Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OP-ED by Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox Every Australian family sitting around the kitchen table knows the reality, our standard of living is under severe pressure. Since the Albanese Labor government took office, Australians have experienced some of the steepest declines in living standards in the developed world. With national debt fast approaching $1 trillion and structural budget deficits locked in for a decade, Labor is spending more and taxing more, while households are forced to get by with less. The challenge facing our nation is not just identifying these economic headwinds; it is putting forward a clear, constructive alternative. That’s why I’m often asked, what a Coalition government would do differently to steer the country back on track. The answer lies in structural economic reform that rewards hard work, protects aspiration, and respects the money you earn. At the heart of our plan is a landmark policy designed to end secret tax hikes, the Tax Back Guarantee. Under the current system, when your wages rise to keep pace with inflation, you can easily be pushed into a higher tax bracket. This process, known as "bracket creep," allows the government to collect higher tax revenues every year without ever having to pass a law. It penalises workers for simply trying to keep up with the rising cost of groceries, rent, and power bills. It equally penalises businesses, too. Employers feel a genuine responsibility to increase wages so their workers can afford to live, yet these rising expenses drive up business overheads at a time when everyone is struggling to swim against a tide of high inflation fuelled by the Albanese Labor Government. The Coalition will fix this by permanently indexing income tax thresholds to inflation. Starting in the 2028-29 financial year, we will index the bottom two income tax thresholds, a measure that will protect approximately 85 per cent of Australian income earners. By year three, that relief would climb to $1,200 a year: providing a substantial, ongoing boost to household budgets when families need it most. From the 2031-32 financial year, we will extend this indexation to the top two thresholds, ensuring that no Australian is penalised with higher taxes simply because of inflation. This is a fair, simple, and honest reform. It forces the government to live within its means rather than relying on inflation to balance the budget. True economic recovery also requires us to scrap this new suite of toxic taxes that punish success and stifle investment. The Albanese Labor Government's approach is a direct assault on aspiration. It imposes higher taxes on housing, savings, investments, and small businesses. This includes a 30 per cent tax rate on discretionary trusts, which acts as an inheritance tax by stealth on the family structures everyday Australians use to pass assets to their children. This is why a Coalition government will repeal this entire suite of toxic taxes. We will reverse changes to negative gearing that restrict housing supply, undo capital gains tax hikes that discourage investment, and protect small businesses from punitive tax structures. Furthermore, we will abolish the Safeguard Mechanism, removing a regulatory burden that inflates building material costs and drives local manufacturing offshore. It is a basic economic reality that when you tax something, you get less of it. If you tax savings, housing, investment, and small business, you get less of all of them. The Coalition wants more aspiration, not less, which is why we will back the hard-working Australians who want to get ahead. By cutting these penalties on success, we are offering a positive, practical plan to restore home ownership, lower national debt, and secure Australia's economic future.
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The Queensland Mining Awards brought together businesses and organisations from across the state’s minerals and energy resources sector, recognising the work being undertaken across an industry that plays a significant role in regional Queensland. Now in its 12th year, the awards provided an opportunity for companies of all sizes, from mining operations to contractors and suppliers, to showcase their achievements and gain recognition from industry peers. The awards covered a broad range of areas across the sector, including productivity, innovation, safety, collaboration, environmental initiatives, and community and staff programs. Winners were announced at a Gala Presentation Dinner held as part of the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition in Mackay in July, bringing industry representatives together to celebrate achievements across Queensland’s resources sector. For businesses operating in regional communities, the awards provided a platform to highlight projects, initiatives and expertise beyond their individual operations. The program also created opportunities for businesses to build connections with industry representatives and decision-makers. As a signature event of the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition, described by organisers as Australia’s largest regional mining exhibition, the awards provided access to an audience of more than 600 industry decision-makers. Entries were assessed through peer judging by senior leaders within the mining industry, allowing projects and initiatives to be considered by people with an understanding of the operational environment in which they were delivered. The Queensland Resources Council was the major event partner, further connecting the awards with Queensland’s broader resources sector. Beyond the awards themselves, finalists and winners gained opportunities for industry exposure, networking and business connections. The program also provided year-round marketing opportunities and national media coverage, helping to highlight achievements within Queensland’s resources industry. For the regions, the awards offered an opportunity to recognise the businesses, workers and organisations contributing to an industry that extends well beyond mine sites. From innovative projects and safety initiatives to environmental, community and staff programs, the categories reflected the range of work taking place across Queensland’s resources sector. The Queensland Mining Awards ultimately provided a forum to acknowledge that contribution, while giving businesses an opportunity to share their achievements with peers and a wider industry audience. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Photo source: Shutterstock
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BUMA is known for delivering leading mining and rehabilitation services across Queensland. Beyond its operations, the company is also helping create opportunities in the regional communities where it operates. With a history spanning more than 100 years and as part of the global BUMA International Group, the company works alongside its clients to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable mining solutions while maintaining a strong focus on supporting local communities. One example is BUMA's partnership with PCYC Queensland's Braking the Cycle program in Blackwater. The initiative helps address a challenge faced by many young people in the community: obtaining a driver's licence. Without access to a vehicle, a qualified supervisor or affordable driving lessons, completing the required supervised driving hours can be difficult, limiting access to employment, education and training opportunities. BUMA began supporting the program in 2022 through financial sponsorship. As the partnership evolved, discussions with PCYC Blackwater identified a key barrier to the program's success: a shortage of volunteer driving mentors. In response, BUMA developed a practical workforce-led solution, encouraging employees to become trained mentors and volunteer their time to support local learner drivers. Today, BUMA volunteers continue providing consistent one-on-one supervised driving sessions, helping participants build confidence, develop safe driving habits and work towards obtaining their driver's licence. The BUMA Braking the Cycle driving mentoring initiative was recently recognised as a finalist in the Queensland Mining Awards, held as part of the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition. The recognition highlighted the role industry partnerships and employee volunteering can play in addressing practical challenges in regional communities. For BUMA, the initiative reflects its commitment to creating opportunities and positive outcomes beyond the mine site, with employees using their time and skills to support the communities where they live and work.
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Queensland’s construction industry is set to receive a boost, with 4,500 new apprenticeships to be supported through two programs aimed at addressing skills shortages across the state. The Government has launched the new TradieStart program alongside an extension of the Small Business Apprenticeship Program, with the initiatives expected to support thousands of new construction apprentices. TradieStart will support 2,500 apprenticeships across construction, plumbing, engineering and electrical trades. Eligible small businesses taking on their first apprentice will receive a base payment of $10,000, with an additional $4,000 available where the apprentice is aged over 21. A further $2,000 can be provided when an apprentice is hired from a priority cohort, including veterans, women, people with a disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Medium and large businesses and Group Training Organisations can also receive $10,000 for employing an apprentice from a priority cohort, with a further $4,000 available for apprentices aged over 21. The Small Business Apprenticeship Program will also be extended to provide wage subsidies for a further 2,000 construction apprenticeships. Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the programs would help address workforce shortages while supporting Queensland’s growing construction pipeline. “We’re not just battling a skills crisis, we’re also fighting a Federal Labor Government which seems intent on making things worse,” Minister Bates said. “Queensland construction workers have a golden era in front of them thanks to the Crisafulli Government’s ambitious infrastructure pipeline, and we’re delivering the help businesses need to get more hands on the tools. “Steven Miles’ legacy was a construction skills shortage the size of a Suncorp Stadium crowd and his mates in Canberra don’t seem to understand that we need to back businesses and workers to get things built. “While the Albanese Labor Government continues its cash grab by cutting support for apprentices, the Crisafulli Government is opening doors for Queenslanders keen to get on the tools and backing the businesses that put them on.” Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the programs would provide additional opportunities for Queenslanders considering careers in the trades. "The Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program proved incredibly popular, and by extending that initiative while also introducing TradieStart, we’re creating even more opportunities for Queenslanders to pursue a career in the trades and help build our State’s future," Minister Minnikin said. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and these programs will give them the confidence and support they need to take on apprentices, creating jobs and strengthening communities across Queensland." Construction Skills Queensland Chair Sue-Ann Fresneda said the new program would help employers overcome some of the barriers associated with taking on apprentices. "Queensland's construction pipeline presents a generational opportunity for the state but delivering it will depend on our ability to attract, retain and develop the skilled workforce needed to support it," Ms Fresneda said. "TradieStart helps employers invest in the next generation of tradies by reducing barriers to employing apprentices and creating more pathways into meaningful, long-term careers in construction.” For Mackay and regional Queensland, the additional apprenticeship opportunities come as the construction sector continues to require a skilled workforce to support major infrastructure and development projects. Small business owner and KALM Construct Director Calum Moore said financial incentives could make a significant difference to businesses considering taking on an apprentice. “Taking on an apprentice is a big commitment as an employer and without incentives like TradieStart and the Small Business Apprentice Program a lot of small businesses wouldn’t be able to make it happen, financially,” Mr Moore said. “For us, these incentives make taking on an apprentice and giving back to the industry possible and I’d recommend them to other construction business owners."
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For many young footballers, training means a short drive across town.
For Lilliana Knight, it meant spending years travelling more than 1,200 kilometres every week while balancing school, training and competition.
The latest instalment of Whitsunday Regional Council's Home Grown: Future Olympians video series showcases one of the region's brightest young football talents and the determination required to pursue elite sport from regional Queensland.
Lilliana first discovered her love of football playing socially at primary school before joining the Proserpine Taipans. She later progressed through Airlie Beach Football Club before earning selection in the Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast Academy, where her family made the journey from Conway to Mackay several times each week for training and competition.
As her talent continued to develop, so too did the opportunities and the sacrifices required to pursue them.
Representing Queensland, captaining teams at national championships, competing in senior women's competitions while still in her early teens and travelling across Queensland became part of everyday life.
At just 15 years of age, Lilliana made one of the biggest decisions of her young career, moving away from her family to Brisbane to pursue greater football opportunities.
She earned selection in the National Premier League Women's Under 23 squad with North Lakes United FC, joined the Murrumba State Secondary College Football Academy and continues to compete at one of Queensland's highest levels while completing her senior schooling.
Now in Year 11, Lilliana continues to chase her Olympic dream. This year she helped the Metropolitan North School Sport team win the Queensland 16–18 Years State Championship in Townsville, while her North Lakes United FC Under 23 side has remainedundefeated through the opening 14 rounds of the season.
She also continues to mentor younger players as an assistant coach, giving back to the sport that has helped shape her journey.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Lilliana's journey demonstrated the determination and resilience of regional athletes.
"Lilliana's story is one of extraordinary commitment. Behind every representative jersey and every milestone are countless hours on the road, family sacrifices and the courage to leave home at just 15 years of age to pursue her dream. She is an outstanding role model for young athletes across the Whitsundays."
Mayor Collins said stories like Lilliana's reinforced why Council continued to advocate for the Whitsundays to become the home of Olympic and Paralympic sailing and secure a lasting sporting legacy for the region.
"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are about much more than two weeks of competition. They're about inspiring the next generation and creating opportunities that allow young athletes to achieve their dreams closer to home.
Lilliana has shown what regional talent can achieve, and that's exactly why we're continuing to fight for legacy infrastructure that will benefit young people across the Whitsundays for decades to come."
Campaign media partner, Whitsunday Life Editor Rachael Smith, said the series was about telling the stories behind the success of local athletes.
"Too often we only hear about athletes once they've reached the top. This series reminds us that every sporting success begins with years of dedication, sacrifice and community support.
“Lilliana's story is incredibly inspiring and we're proud to help share the journeys of these talented young Whitsunday athletes as they chase their Olympic dreams."
Lilliana's story is the second profile in Council's Home Grown: Future Olympians campaign, which celebrates young local athletes while showcasing the Whitsundays as a region capable of producing future Olympians and Paralympians.
The series recognises not only the athletes, but also the families, coaches, volunteers and communities whose support helps turn big dreams into reality.
Because Olympic and Paralympic dreams don't start on the podium.
They start right here in the Whitsundays.
Libraries Are More Than Books. They're Where We Meet.
By Richard Evans, President of Whitsundays Writers Festival
Ask a child what a library is for, and they'll likely say books. Ask an adult, and you might get the same answer. Both are right. Neither goes far enough.
A library is a room full of doors. Every spine on every shelf opens onto somewhere else; a different century, a different mind, a different way of seeing the world. Take a child into that room, let them run a finger along the covers, let them choose something simply because the title caught their eye, and you've done something no worksheet or screen can replicate. You've handed them the first key to their own imagination. That moment, small, unremarkable, repeated in libraries every day, is one of the most important things we do for the next generation.
But that's only half the story.
Walk into any of our four Whitsunday Regional Council libraries on an ordinary weekday and you'll see it isn't only children turning pages. There are retirees doing the crossword together. Job seekers using the computers. New parents at storytime, swapping tips as much as picking up picture books. Someone quietly working through a form with a staff member who knows exactly which shelf, which website, or which government department to point them toward. The library has become one of the last places in town where you can simply be, without needing to buy something to justify staying.
That's the part we too often overlook. Libraries aren't just repositories of information. They're meeting places. Among the few genuinely public ones left. And the staff, who can help you track down that one specific book you half-remember or the exact piece of information you need, are as much a part of that community fabric as the shelves themselves.
This is why the Whitsundays Writers Festival is proud to bring our libraries into the heart of this year's program. As part of Stories by the Sea, on Saturday 13 September from 3pm to 4.30pm, Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries will join local authors, a community book swap, artists displaying their work, and a sausage sizzle for an afternoon that is, in miniature, exactly what a library should be: stories, conversation, and community, side by side.
There will be no lecture on the importance of reading. There doesn't need to be. Just bring the kids, browse the swap table, meet a local author, grab a sausage in bread, and let the afternoon make the case for itself.
Libraries have always done two jobs at once. Holding our stories and bringing us together to share them. On 13th September, we're simply making that second job a little more visible.
Visit your local library branch during, Library and Information Week (27th July–2nd August), and you may discover more than you expect.
For details on Stories by the Sea and the full Whitsundays Writers Festival program visit www.whitsundayswriters.com
Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
When: Exhibition Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
Discover 85 artworks by 66 artists exploring the theme Beyond Beauty. Now in its third year, this popular exhibition has become a Festival highlight, celebrating the region's creative talent.
Community Gallery
Where: 192 Main Street, Proserpine
When: Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm | Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Featuring a rotating collection of local artwork, the gallery is refreshed monthly, ensuring every visit offers something new to discover.
Community Creative Space
Where: Bendigo Community Bank branch, Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale
When: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1pm–2pm for lunch)
The Whitsundays Writers Festival’s Heart Awards Poetry Prize has closed its 2026 entry period with over 70 submissions from poets across Australia, a result that reflects the competition’s rapidly growing standing on the national literary calendar.
Entries arrived from every state and territory, spanning a remarkable breadth of styles and subject matter. From tightly crafted lyric poems to narrative ballads, comic verse, and formally experimental work.
Poets wrote on themes ranging from family and memory to landscape, migration, ageing, and the natural world, with several entrants drawing directly on the Whitsundays for inspiration.
“What’s struck us most this year is the sheer range,” said Richard Evans, Festival Program Director. “We’ve had entries that would sit comfortably in any major national anthology alongside deeply personal, place-rooted work that could only have been written by someone who knows the Whitsundays. That diversity, arriving from right across the country, tells us something important: poets around Australia are now watching what happens here.”
The judging process now underway has been designed to ensure every entry, regardless of style or form, is assessed fairly on its own merits. Rather than pitting a gentle bush ballad against an experimental free-verse piece, judges are applying a consistent, criteria-based framework across all 74 entries: purpose and coherence, technical craft, originality of voice, and emotional or intellectual impact. Each poem is scored independently against these standards before any comparison between entries takes place, a deliberate step to guard against the kind of style bias that can creep into literary judging.
“We wanted a process that was rigorous enough to stand up to scrutiny, but flexible enough to honour what each poet was actually trying to do,” Richard said. “A poem that sets out to tell a story shouldn’t be marked down for not being a tight lyric, and vice versa. Fairness means judging each work by its own ambitions.”
The competition will now proceed through two further stages before a winner is announced. A longlist will be released in coming weeks, followed by a shortlist as judging moves into its final round, with the eventual winners announced at the Whitsundays Writers Festival.
Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community
Whitsundays Writers Festival Richard Evans Festival Director and President hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Tickets are selling fast for the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September! Secure your spot now at whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers
Creative Connections Whitsunday Glenda Brown President info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Creative Connections Whitsundays supports and celebrates the region's arts community by creating opportunities for artists to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive through partnerships, cultural events, and creative programs.
Get in touch! If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com
If Gibbs' eyes don't stop you in your tracks, then we don't know what will. This striking 12 month old Arab cross has the most beautiful, soulful eyes we have ever seen and behind them is one of the gentlest, friendliest souls in our care.
Gibbs has been with us for a while now and we need someone to choose him today.
He is still very much finding his feet and blossoming into the dog he is meant to be. A real home, a consistent routine, and someone in his corner is all this boy needs to truly shine. He has so much potential and so much love to give to the right family.
He is not asking for much. Just someone to say yes to him.
Could that be you?
To adopt Gibbs send a DM to the Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Facebook page with your name and phone number.
About Gibbs
Breed: Arab cross
Age: 12 months
Desexed, vaccinated and all vet work up to date
Contributed with thanks by Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Dale Last MP and Former president for the Bowen Seagulls, Darren Piggott.
Dale Last MP is reminding Bowen residents and the wider Burdekin electorate that the Play On! initiative is set to help more than 2,200 children across the region be a part of local sport through the Sports Vouchers program.
Accessible across the Whitsundays, the initiative aims to reduce the cost of junior sports for families, and will see 2,256 vouchers redeemed through 50 registered activity providers across the Burdekin during the previous round.
With the latest round of Play On! Sports Vouchers opening this week, the funding arrives as winter sporting competitions are underway and families continue to juggle the cost of participation.
“Despite soccer, rugby league and netball holding the highest number of voucher participants across the state, with Burdekin’s 50 listed sport clubs, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved in a summer or winter sport,” Mr Last said.
“Basically, if a child is aged between 5 and 17, and is named on a Medicare card then they are eligible.”
The program has also been given long-term certainty, with the Queensland Government committing $62.5 million a year over the next four years to continue supporting grassroots sports participation in regional communities.
“By providing this real cost of living relief, the Crisafulli Government is getting more kids playing sports and a continuation of the success the Burdekin has already seen on the national and international sporting stages,” Mr Last said.
“This is a real cost of living relief that is getting kids active, supporting local clubs, and backing families in our community.”
Proserpine Mill processed 75,870 tonnes of cane for the week ending July 18th, with throughput above budget and bringing the season total to 347,316 tonnes.
Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.24 units.The highest CCS sample for the week was 16.35 units, from a rake of Q208 plant cane in the Lethebrook productivity district.
Last week saw a welcome rise in bin weights with a weekly average of 9.52 tonnes, with Thursday recording an average of 9.72 tonnes of cane per bin for the day’s loading.
Motorists are reminded to look out for cane trains and only cross cane rail lines at designated crossings.
Get ready to build it, float it, and race it the Recyclable Regatta on 2nd August at the Airlie Beach Foreshore! Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival
The Great Barrier Reef Festival will wrap up in spectacular style when the much-loved Recyclable Regatta returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 2nd August, bringing a splash of creativity, friendly competition and plenty of laughs to the water.
Following a morning of free entertainment and reef-inspired activities at the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day, festival-goers can head to the shoreline to cheer on teams as they paddle homemade rafts around the course using nothing but recyclable materials and determination.
One of the festival's most popular traditions, the regatta challenges schools, community groups, tourism operators, businesses and groups of friends to design and build seaworthy rafts from recycled items before racing them around the foreshore in front of cheering crowds.
From quirky raft designs and pirate costumes to dramatic sink-or-swim moments, the event is known as much for its humour as its ingenuity, with creativity often proving just as important as speed.
This year, festival organisers are encouraging even more local businesses to join the action, turning the regatta into the ultimate team-building challenge where bragging rights are on the line alongside prizes.
The competition features divisions for children, teenagers, adults and local businesses, making it an event the whole community can enjoy, whether on the water or watching from the beach.
The regatta follows the popular Family Fun Day, which offers interactive reef-themed activities, educational displays, games, circus workshops, face painting and live entertainment, ensuring there's plenty happening across the foreshore before the racing begins.
With colourful costumes, imaginative creations and plenty of community spirit, the Recyclable Regatta promises a fun-filled finale that perfectly captures the festival's celebration of the Great Barrier Reef, sustainability and the vibrant Whitsundays community.
Living in the Whitsundays, we all know natural disasters are a matter of when not if.
Whether it's a cyclone, flooding, bushfires or severe weather, we've proven time and again what our community is made of. We roll up our sleeves, look after our neighbours and get on with the job of rebuilding. That's the Whitsunday way.
Last week I joined five other Queensland mayors in Melbourne to deliver one simple message on behalf of our communities: don't weaken the disaster funding arrangements regional Queensland relies on.
Between us, we travelled more than 16,000 kilometres because this matters.
The Whitsundays is one of Australia's premier tourism destinations. Tourism keeps local businesses open, puts food on family tables and supports thousands of local jobs. It's also why recovering quickly after a disaster is so important.
Repairing roads, parks and public facilities is only part of the job. Just as important is restoring confidence. We need people to know the Whitsundays is open, safe and ready to welcome them back.
If confidence disappears, visitors stay away. If visitors stay away, businesses hurt and local jobs are put at risk.
The current disaster recovery arrangements have helped communities like ours bounce back after events such as Cyclone Debbie and, more recently, Cyclone Kirrily. They allow councils to restore essential infrastructure quickly and help communities get back on their feet sooner.
That quick recovery is becoming even more important as we look ahead to our role as the Home of Olympic and Paralympic Sailing for Brisbane 2032. The world will be watching our region over the coming years, and we need to know that when the next disaster comes, and it inevitably will, we have a recovery system that gets us back on our feet quickly.
This isn't about politics. It's about standing up for regional Queensland and making sure communities like ours aren't left worse off because of where we live.
I'll always back the Whitsundays and continue working alongside councils across Queensland to protect the funding that helps our communities recover, supports local businesses and keeps people in local jobs.
Because when disaster strikes, getting back on our feet quickly isn't just important, it's essential. That's what our community deserves, and that's what I'll keep fighting for.
Running a business means there is always something competing for your attention – customers to serve, teams to support, problems to solve and decisions to make.
So why take a day away from the business?
Because the right conversations, ideas and connections can help you work on your business, not just in it.
The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed for business owners and leaders who want practical insights they can take back to the workplace – from improving cash flow and building stronger teams, to using technology smarter and creating opportunities for growth.
Rather than theory or presentations that sit on a shelf, the program focuses on real challenges businesses are facing right now.
For businesses navigating workforce pressures, Creating Teams That Speak Up, Contribute & Innovate session with Michele Tocci will explore how leaders can create workplaces where people feel confident to contribute, share ideas and perform at their best. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen trust, engagement, and retention.
For owners who feel like they’re working harder than ever but not seeing the return, Busy but broke? Profitable on paper but short on cash? With Gus Walsgott from the Small Business Financial Counselling Service North Queensland will unpack the financial traps that can catch out even successful businesses. The session will explore cash flow warning signs, profitability, and simple strategies to build stronger financial foundations.
Looking to improve your visibility and attract more customers? Your Brand in Action, featuring Tolita Dukes (8 Seconds) and Melissa Ardern (The Creek Whitsundays), will share practical insights into marketing, AI, visibility and what is currently working for regional businesses.
The day will finish with the Conference Long Lunch, proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine – an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with other business owners, discover new suppliers, and explore resources that can support your business.
Featuring business exhibitor showcases, activations and networking opportunities, the Long Lunch is designed to create valuable conversations beyond the conference sessions.
If you’re looking for practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and connections that can help your business move forward, the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference is a day worth making time for.
Full program and tickets online: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference/
Allan Milostic, Gus Walsgott, Adrian Bram and Clay Bauman. Photo Credit: Zach Houtenville.
Whitsundays businesses came together at Club Whitsunday last Thursday morning to hear practical tips on managing workplace issues and reducing risk.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the final Business Breakfast of the year, the event brought local professionals together to network and hear from workplace investigator Jason King, Director of Regional Queensland Investigations.
Drawing on decades of investigative experience, Jason is a former Australian Federal Police Federal Agent and Victoria Police officer.
Throughout his career, he has investigated workplace misconduct, fraud, bullying and harassment complaints, corporate risk, cyber-related matters and other sensitive organisational inquiries across both the public and private sectors.
Jason outlined the stages these matters typically progress through, covering escalation, early warning signs, common mistakes, procedural fairness and evidence, when issues should be handled internally or referred externally, and the steps organisations should take in the first 24 hours.
Using real Queensland case studies, he showed how seemingly minor workplace issues can quickly escalate when handled poorly, highlighting the value of acting early, documenting concerns properly and making decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Jason said businesses are better off dealing with concerns early, encouraging workplaces where staff feel comfortable speaking up before small issues become bigger ones.
Dianna with her daughter. Photos supplied: Queensland Police.
Nearly three decades after Bowen woman Dianne Angwin was murdered in her home, detectives have renewed their search for information, doubling the reward to $500,000 as a cold case review and new forensic testing breathe new life into the investigation.
Dianne Angwin moved to Bowen from Victoria in 1995. Following the breakdown of her marriage, she moved in with her friend Edith “Edie” Lay.
Just over 2 years later, around 12.30am on December 2nd, Edie reported being woken by an unknown man standing over her bed with one hand covering her mouth and a knife in the other.
Dianne appeared at the bedroom doorway before running from the intruder, who chased after her. Moments later, she was fatally stabbed in the neck. A neighbour rushed Dianne to Bowen Base Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
What followed was an investigation that saw police obtaining over 100 witness statements. A closer look at the home left police with no signs of forced entry or disturbance, with no property reported stolen.
The reward for information leading evidence for who might be responsible has increased from $250,000 to $500,000. Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team have begun new forensic testing on evidence collected from the scene and will re-interview witnesses and persons of interest in Bowen, Cairns and Victoria.
“Dianne’s housemate, Edie, died in 2022. As part of our review, police have identified witnesses who Edie confided in, confirming she knew the identity of the man and had not told police at the time of the offence as she was scared for her own safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who has information regarding a relationship Dianne was involved in with a local married man, who had been seen at her unit.
“Information suggests that around the time of Dianne’s murder, she was actively encouraging him to leave his wife so that they could overtly continue the relationship.
“There are people out there with information. Relationships and loyalties change, and I would encourage anyone with information, big or small, to contact police.
Bowen residents with information relevant to Dianne’s Murder are encouraged to attend mobile police facilities and talk with investigators. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
The Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. The group campaigned against wind farm projects proposed close to Proserpine, some of which are still ongoing. Photo supplied
By Ruandi Van der Merwe
Alinta Energy has officially pulled plans to build wind turbines across the southern zone of its proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, marking a major turning point for the local community after nine months of intense advocacy.
Following six months of LIDAR wind monitoring in the southern area of the proposed project, Alinta Energy have concluded that the wind resource in this area is not strong enough to support turbines, ultimately causing the cancellation of the plans.
"The southern part of the Mount Challenger wind farm does not have sufficient amount of wind in order to progress with the project development in the southern part of the project around Kelsey Creek," Alinta Energy General Manager Development Andres Maasing stated.
“And what that would mean is as a result of those assessments and studies we will be focusing all of our efforts for the wind farm on the northern part.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP has welcomed confirmation from Alinta Energy that proposed wind turbines will be removed from the southern portion of the Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, having advocated for the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Groupover the previous months.
Ms Camm described the decision as a significant win for Kelsey Creek residents and the wider Whitsunday community.
“This outcome belongs to the residents, landowners and neighbours who came together, raised their concerns and refused to let their voices be ignored,” Ms Camm said.
“While assessments are continuing for the northern area of the Mt Challenger project, today’s announcement demonstrates the importance of genuine community engagement.
“I will continue to stand with our community and advocate for renewable energy projects to be placed in appropriate locations - with proper consideration for local residents, productive agricultural land and our environment.”
Ms Camm is inviting members of the community to celebrate the removal of the southern section of the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm with a community BBQ on Sunday, 2nd August at the Peter Faust Dam BBQ area.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox also praised the dedication of local residents standing together to protect the region’s natural landscape.
“This outcome is a testament to the incredible strength and unity of our local community,” Mr Willcox said.
“When everyday people stand up, attend meetings, and demand better for their area, energy proponents and governments are forced to listen.”
While welcoming the removal of turbines from the proposed location, Mr Willcox noted that Alinta Energy is continuing feasibility assessments on the northern portion of the site.
“While we celebrate this victory today, we cannot afford to be complacent,” He stated.
Alysha Lee, a local farmer whose property sits adjacent to the scrapped southern site, has been leading the community action group opposing the wind farm. She described the news as a massive milestone for families who felt blindsided when the project was first unveiled last year.
"This is a very significant deal for our community today," Ms Lee said.
"Our family was two weeks away from moving back into our renovated farmhouse when we got this letter in the mail telling us about this elusive Mt Challenger wind farm.
“We haven't enjoyed a single day in our newly renovated house without the threat of a wind farm encroaching on our home."
The community campaign gathered more than 6,000 petition signatures and secured backing from local, state, and federal representatives.
"The community has had to fight incredibly hard over the past nine months to make sure our voice was heard," Ms Lee added.
"To have local advice tell us to strap in for two to three years, and to achieve this in nine months, is huge. It's a moment to take a breath and breathe."
Alinta Energy will continue with its ongoing assessments for the northern area of the Mt Challenger proposal, and has stated it will listen closely to the Whitsunday community throughout the feasibility stage of the project.
The tragedy that forever changed the Whitsundays was honoured this Sunday 26th July, as a permanent memorial to the four Australian Army soldiers killed in the Bushman 83 helicopter crash was unveiled at Shute Harbour lookout before their families, Defencepersonnel and the wider community.
The Bushman 83 Memorial stands overlooking the waters where the Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan crashed during Exercise Talisman Sabre on July 28th 2023, claiming the lives of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer II Phillip Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.
The unveiling, dedication and blessing of the Memorial brought together representatives from each of the four soldiers' families.
Alongside them was Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins, veterans, serving defensepersonnel, first responders and members of the wider Whitsunday community.
“It was an incredibly moving moment that puts into perspective the immense, lasting sacrifice borne by the families left behind,” said Andrew Willcox MP on Facebook.
Operation Pilgrimage group approached the Whitsundays Regional Council over a year ago, in hopes of placing the memorial in its rightful home.
"The location is symbolic, it's in the Whitsundays, which is where the accident happened,” Allan said.
“If we put it down in Canberra or somewhere over the aviation hangar in Sale, Victoria, forget it."
Operation Pilgrimage was established more than 30 years ago by former military personnel with the aim of preserving Australia's military heritage and those who have been lost, permanently cementing their memories in places of historical significance.
The Bushman 83 Memorial is the group's 45th project, with Allan and the team making multiple reconnaissance trips to the Whitsundays to select the site.
While he commended the council for its cooperation and teamwork in bringing the project to life, he said his foremost priority was ensuring the memorial did justice to the four soldiers and the families who continue to carry the weight of their loss.
“I've met all of them, spoken to them all and they all knew what I wanted to do,” Allan said.
"One of the things that you can't control is how things are with the relatives, the wives, the fathers, that was a real concern."
Considerable care was also taken to ensure each of the four soldiers was given equal prominence on the memorial, regardless of rank.
Allan said the men had lives and responsibilities beyond their military service.
“They were not only career soldiers, but they were family men,” he said.
“They had children, they had a house, they had all the normal things that every young couple has.”
The list of things I know nothing or very little about is seemingly endless.
You could start with the world of science and focus on the periodic table, move through chemistry, physics and biology and you would discover an astounding level of ignorance on my part.
If you happened to be day dreaming about the interaction between energy and matter and found yourself in the mood for a casual chat about quantum physics, well I am afraid I am going to let you down … I have very little to offer.
It’s similar with mathematics; if you find yourself sitting at the pub hoping to strike up a conversation with someone about algebraic equations and the infrastructure of calculus then you’d better hope it’s not me sitting at the next table.
I could go on … engineering and mechanical principles, for example, but it’s starting to become humiliating and I think you get the idea.
The point is that in the world of befuddled ignorance in which I stumble around seemingly aimlessly, the one thing I’m pretty good at is the English language.
You’ve got to have a grasp of something and I’m not too bad at words. So, it’s not often someone drops in a word that I don’t know, have never heard before.
I’ve got a mate who grew up in the tough streets of South Mackay but who now lives in a very leafy, affluent part of Mount Pleasant. You’d call it a blue chip address.
He’s a good bloke and every now and then I am with him when he happens to venture south of the river and graces a suburban pub or club.
It’s like the prodigal son returning to his roots. All these people who haven’t seen him in decades can’t believe he’s turned up at Souths Suburban Bowls Club, or wherever it is, and they are wrapped to see him.
“Mate, how have ya been?” They say. My mate might not love the fact that his old school friend is wearing a fishing shirt in the bistro but he’s always very happy to catch up.
Anyway, I was chatting to my Mt Pleasant mate recently and the conversation turned to urban development in Mackay.
As we discussed new and planned residential developments in Mackay he made reference to “conurbation”. It was a conversation stopper.
I found myself having to ask him what the word meant. He explained that conurbation refers to a phenomenon where cities or large towns end up merging into one larger entity because of population growth and physical expansion.
He was making the point that while it might not meet the strict definition, the concept of conurbation was taking place in Mackay as various centres merged and “in-filled” the city rather than creating a continuing expansion of the footprint.
Rural View and Richmond, for example, are creating a connection with Bucasia and the northern part of Mt Pleasant.
Ooralea is expanding south and is creating a connection with Bakers Creek. One day, future generations might see the southern suburbs of Mackay merge with Sarina. That would be true conurbation as two cities merge.
Since I have only recently discovered the word, I am no expert on conurbation but it strikes me that connecting residential centres within an established footprint makes financial and geographical sense.
It must be easier and cheaper to connect infrastructure within established centres rather than simply expanding the footprint willy nilly and paying the cost that would go along with providing the new services that would be needed.
One of the big challenges in Mackay is providing the housing, infrastructure and services that are needed as the population grows.
A growing population is created by a strong economy and a quality lifestyle so while we would hope that the growth continues, this needs to be accompanied by road systems, infrastructure and services that meet increased demands.
People travelling in from the Northern Beaches every day would probably say that those demands are not being met. That’s despite my Mt Pleasant mate’s theory of conurbation.
Roy Brunke has joined Blacks Real Estate as a Sales Consultant. Photo Source: Blacks Real Estate
Roy Brunke has joined Blacks Real Estate as a Sales Consultant, bringing decades of experience in commercial print and marketing to the Mackay property industry.
Roy recently commenced his new role with the agency and is set to assist clients across the region with the sale of residential and commercial properties.
His background in print and marketing is expected to provide valuable insight for vendors looking to effectively present and promote their properties in a competitive market.
Blacks Real Estate said Roy’s extensive experience working with businesses and clients throughout his career would be an asset to the team and future clients alike.
Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the wider region.
Photo supplied
Mannie was named after the mangroves he was dumped in at Dolphin Heads. He survived there over many weeks sleeping on a sewerage manhole cover and hiding in the thick mangroves during the day. He was traumatized, scared and so wary of people it took dedicated volunteers well over a month to gain his confidence enough to coax him into care.
Mannie is a gentle, affectionate boy who loves being around people and furry friends. He has a very sweet nature forming strong bonds with those he trusts. He can be a little unsure in new situations but is growing in confidence every day. He still needs to build his confidence further through positive experiences.
Call 0494723928 or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to arrange a meet and greet with beautiful Mannie.
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