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday,  9am – 11am.

Executive Officer of the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Rebecca Woods said she anticipates more products to come in that will extend their range of products.

“We are going to keep adding more, and a lot of it will be your staple items. Including, your basic pasta, rice, milk, breads, and breakfast cereals,” she said

“There will also be products for babies, children, as well as groceries such as fruit and veg, yoghurts, meat and fish.”

With the new Food Bank open, Rebecca hopes they will be able to serve and cater to more people in the community.

“We have had this idea since around August of last year, to grow our pantry that we have had for over a decade into a proper food bank and be able to cater to more people in our community,” she said.

“We wanted to be able to provide more low-cost groceries to our community as well, and also to preserve the dignity and being able to pay your own way.

“There's a lot of people who want to pay their own way but they just don't have the budget to stretch as far.”

At the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre foodbank everything is either around a third of retail price at supermarkets or free, thanks to donations.

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Rebecca Woods and Marina McMullen at the new Food Bank. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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