Master Reef Guides aim to become the world’s top reef experts and interpreters, showcasing the marvels of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
As ambassadors of the reef, they share the latest scientific knowledge and management practices while educating visitors on how they can help protect this incredible ecosystem.
Jessica Funnell is one of the 146 Master Reef Guides across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and she is based right here in the Whitsundays.
With 15 years of experience in the marine industry, including a decade at Sea World’s Research and Rescue Foundation and her current role with Ocean Rafting in the Whitsundays, Jess shared how becoming a Master Reef Guide was a natural next step in her career and a source of true inspiration.
To become a Master Reef Guide, participants from certified High Standard Tourism Operators must complete an intensive training program. Guided by experts including Reef Authority staff, Traditional Owners, and scientists Master Reef trainees explore the history, current state, and future of the Great Barrier Reef. This program equips them with up-to-date knowledge and interpretation skills to share the reef’s wonders with visitors.
Jess explained that when educating guests, you have to find the correct balance between educating visitors around the reef’s beauty but also educating them on the urgency of its conservation:
“You want people to fall in love with the reef, because they're going to protect it if they fall in love with it,” she explained.
“I will talk about the reef and how amazing it is and then slowly move to saying ‘look guys if we want to protect it, we need to start making some changes when it comes to climate change’, and just explain basic, little things on how to limit our footprint and what we can do in the future to help it.”
While there are many rewarding parts of being a Master Reef Guide, Jess states that the conservation side is what stands out for her.
“I feel like I am really making a difference,” Jess added.
“It isn’t a job where you just snorkel all day, its educating people and trying to make a difference.”
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding the reef, with some people believing it's dead. Jess says she tries to correct people's perception of what the reef actually is and what they're looking at.
“Sometimes they'll see brown and green corals, and they're like, oh, is this dead? And you're like, no, no, this is alive and healthy.”
“So, I will also go and swim around, and I'll point out, a bit of rubble, and explain that it is cyclone damage, or what bleaching looks like.
“It is a delicate topic when it comes to the reef and its existence, because it's a living thing, and people have been told it's dead.”
Jess said the best advice for those wanting to help the reef, is by doing small things to limit their carbon footprint such as turning off the lights and air-conditioning or turning off the heat and wearing a jumper.
“One person can make a difference, even if it does seem small. But we just have to start. We've got to do something.”

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Did you know seagrass has been around since the time of dinosaurs? Four groups of flowering plants (angiosperms) colonised the oceans, these became known as seagrass, and they are the only flowering plants that can live underwater.
Seagrass, found in near-shore waters globally, is vital to marine life. Known as the "lungs of the sea," it produces 10 litres of oxygen per square metre daily. It feeds dugongs and green turtles, provides habitat for fish and prawns, and helps keep water clean by absorbing nutrients and stabilising sediments.
The Whitsundays has a fantastic opportunity for individuals in the area to participate in a Citizen Science Project in order to conduct and learn about scientific monitoring of these fantastic flowering plants.
The program requires you to undertake three days of training and then allows you to participate in research in three locations around the Whitsundays twice a year.
The Seagrass-Watch program has a simple philosophy of involving those who are concerned, and involves collaboration/partnerships between scientists, community and the data users.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of seagrass biology and taxonomy, delve into seagrass ecology, and become proficient in monitoring and mapping techniques. They will also receive hands-on training in Seagrass-Watch protocols, while developing practical skills for conducting field monitoring events and seagrass mapping exercises.
Do you have a passion for helping our oceans and marine life? Check out the Whitsunday Seagrass-Watch program: seagrasswatch.org/whitsunday_training_2025
What: Sea Grass Watch Program
When: Registration opens: 9am 13 February 2025 and Registration closes: 5pm 24 March 2025.
Training Sessions: 07- 09 April 2025.

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Sharks are often unfairly cast as the villains of the sea, but their role in marine ecosystems is both complex and crucial. As apex predators, they play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of our oceans.
Here are a few key facts about why sharks are considered “ecosystem engineers,” essential to the health of our reefs and climate, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef:
   • Sharks regulate reef ecosystems by controlling predator and prey populations. Without them, biodiversity and food chains collapse. The Great Barrier Reef relies on species like white-tip and black-tip sharks to maintain this balance.

   • Sharks control fish populations, promoting diversity and balancing the food web. Without them, overgrazing and over-predation would destabiliase reefs, encouraging algae and bacteria growth that corals can’t compete with.
Pretty jawesome huh?

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The Great Barrier Reef spans over an area of 344,000 sq km and is comprised of over 3000 individual reefs. It can be seen from outer space. It is an Australian icon. It is a world icon.
The Reef supports a very productive tourism and fishing industry that keeps that keeps regions like the Whitsundays economy in the black.
Unfortunately, the reef faces a very uncertain future.
For those who live and work in the Whitsunday region, the Reef has always been there and will always be there. It is too big to fail.
But now, scientists are telling us a different story. The health of the Reef is declining. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) states that the greatest threat to the Reef is climate change. One of the most significant impacts of climate change is coral bleaching.
Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. In a prolonged bleaching event, the corals may die.
Large or mass coral bleaching events were virtually unheard of prior to 1998. But times have changed, and the Reef has now suffered through 7 mass bleaching events. The most recent and most destructive, occurred in 2024.
Recent surveys completed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in the southern section of the Reef found the single largest annual decline in hard coral cover in that area since monitoring started in the mid-1980s, with coral cover dropping by 41% in 2024.
The future of the Reef is dependent on the world coming together to combat climate change. This will require a rapid transition away from fossil fuels like coal and gas and moving to renewables. Time is not on our side.

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Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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The Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) is a group of committed individuals who are concerned about the health and future of cetaceans in the region. The program started in 2023 following discussions at the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee about the simultaneous increase in whale and boat numbers and threats from climate change.

In 2024, The Whales of the Whitsundays achieved some remarkable milestones. While preparations are underway for their 2024 Annual Report, the organisation has shared some of their proudest moments from the year.

Highlights include the official recognition of the Whitsundays as a Whale Heritage Site, a whale information night featuring updates from GBRMPA on whale regulations, the Eye on the Reef program, and other key initiatives.

The organisation also hosted a cultural Welcome Whale event, virtual learning sessions, Hydrophone learning workshops, and an engaging stand at the Great Barrier Reef Festival, where over 300 kids had the chance to learn about whale sounds and the process of recording them.
Additionally, the Whales of the Whitsundays launched a brand-new website, designed to offer valuable resources about these incredible creatures and the ongoing work of the organisation.
Reflecting on an amazing year, the team shared their excitement for what’s to come:
“We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished together and can’t wait to dive into 2025 with even more exciting plans!”

We look forward to hearing more exciting updates on these magnificent whales in the months ahead!

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Humpback whales can live for 80 to 90 years.

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Whitsundays Humpback Whale. Photo Credit: Lynne Boyce

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Guests at Camp Island Lodge had the incredible opportunity to experience a two-day dive expedition to the outer reef provided by Ocean Dynamics.
Qualified instructors conducted scuba training in the Lodge pool, ensuring guests were ready by the afternoon to explore the magnificent fringe reefs of Silver Shoal around Camp Island.
The area is abundant with plate coral, staghorn coral, and vibrant marine life around the bommies, making it an exciting dive location. This served as a warm-up for an incredible day of diving and snorkelling at Old Reef and Stanley Reef.
These outer reefs, located approx. 60k from Camp Island Lodge, catering to all levels of divers, from certified to introductory, as well as snorkellers.
The healthy corals and diverse marine life here are considered among the best in the world. The modern 45-foot Ocean Spirit high-performance RIB is perfectly suited to transport guests to the reef with speed and comfort.
The experienced crew of snorkelling guides and dive instructors provided exceptional service, offering a relaxed and accommodating experience, always going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction. Feedback from Camp Island Lodge guests was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as one they will remember for a lifetime.

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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We’re gearing up for an exciting week in The Whitsundays as we welcome the Hon. Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation. As part of his visit, we’re hosting an important conversation about the future of tourism in Queensland—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
On Tuesday, 11 February, we’re bringing together industry operators, community voices, and key stakeholders for the Destination 2045 Regional Consultation Workshop in Airlie Beach. This is a chance to share your thoughts on where our industry is headed over the next 20 years, how we can keep growing sustainably, and how we can make the most of big opportunities—like the rise of ecotourism and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Whitsundays is such an important part of Queensland’s visitor economy, and your perspective will help shape a plan that ensures our region remains a world-class destination. Whether you’re passionate about preserving our natural beauty, growing new tourism experiences or driving investment into the region, this is your chance to have a say.
Contributed by Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

WHAT: Destination 2045 Regional Consultation Workshop
WHERE: Coral Sea Resort Ballroom, Airlie Beach
WHEN: Tuesday 11th February
TIME: 2.00pm registration | 2.30-4.00pm workshop
We’d love to see you there—register at: https://bit.ly/4aErYKx

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Apprentice / Traineeship Completion Presentation 2025 – Proserpine
Holly Smith – Rates Trainee – Proserpine Office
Holly has been working towards her certification as part of the Rates team in Proserpine. A quick and eager learner, Holly consistently takes on new tasks with enthusiasm and provides support wherever needed. Her ability to pick up new skills quickly has impressed the entire team. Holly is polite, honest, and hardworking, requiring minimal supervision while remaining diligent in seeking clarification when necessary. Her proactive approach and strong work ethic have made her an invaluable asset to the Rates team.
Ellen Arkwright – Customer Service Trainee – Cannonvale Office
Ellen has been diligently working towards completing her certificate while contributing as part of the Cannonvale Customer Service team. She has experience in both the Proserpine and Cannonvale offices, where she is highly regarded and well-liked. Ellen has proven to be a fantastic addition to the team and a hardworking, dedicated member of the Council. Recently, she secured a temporary secondment position in Customer Service at our Proserpine Office.
Jett Pannan – Innovation and Technology Trainee – Proserpine Office
Jett has been completing his certification as part of the IT team for the last two years. Working at all of Council’s sites across the region and assisting everyone with their IT enquiries. Jett has been completing a ICT30120 Certificate III in Information Technology as part of his traineeship with Council based at the Proserpine Administration Centre since the beginning of 2023. Jett has been completing this qualification while managing additional projects and responsibilities and constructively contributing to the Information Technology team, demonstrating an ability to balance multiple priorities effectively and maintain focus under pressure.
Apprentice / Traineeship Completion Presentation 2025 – Bowen
Brandon Bon – Apprentice Plumber – Bowen Depot
Brandon was initially employed as an Apprentice Plumber in 2021. During his apprenticeship he completed a Certificate III in Plumbing and was successful in becoming a licenced Provisional Plumber with the QBCC. In addition to his apprenticeship studies, he has taken the initiative to undertake additional training including CPR & First Aid training, Asbestos Awareness training, Identify, Locate and Protect Underground Service training and has also successfully completed training to be a certified MR licence holder. Brandon has worked hard to successfully complete his apprenticeship on 13/09/2024. He is now a permanent full time Plumber with Council.
Denise Honnery – Customer Service Trainee – Collinsville
Denise has been pursuing her certification while working as part of the Collinsville Customer Service Team. She joined our Collinsville Office through a mature-age traineeship, successfully completing the program and earning recognition as a valued team member.
Cr John Finlay, Mayor Ry Collins, Denise Honnery (Collinsville Customer Service Trainee), Brandon Bon (Plumber), CEO Warren Bunker and Cr Michelle Wright. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Mayor Ry Collins, Ellen Arkwright (Customer Service), Jett Pannan (IT Trainee), Holly Smith (Rates Trainee) and CEO Warren Bunker. Photo Supplied: Greg Martin
Current council plumbers David Light, Kyle Collison, and new plumber Brandon Bon, along with Denise Honnery and Shane Douglas. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton

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No, it is not an aircraft landing strip. Nor is it a porch, stoop or verandah attached to a house.
The Landing at Glen Isla was the place to which most of Proserpine’s goods were transported by boat from Mackay in the days before the railway opened in 1910. Proserpine River was the lifeline of our community before this railway became a reality. Roads to Mackay and Bowen were just bush tracks.  
The wharf at The Landing was constructed circa 1884 when the Crystal Brook Sugar Mill was planned. Construction of this mill was never completed so, in 1887, plant, horses, drays etcetera were sold. Despite the failed Crystal Brook Mill, however, the Landing remained a very busy “port”.
At this time, Proserpine was becoming a town and a school was already established at Kelsey Creek.  In 1895, C H Luxmore had a new store built at the top end of Renwick Road. The SS “Porpoise” “brought up 13 tons of general cargo. Luxmore’s shop, known as the Beehive, A J Cotton’s butcher shop and August Schumacher’s bush pub were all situated in this area but were either abandoned or shifted to Mill and Chapman Street after the 1901 flood.
By mid December 1895, 90 tons of timber, cement and building materials arrived at the wharf. Settlers were building and plans were underway for another sugar mill. The steamer, “Äustralian”, delivered more building materials in January 1896 and the “Lady Norman” delivered fire bricks, cement and lime. Mill rollers, each weighing 10tons, were brought up by the “Australian” in late April.
Up until this time, there was no rail constructed to the proposed sugar mill site. Transport was extremely difficult. Horse teams were used to transport heavy machinery through very boggy country. These were the days of prolonged wet seasons and Glen Isla was a very swampy area.
What joy it was in May 1896, when the “Western Star” arrived at the Landing with 200 tons of rails so a tramline could be built to the sugar mill site. More shops began to open as goods and other materials became more accessible. Mr Campbell, a sugar chemist, opened a shop on the corner of Mill and Main Street and Jonathon Jupp opened his store in Chapman Street.
After Proserpine Sugar Mill opened in 1897, SS “Pelican”, towing the lighter, “Quasha”, transported the first shipment of sugar to Mackay. (A lighter is another word for a barge. It is a boat with flat-bottom developed for transporting goods through the rivers and canals that large vessels cannot go through). These lighters which carried about 300 tons of sugar were towed to Flat Top outside Mackay because at this stage there was no harbour in Mackay. The sugar was then reloaded onto overseas vessels.
The opening of the railway to Bowen saw the death of the river traffic as sugar cane was subsequently transported to that town and loaded onto overseas ships at the Bowen Harbour. And so ended an era. What had once been a busy place; a hive of activity, was no more. Those passengers who had also once travelled on the lighters to and from Mackay no longer had this option.  
The Landing has long been a place for picnics and fishing from the bank. Today it is still a popular place but visitors do need to be aware of crocodiles. When the wharf was in operation, crocodiles could be seen but only in small numbers as in those days the reptiles were not protected.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Society Museum

The Landing today
The old Landing

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The giant mud crab (Scylla serrata) is the most well-known and economically significant species in Australia. It's found along the northern and eastern coasts, from Queensland to Western Australia, particularly in mangrove-lined estuaries in our coastal regions. They are fast growing, reaching up to 25cm and are harvestable at 15cm through methods such as trapping. A male crab is called a ‘Buck’ and a female ‘Jenny’. Jennies are illegal to catch and must be thrown back into the water as they are important for maintaining the population for future generations.
These crabs are opportunistic feeders using their strong claws to hunt for molluscs, small fish, and other crustaceans. They’re scavengers, eating whatever they can find in the mangrove mud, including dead organic matter. Mud crabs have a relatively high meat-to-shell ratio compared to other crabs and their meat is prized for being sweet, tender, and flavourful, thus great in many dishes.
Chilli Mud Crab:
Prep 20mins, Cook 15mins, Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 large mud crab (about 1 kg)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 large mild red chillies, finely chopped
roughly chopped coriander leaves to serve (optional)

Sauce:
¾ cup tomato ketchup
¼ cup fish sauce
¼ cup Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine
¼ cup white sugar
2 tbsp Chinese Chinkiang black vinegar (alternatively use apple cider or white vinegar)

Steps:
If your mud crab is live, place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Once ‘asleep’ use a sharp knife to punch down through the crab’s head near the eyes to open it up. To clean, lift the flap on the underside and pull off the top shell, then remove and discard the grey ‘gills’. Rinse under running water to remove any gunk. Use a knife to cut the crab into manageable pieces, then use the back of the knife to crack the large claws and legs.
For the sauce, combine the ketchup, fish sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sugar, vinegar and ¼ cup of water in a small bowl. Now heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat and add the garlic and chillies and stir-fry for half a minute. Then add the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add the crab pieces and let them sit for a minute before tossing them in the sauce. Cover the pot with a lid for about 5 minutes or until the crab is bright red and cooking through. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle over coriander (if using). Serve with plenty of napkins for messy fingers, and dig in!

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Enjoy a delicious Chilli Mud Crab in the comfort of your own home with this quick and easy recipe

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In the back-to-school fever the lunchboxes are calling for healthy and fun ideas to fill them. Today tuna is in the spotlight for an affordable lunchbox filler as they are often sold in multi-can deals and come in lots of flavour options. Yes, you can just eat it straight out of the tin but below are two ideas that incorporate tuna, elevating your kids' lunches to a new level of health.
Fritters are a favourite for adults and children alike. Crispy, golden, baked or fried, fritters are an easy treat that can be made in under 3 steps: mix ingredients, fry, and serve. It's a fun way to get the kids in the kitchen with you as they're so easy to make and with a batter full of zucchini, carrots or corn alongside the tuna, you can tune it to your preferences. Just don’t forget the cheese!
A quiche goes a long way in filling out a lunchbox as you can portion it as big or small as you like. Super good for those growth spurts and providing energy with the eggs, milk and veggies along with the tuna. Top it with cherry tomatoes to bring a pop of colour to your lunchbox and keep your kids going all day.
Tuna is a powerful food that supports healthy development and promotes brain health. Filled with vitamins and omega-3's, calcium and magnesium, and also low in fat, tuna should be on your shelves this back-to-school season. Either by itself or mixed into other recipes it’s a great, affordable option for lunchboxes this school year.

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Mini quiches fresh from the oven. Photo Credit: Guy Bailey with Taste.com

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Josh Notting, the rockabilly crowd-pleaser from Mackay is making his way up to Airlie Beach to play at KC’s Bar & Grill. He’s a talented man who's a master in many instruments and a soothing songbird too, and he’s bringing all that artistic talent to the centre-stage at KC’s.
Playing guitar since the age of ten, he’s gone on to play the drums, bass guitar, piano and even a little saxophone here and there. He’s a multi-instrumentalist who some call a one-man band, bringing all his talent to perform exactly what the audiences want. From rockabilly to blues, soul and some flash pop, he’s a genre blender that will get you up and grooving on the dance floor.
Be prepared for excellent covers and amazing originals, as Josh knows his way around a stage. He’s played support for Australia’s own Powderfinger and Silverchair to crowds of up to 6000 people, and he’s rocked it solo on the mainstage at Airlie’s Festival of Music. Josh said he was looking forward to bringing the good times to a crowd that really appreciates good music, along with some boating if the weather holds.
“Airlie has just got a vibe with all the tourists and everyone just having a good time.”
Josh plans on keeping things chill for his first hour on stage but don’t worry if you’re eager for a dance, with some inspired instrumentals, he plans on mixing it up to match the energetic crowds. Looking to give audiences a show to remember and a musical time to enjoy, Josh Notting is the instrumentalist, soul-hitting singer and virtuoso guitarist that you want to see at KC’s this weekend.
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WHAT: Josh Notting
WHEN: Friday & Saturday 8pm-12am
WHERE: KC’s Bar & Grill, Airlie Beach

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Josh Notting performing at the Seabreeze Hotel. Photo Credit: Shine Bright Creative

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Named after the goddess of love, Venus will ensure she brings this energy into your home, with her need for lots of attention and cuddles.

12-month-old Venus was rescued from death row and is now looking for a place to call home.

Sweet little Venus sleeps peacefully throughout the night but loves a chat in the day if you meow to her, but is otherwise content and quiet.

She has a gentle nature, loving kisses and belly rubs and just wants to spend quality time with her humans.

Do you think you can bring Venus into your home? For more information contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue for more details:
Phone: 0459 757 455
Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Email: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com

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The Volunteer Marine Rescue have a good working relationship with the Queensland Ambulance Service, in that there's always paramedics on board for medivacs in cases where a rescue requires medical attention. The other service agency the VMR team work with is the Queensland Police Service in providing rapid response transport for officers. This ranges from emergency dashes to intervene in domestic violence, extracting intoxicated and possibly violent party goers, to also investigating reported stolen vessels.
Two dramatic emergency activations requiring their involvement were due to what seemed to be acts of piracy. In the early morning the VMR team received a desperate call from a vessel that armed persons had boarded, injured one and locked the rest in the bathroom. So, at 3am they set off at max speed to the given location at a popular Whitsunday anchorage.
Taking cover on the flybridge, the VMR team approached the mass of anchored vessels with caution. Tension was thick as they blazed the vessels with flood lights, waking the occupants of roughly twenty of the anchored vessels but there was no sign of anyone in distress. After 5 hours of investigation and revisiting the vessels, nothing was found so all parties returned to base.
The next morning the VMR crew received an emergency activation to get assistance over to a resort as some unidentified men were trying to board a vessel. However, this turned out to be a false alarm and the crew stood down. Though anticlimactic, everyone involved was glad not to meet any pirates.
If you would like to join the Volunteer Marine Rescues "exciting lifestyle" go to their website. Https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/volunteer/ and sign up today!

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Contributed with thanks to Shane Newell, President of VMRW.

VRM Rescue vessel in a popular marina. Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsunday Facebook

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Rebecca Cooper is a woman with boundless energy and deep compassion who has been the human catalyst for a movement that has transformed the Northern Beaches.

For her community-building efforts, Rebecca has been named the 2025 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Rebecca was an amazing person who had achieved something special in the Northern Beaches through her kindness, selflessness and desire to create a connected community.

“By bringing people together through fun, inclusive activities, Rebecca has nurtured a spirit of connection and support, helping to foster a vibrant, resilient and caring community that continues to thrive as the Mackay Northern Beaches area grows,” Mayor Williamson said.

Also recognised at the 2025 Australia Day Awards Gala was Young Citizen of the Year Murray Macgroarty.

Mayor Williamson said Murray was an exceptional young man who, upon hearing about the prevalence of veteran suicide and homelessness, took it on himself to do something about it.

“At just 16, Cadet Sergeant Macgroarty decided to walk 382 kilometres to raise awareness and funds for veteran homelessness,” he said.

“His campaign was called Just Keep Marching, and that’s exactly what Murray did – for nine days he did circuits of the Bluewater Trail and raised more than $11,000 for the cause.

Read more about Rebecca, Murray and every Australia Day award recipient on pages 6-7…

Mackay Regional Council’s 2025 Australia Day Award winners pictured with Mayor Greg Williamson. L-R: Arts and Culture Award ­­– Steven Pritchard, Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award – Peter Sumpter, Environmental Achievement Award ­­– Maya Harrison, Young Citizen of the Year ­­– Murray Macgroarty, Mayor Greg Williamson, Citizen of the Year ­­– Rebecca Cooper, (back) two representatives for the Senior Sports Award ­­– for Lutie van den Berg, (front) Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award ­­– Gloria (Bonnie) Spratt, Dan Stampa and Rachel Mundy from the North Mackay Sinkers for the Community Group Award, a representative for the Young Sports Award ­­– Monique Bobongie. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

Local Legends Lead Australia Day Celebrations

Rebecca Cooper, Mackay’s Citizen of the Year for 2025, was the driving force behind the Mackay Northern Beaches Community Week, a 10-day event that brought together 30 activities that invited people to 'gather, create, and activate' with a central focus on enhancing community wellbeing.

Mayor Greg Williamson said she is also the volunteer lead facilitator and organiser behind the Mackay Northern Beaches Community Playgroup, a group that connects about 60 families each week, and has become a lifeline for many families experiencing loneliness.

“She is also a volunteer organiser of the Mackay Northern Beaches Community Network, a network that fosters community arts activities like the ‘A Very Merry YarnBomb’ project and the ‘Crochet and Conversation group’, which focuses on building connections while enhancing individual wellbeing,” he said.

“Rebecca does all of this and actively volunteers with other groups and events in the community, like the Northern Beaches Lions and Seaview Parkrun.

“Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to the local community, Rebecca has made a lasting impact on the Mackay Northern Beaches community.

“Her work has helped to unite people from all walks of life, creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and supported.”

Young Citizen of the Year, Murray Macgroarty, has continued to raise funds for homeless veterans through a variety of means.

Not only did Murray raise more than $11,000 during ‘Just Keep Marching’, but he also connected with the Mackay homeless community that lived around the trail, arranged for the provision of warm clothing supplies, distributed essentials packs, and increased awareness of access to medical health and mental health professionals.

Murray had the support of Local, State and Federal government members, his efforts being highlighted in a speech in Federal Parliament. Murray has continued to raise funds for homeless veterans through a variety of means and has since doubled his original fundraising to about $22,000.

Mayor Williamson said the Lori Burgess Community Volunteer of the Year award also went to an exceptional local champion who, despite her age, was unwavering in her dedication to the community.

Gloria Spratt, known to most as Bonnie, dedicates her life to volunteering in the Mackay community.

“Bonnie is currently 81 years old and volunteers at many organisations in the Mackay region and has done so for about 15 years,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Bonnie handmakes thousands of gift tags and volunteers six to eight hours every day in the months of November and December, gift wrapping in the shopping centre to raise money for local not-for-profit organisations.

“As a member of ESA Australia - Alpha Rho (Mackay branch), she has helped raise more than $500,000 for the Cancer Council of Queensland as well as the Leukaemia Foundation.”

Council also presented a new award in 2025, the Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award.

The new award was named in honour of Brenden Borellini, who was the Mackay region 2021 Australia Day Arts and Culture Award winner and was also Young Australian of the Year in 1989.

Brenden was an award-winning actor, artist, photographer, accessibility advocate (he spearheaded braille menus in Mackay), workshop facilitator and researcher. His impact on our community, especially through his work at Crossroad Arts, was immense. He was completely deaf and blind.

The inaugural Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award was presented to Peter Sumpter for advocating for people with disability and coaching adaptive sports for almost two decades.

“Peter has coached the Mackay Machines Wheelchair Basketball Team for the past 17 years and runs weekly programs such as Wheelchair Dancing, Friday Fun and Wheelchair Basketball for people with disability,” Mayor Williamson said.

The judging panel was amazed by the number and quality of nominations submitted this year across the nine categories,’’ he said.

“Selecting a winner in each category was an arduous honour and the sheer volume of exceptional nominees is a real testament to just what an amazing community we have.

“We had 136 nominations across the nine categories, and we would like to acknowledge the 96 nominators, many of whom nominated multiple individuals or groups.”

Mackay’s 2025 Australia Day Award Winners

Citizen of the Year - Rebecca Cooper

Rebecca Cooper has been a passionate volunteer and a true champion for community spirit throughout 2023 and 2024. The initiatives Rebecca has either initiated or actively volunteered in have provided vital opportunities for people to improve their social health and overall wellbeing. By bringing people together through fun, inclusive activities, Rebecca has nurtured a spirit of connection and support, helping to foster a vibrant, resilient and caring community that continues to thrive as the Mackay Northern Beaches area grows.

She embodies the idea that when we show up for each other, we all grow stronger together.

(More on Rebecca on the cover)

Young Citizen of the Year - Murray Macgroarty

When Cadet Sergeant Murray Macgroarty became aware of the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide and the associated prevalence of veteran homelessness, he determined that the efforts of individuals in the community would make more of a difference for local veterans.

Murray also became aware of a walk that Mackay RSL President Mr Ken Higgins OAM undertook from Mackay to Townsville to raise awareness of Vietnam Veterans more than 30 years ago. With considerable planning and partnering with the Mackay RSL and other supporters, Murray undertook to do a similar distance walk from Komiatum Barracks Mackay to Lavarack Barracks Townsville, 382km, to raise funds for and awareness of local veteran homelessness.

Lori Burgess Community Volunteer of the Year Award – Bonnie Spratt

Gloria Spratt, known to most as Bonnie, dedicates her life to volunteering in the Mackay community. Bonnie, 81, volunteers at many organisations in the Mackay region and has done so for about 15 years.

Every Wednesday Bonnie is a dedicated volunteer to Golden Years, cooking and catering morning tea for the senior citizens of Mackay. Bonnie also volunteers a day a week at Care Kitchen Cooking School, located at St Paul's Uniting Church Kitchen, creating an opportunity for adults with disabilities within the Mackay community to learn to prepare, cook and present food.

When Bonnie is not volunteering at the above organisations, you will find her dedicating her time to her family of four sons, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award - Peter Sumpter

Peter Sumpter’s biggest passion is advocating for people with disability and coaching adaptive sports.  

Peter volunteers as the program’s coordinator, running the association’s weekly programs, such as Wheelchair Dancing, Friday Fun and Wheelchair Basketball. As a volunteer, Peter choreographs and participates in “Strictly Dancing”, a wheelchair dancing group.

Under Peter’s coaching, the Mackay Machines Wheelchair Basketball Team has become a formidable force in North Queensland. Peter has also been head coach of North Queensland Wheelchair Basketball, and coached Queensland’s Men’s, Women’s and U23 Junior’s Wheelchair Basketball Teams.  All of this is done in a voluntary capacity.

Environmental Achievement Award - Maya Harrison

Maya Harrison is a tireless volunteer, an inclusive educator, a passionate environmentalist, an environmental photographer and artist, and a driving force for every person to have access to nature.

As president and secretary of the Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Maya is behind many events, projects and initiatives that educate the community, beautify the Gardens and improve the experience for visitors.

Maya’s work does not end with the Gardens. She is also involved with the Butterflies and Other Invertebrates Club, the Society for Growing Australian Plants, Toad Busters and the Botanic Gardens of Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) network.

Arts and Culture Award – Steven Pritchard

Steven Pritchard is a champion of local Mackay history who shatters the stereotype that history is only for older people. Since 2013, Steven has been a pillar of Mackay’s Historical Society and Museum, especially in his roles as research and publicity Officer, and vice president.

His efforts have resulted in the promotion and education of Mackay’s local history to its citizens. Key achievements include the research and authorship of dozens of history feature articles written for the Daily Mercury; running of the Historical Society’s various displays at the Volunteers Expo and other locations; conducting Heritage Walks around Mackay City Centre to support the local school curriculum; speaking at various events or interviews on behalf of the Historical Society.

Community Group Award - The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club

The North Mackay Sinkers have been a beacon of community spirit and inclusivity in the Mackay region for more than 31 years. The club has continuously expanded its efforts beyond the pool, focusing on holistic well-being, social connection and support for the broader community. Through its programs, events and fundraising activities, the club has made a profound impact on the Mackay community.

The North Mackay Sinkers have run a Multiple Sclerosis Super Splash event since 2015 and, cumulatively, the club has raised about $64,000 to fight MS.

The club’s annual calendar also includes the Starlight Super Swim to raise money for the Starlight Foundation and the Laps for Life event, to raise money to prevent youth suicide. In 2024, the club actively participated in three major community fundraisers, collectively raising more than $20,000 to support mental health, well-being and improved outcomes for individuals with neurological and other health challenges.

Young Sports Award - Monique Bobongie

Monique Bobongie is taking the Women’s National Basketball League by storm.  She was named Basketball Queensland’s Female Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024.

Recently signed by the Canberra Capitals, making her the youngest starter in the WNBL this season at just 17, Monique stands out as a role model and inspiring leader.

Last year, Monique was an integral part of the U18 Australian Girls Gems team in China at the FIBA Asian Cup. She captained the gold medal championship game, which they won, and was the second highest point scorer for Australia, with 23 points and seven rebounds.

Senior Sports Award - Dr Lutie van den Berg

Lutie van den Berg Sensei is a seventh degree blackbelt and the head coach for the JKA Australian Karate team. He has run his dojo in Mackay since 2000 and, in that time, has changed the lives of thousands of students. He has coached multiple world karate champions who attribute much of their success to his prolific coaching and instructional skills.

One hundred competitors from all over Australia went to Japan in October 2024 for the World Championships in Takasaki with Dr van den Berg as the national head coach. It was one of the largest teams worldwide.

What is notable is that of the 100 Australian team members, 31 were from the Mackay Dojo.

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